I cant get car insurance because I do courier work

forgotmyname

Depends if its commuting to one place of voluntary work.

I would expect that to require commercial use also. Your carrying goods not belonging to you.

If you told then this already then you should be OK. But i would check to make sure.

dacouch

http://www.abi.org.uk/information/consumers/general/volunteer_driving_.aspx

Volunteer Driving - The motor insurance commitment
Last updated: 04/12/2012 16:32

VOLUNTEER DRIVING – THE MOTOR INSURANCE COMMITMENT

Motor insurers recognise that policyholders who want to help their communities through volunteer driving need clear and accurate information. We’ve put together the list below to help. The information is also contained in a document that you can print and distribute. That document can be found on the right-hand side of this page. Please note that this list will be updated as and when any changes are notified. Please ensure you have the latest version by checking our website.

First, check who your insurer is. This information will be on your policy documentation. Sometimes this is different from the company who sold you your insurance. It is important to remember that this commitment applies to private cars insured on private car insurance policies only, except where clearly stated below. Remember also that when you declare your annual mileage when buying insurance, you should include your volunteer driving in that.

Check on the list below, and you will see any conditions around volunteer driving that your insurer might have. Some insurers want you to contact them to let them know if you do volunteer. Contact information is either provided below, or can be found on your policy documentation.

Please note that Community First Responders and other 'Blue Light' volunteers are generally excluded from the volunteer drivers commitment. Some insurers have indicated that they would offer cover on the same basis as for other voluntary activities that are covered, so we recommend that anyone wishing to volunteer their time to this service should contact their insurer or broker directly using the contact details provided in their policy documents or below.

Current HMRC mileage rates can be found at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/mileage/volunteer-drivers.htm

Our commitment:

The insurers named will insure their policyholders to carry out voluntary driving, that is, the use of a vehicle they own in connection with, or for the benefit of, charities, voluntary organisations, clubs or societies, under the conditions set out below, where payment does not exceed the HMRC mileage rates in force at that time. This does not cover use for hire or reward or vehicles owned by, hired to or lent to the voluntary organisation.

Joe_Horner

Gilbert2 wrote: »

There is no 'top up 3rd party cover' that equates to 'hire & reward.' Whatever that is anyway.

I accepted your point about class of cover although, since no insurance classes are defined in law, it's still a matter of the insurer's policy details (as I said) whether or not a particular policy would cover a particular use.

You, on the other hand, still haven't worked out the difference between class of cover (eg: "SDP"/ "hire and reward" etc) and level of cover (eg: "third party" / "TPFT" etc) have you? It's entirely possible to obtain 3rd party coverage level for hire and reward insurance class of use.

Hermes offer such a third party policy on a daily rate (about 40p last seen) for when you're carrying for them, provided the car is otherwise insured for other times. It's provided under a different "group" policy held by them but is dependent on your main policy being valid for "normal" use - much like many classic car policies require that you have a "real" policy on another car. So it's effectively a "top up" on top of your normal poilcy to provide the bare legal minimum to make sure their drivers are legal when working for them.

People like Domino's Pizzas have started doing the same thing because of all the fuss over the past few years about uninsured delivery boys.

bryanb

Dacouch, thanks for the links. I have it noted on my schedule. Feel reassured, BB

dacouch

bryanb wrote: »

Dacouch, thanks for the links. I have it noted on my schedule. Feel reassured, BB

Did you check to ensure your Insurer is one signed to the agreement?

SCO

If you are using your vehicle to do a job you need business insurance added to you policy, as other have said you are driving ilegally without it.

If caught you will have your vehicle towed charged to get it back and get 6 points and a fine as well.

zappahey

spacey2012 wrote: »

Adding business does not cover you to use your car for an employer

Swiftcover has just confirmed that you are talking nonsense.

warwicktiger

OP, Have you tried asking Hermes who their other drivers are insured by?

Rick_Anthony

What you need to have is Comprehensive Insurance with Class 1 Business use. Then you purchase the QBE top up insurance that covers you for and damages to parcels or 3rd party vehicles if you are in an accident whilst you are providing contractual work for Hermes. If you do not have both of these then the police WILL prosecute you. If you show the QBE cover to an officer checking your details then he will leave you alone - "That is a fact"
But as previously stated the nature of the job is now classed as Hire n Reward just like Taxi Drivers.
Now here is the strange bit that I cannot get my head around
Hermes provide a top-up insurance for self employed couriers to add to their standard insurance. Insurance companies insist that you tell them every little part time job you do. If you mention courier work then you are told to go to the business section and your premium rockets. If you do not tell them then your insurance is invalid
Note if you have correct business insurance you do not need the QBE Top-Up.
How can Hermes be allowed to advertise and sell a product that openly promotes attempting to defraud Insurance Companies

Just one of a number of shady practices employed by Hermes to get people to work for them

forgotmyname

what even in march 2013??? I hope they have found insurance by now.


Old thread alert!!!