Commercial travelling - Car insurance, what does it mean?

colourblind

As the title says, what exactly does 'commercial travelling' mean?

My policy states ' use for social, domestic and pleasure purposes and by the policyholder and policyholders spouse, each in person in connection with their business or profession'.

EXCLUSIONS - The policy does not cover use for commercial travelling.

Can I use my car to go and see a client then? because that's the only time i'm likely to use the car for business use which obviously involves travelling.
Can't think how else it could be used for business without driving it!!

Thanks in advance

maninthestreet

I think it means travelling from place to place seeking custom. Just visiting an existing client would not be considered as commercial travelling.

Stooby2

The best advice would be to ring your insurance company and ask about your particular circumstances. Make sure you take note of the person's name, date and time of the phone call.

Splott

Commercial travelling is travelling in which you are being paid for that service. An example would be Joe Bloggs asks you to deliver a package for him for which he pays say £20 for the delivery service.

Business travel would be you going to clients, you delivering your own goods to a client or picking up stock.

spacey2012

They are adding this because of spring ups like parcel delivery self employed firms.
It only ever covered you in connection with your business anyway, many that use cars for employers are not covered but think they are.
They are clearing it up, so if you receive any remuneration for the travel from employment , mileage money , anything, that is commercial travelling as someone else is commercial making profit from the use of your car, the insurance want that extra risk covered.
Traffic Police are also receiving extra training in questioning drivers on what type of journey they are making, which of course you do not have to answer, but as we are conditioned to answer, they are doing very well from it.
If in doubt get it in writing what you are covered for.

colino

You can drive on that policy conveying yourself, your briefcase/laptop or whatever like most, "business" policies. The commercial travelling aspect comes in when you are also taking goods or samples around the countryside, this policy excludes that.

dacouch

Splott wrote: »

Commercial travelling is travelling in which you are being paid for that service. An example would be Joe Bloggs asks you to deliver a package for him for which he pays say £20 for the delivery service.

Business travel would be you going to clients, you delivering your own goods to a client or picking up stock.

Or someone visiting clients to sell to them, Insurers typically class prearranged appointments as Class 2 and un prearranged (Selling) as Class 3.

It can and does vary between Insurers and as another poster has mentioned the best people to ask would be your Insurers. Make a note of the time/date of the call and the persons name

colourblind

Thanks guys for your responses.
Spoke with the insurers and to be honest the guy was pretty useless, said I am covered to visit clients but wasn't sure under what circumstances.
Think I will phone them again and get something in writing. I only use my car for half a dozen visits or so a year, whilst my other vehicle is in for service.
Why can't insurers be forced to make things crystal clear in their policy documents?