Car Insurance - Business use?

cjmaughanjones

Hi there,
I am a horse vet, and therefore use my car for business use, travelling to and from different yards, and cover approx 30,000 miles a year.
When i started working here (2 years ago) i was told that i needed business insurance, so thats what i have always had.
Recently a memo has been sent round for us all to sign saying that we all have insurance to cover carrying equipment in the car, and i have no idea whether i am covered for that.
On a day to day basis i carry a boot full of equipment and drugs (probably totalling over £1000), and occasionally have to carry specialist equipment worth a small fortune (x-ray machine - £40,000) to specific calls.
Now i assumed that as this equipment and drugs are NOT owned by myself, that the insurance covering the carrying of these should fall on my employer, and not me.
I currently have Business class 1 use on my car with shelia's wheels broker (covea underwriters) and have done for 2 years now.
Please can anyone advise.
What insurance should i have to cover my for carrying equipment in my car, and should this actually fall under the responsibility of the practice.
Thanks in advance for your help
c x

rudekid48

Class 1 use won't cover the stuff that you carry, in fact you should check with esure that carrying the equipment doesn't invalidate your class 1. It is unusual for you to have to insure the equipment yourself as it is not yours...

System

rudekid48 wrote: »

. It is unusual for you to have to insure the equipment yourself as it is not yours...

I thought it was not permitted to insure something in which you have no insurable interest?

cjmaughanjones

Thanks for your help guys. I was also under the impression that i could not insure something that was not mine (hence why you wouldnt get buildings insurance for a rented home).
I have looked at the definitions that my insurer gives for the different categories and they are as follows:

Business Use by you only
This covers personal use, driving to and from work, and use by you for your business and that of your employer (for example, driving to other sites and meetings elsewhere) but not including Commercial Travelling (travelling to make sales or delivering/carrying goods).

Business Use including Commercial Travelling
This covers business use for any driver, including Commercial Travelling (travelling to make sales or delivering/carrying goods from your employer to customers).

I'm not sure whether i would be covered by "business use by you only", which is what i have always had, thinking that it was more than adequate? I don't want the contents to be covered by insurance, but i do carry equipment - i wouldn't say i was "delivering goods", i am carrying equipment - its a bit of a grey area?

I will probably speak to my employer and insurer, but any input is very appreciated.
Thanks

forgotmyname

The business use is the one, But the question is will they cover tools/equipment that you do not own?

One to get in writing if they do.

vaio

I'd have thought the only way you could insure all and any equipment you have in your car is either if you owned it or your were responsible for loss or damage whilst it was in your possession.

Does your contract of employment make you responsible?

comeandgo

Does your insurance company know you carry these things, drugs etc as I would think they might view that is an extra risk of break in. I read the request as insurance to carry it, not insure the said items.

superbigal36

This is a no brainer. You have the correct insurance to cover you in the event of an accident etc while driving on business.
The equipment you carry on behalf of someone else has to be covered by their business insurance.
Business I work for also gets parcels insured while covered by couriers etc.

comeandgo

I would say you are traveling to make sales, you sell the drugs, you would charge people if you use the x ray machine.