Parents dritving on school trips - Are we covered?

CKhalvashi

Hey all,

We've both volunteered to drive on a school trip to Leicester next week, and I just wanted to check that my insurance should cover what we're planning on doing.

We've both got SDPC policies, with Business use, and also a separate public liability policy to cover my work (I work with children in music, and regularly transport them)

The worry I have here, is that it's not Social/Domestic/Pleasure, nor is it business, and Swinton haven't been able to give a direct answer to the question (waiting on a call from them)

Can anyone think of a logical way around this?

CK

Lagoon

I had an SDPC policy a few years ago, and was (much more regularly) transporting children in my car. I phoned my insurance company (Diamond) and asked what would need to be added to my policy, and was told 'nothing'. I got them to confirm it in writing just in case, which they did.

I don't know if that helps you, though. I imagine all insurance companies will be different, and it might be a little late to get something in writing if not...

bylromarha

Are you driving other parents who will accompany the children or are you driving children?

Little_Vics

I'm pretty sure if you are volunteering, then it counts as SDP. If you contact your local volunteer centre (see volunteering england website) they will be able to confirm.

System

https://www.abi.org.uk/Insurance-and-savings/Products/Motor-insurance/Volunteer-drivers

CKhalvashi

!!!!!! wrote: »

https://www.abi.org.uk/Insurance-and-savings/Products/Motor-insurance/Volunteer-drivers

It's owned by MMA, who I've just spoken to. Myself and OH have agreed to take 8 children between us (possibly inc. 2 of ours).

Because I have a business/pub liability policy, I am covered, and have an email already/letter on its way out.

Thank you!

CK

securityguy

CKhalvashi wrote: »

It's owned by MMA, who I've just spoken to. Myself and OH have agreed to take 8 children between us (possibly inc. 2 of ours).
CK

Do the parents know this is how the children are being transported? I think I'd be very unhappy about this as a parent. Why can't the school hire a mini-bus with a properly trained driver, or use public transport? Do you have a CRB issued through the school that covers this?

mummyroysof3

securityguy wrote: »

Do the parents know this is how the children are being transported? I think I'd be very unhappy about this as a parent. Why can't the school hire a mini-bus with a properly trained driver, or use public transport? Do you have a CRB issued through the school that covers this?

I was going to ask the same

claire16c

securityguy wrote: »

Do the parents know this is how the children are being transported? I think I'd be very unhappy about this as a parent. Why can't the school hire a mini-bus with a properly trained driver, or use public transport? Do you have a CRB issued through the school that covers this?

The people I've known who have driven mini buses were no more trained than a normal driver they just had to be over 25.

Some bus drivers are maniacs.

This is normal on school trips.

The world has gone crazy wanting a crb check for everything!

securityguy

claire16c wrote: »

The people I've known who have driven mini buses were no more trained than a normal driver they just had to be over 25.

Unless you passed your driving test before (many years ago) you need a second test to drive a minibus. And few insurers will tolerate it without a second test anyway.

This is normal on school trips.

The world has gone crazy wanting a crb check for everything!

However the consequences of a child who isn't yours falling ill on a journey where there is only one adult are quite significant. I know of few teachers now who will drive children themselves, and teachers are covered by substantially more relaxed legislation. A minibus containing two adults is a substantially more controlled situation.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Bearing in mind the state of the minibuses and the standard of driving I used to see from them when walking back from dropping the DDs at school - I'd be more than happy to know my kids were safely in a fairly high value car owned by a licensed, DBS checked and insured operator, such as the OP, even when volunteering as part of the SDP part of the insurance, especially as he's taken the time to check that all eventualities are covered.

But CK doesn't normally post over here, so I can see why people haven't read earlier posts of his.