Car insurance when volunteering to help in corona virus crisis

nicklenora

If we use our cars to deliver medicines and essential supplies during the corona virus outbreak will we be covered by our normal car insurance policy or will a blanket exemption be made due to the unique nature of this crisis? I’ve asked my insurer to put something on their website to clarify the situation but had no reply.

AHAR

My Hastings Direct policy document includes the following:

"Social, domestic and pleasure use includes use of your Car for voluntary purposes. No payment
or income should be received other than reasonable expenses to cover running costs such as fuel."

Take a look at yours to see what it says.

EdGasketTheSecond

My insurance policy makes no mention of the above scenario; just says covered for use as in the Schedule. The schedule says SD&P + business use in connection with policyholder and named driver's business. I assume then I'd have to contact the insurer to find out which isn't easy right now?

Car_54

Direct Line have just sent me an email about the Coronavirus situation. Included in the FAQs is:

"Q. I'm vounteering for the NHS and using my car. Do I need to let you know?

A.  You don’t need to tell us. You are covered for NHS voluntary service. Don’t ring us to check, you’re fine. And thank you for helping at this crucial time."

xxxxxxxx

As long as there is no profit being made for the use of the car should be ok. Expenses can be taken to cover actual costs.  i.e. it is ok to take someone in car share to work and they give you half the petrol this should not affect your insurance cover. 
So volunteer work use of car should also be covered.  
But best to ask the insurer if you have any doubt.

DD265

Husband rang Tesco Bank earlier, and because it's voluntary they didn't need to add business use for him (he's only a named driver).

chrisw

The FCA is also asking insurers to make allowances for different circumstances caused by the virus.

We expect insurers to take into account any change in a customer’s circumstances because of coronavirus (eg, working from home or driving to work). Insurers should ensure that any change in circumstances to comply with government advice and requirements does not impact their customer’s current home contents or motor policy.