Expenses (motor) for charity work 13 September 2019 at 4:32PM in Charities 6 replies 3K views

cookie666

We are in the process of reimbursing our volunteers for using their cars to visit people and make drop-offs etc.

I've seen the form for setting this up and the HMRC guidelines but can't see what I need to ensure that these volunteers are covered for their car insurance. Most policies have Social, domestic, pleasure and commuting to a single place of work, but as it's not work, is this covered? What if the volunteer is retired etc.

Any pointers would be appreciated.

Savvy_Sue

I'd say NOT covered and each volunteer needs to speak to their insurer about this.

If there's a charge, wiĺl you reimburse?

cookie666

That's what I'd thought Sue, yes we would reimburse.

unforeseen

I would say that even though it is voluntary then business cover would be needed.

Charity status is neither here nor there. It is still a business and they are carrying out driving for the business.

leylie

I've not heard that any of the Volunteers (from the organisation I'm invovled with) have been charged extra. But it does need to be declared.
Here's the official guidance: (You can check this reference source through Gov.uk)

Insurance for volunteer drivers
If your organisation owns the vehicle being used by a volunteer, it is responsible for arranging insurance.

If the volunteer owns the vehicle, they are responsible for arranging insurance. They should inform their insurer that they are using it as part of a volunteering role.

The Association of British Insurer’s Volunteer Driving – The Motor Insurance Commitment (PDF, 781KB) lists insurance companies that don’t charge extra premiums for volunteer driving.

https://knowhow.ncvo.org.uk/your-team/volunteers-and-your-organisation/insurance-and-volunteers

cookie666

Many thanks for all your help all

Katiehound

I used to be a volunteer for a national charity, using a car was essential as I was transporting myself & dog! I was paid car expenses (mileage)
I just told my insurer that I was a volunteer and my insurance covered that.(There was no extra premium.)