Company car insurance
Flexible company car insurance – find the best cover at the best price. Get a quote from our partner, Howden today.
Why choose cover from Howden?
Howden offers a range of benefits when purchasing company car insurance:
Tailored service not available on comparison websites
Speak directly with a local broker
Support if you need to make a claim
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Company car insurance: Your questions answered
Not sure whether you need company car insurance? We’ve taken the time to answer some frequently asked questions so you have all the information you need when you get a quote.
Company car insurance is cover for personal cars that are used for business purposes. This only includes vehicles that are owned or leased by the policyholder – if the car is owned or leased by your employer, then it will be their responsibility to insure the vehicle.
It’s also important to accurately calculate how many miles you’ll drive per year for both business and social use, as this can affect the cost of the car insurance.
Company car insurance works in essentially the same way as a normal car insurance policy.
First, you’ll need to get a quote and select what level of cover you need out of the following:
- Third party cover
- Third party, fire and theft cover
- Comprehensive cover
Once you’ve done that you’ll need to let us know how you’ll be using the car on a day to day basis, as outlined above (SDP, SDPC, Business use).
It’s also important to remember that if you select ‘business use,’ you will usually be automatically covered for social, domestic and pleasure under this policy - so you don’t need to take out two separate policies for business and personal use.
When getting a car insurance quote, you’ll usually be asked what you’re planning on using the car for.
There are three possible answers to this question:
- Social, domestic, pleasure and commuting (SDPC)
- Social, domestic and pleasure (SDP)
- Business use
‘Business use’ on a car insurance policy is cover to protect the main driver to use the car in connection with their business. This is not limited to just one place of work - for example, an account manager or salesman may be expected to drive to numerous locations on a daily basis to visit clients. This would be covered under a ‘business use’ car insurance policy.
If you’ll be using your car for business purposes, then it’s important to let your insurer know so you have the right cover. Not doing so could invalidate your policy in the event of a claim.
Remember, ‘business use’ should only be selected if you’re using your car in the course of your business. If you’re only commuting to a single place of work, then you don’t necessarily require business cover on your policy.
If you’re leasing your vehicle, you may find that most standard leasing agreements in the UK do not include car insurance as standard. Check your leasing agreement and also check with your insurer to be sure.
No two drivers are the same. That’s why it’s a good idea to spend some time personalising your car insurance cover to make sure you’re protected for those unexpected situations - such as breakdowns, third party claims or simply losing your keys!
Depending on your insurer, you may be able to personalise your policy with optional extras such as:
Breakdown cover
Never broken down before? Find out more about what to expect if you breakdown.
Legal expenses
If you have an accident that’s not your fault, this cover will provide legal representation for you and all named drivers on your policy to pursue recovery of costs not covered by your car insurance from the other driver. You'll also normally receive help to defend your legal rights if an accident leads to a motoring offence.
Excess protection
Some insurers may offer excess protection. This covers the reimbursement of a car insurance policy excess you have to pay following an accident, although please note that windscreen excesses are usually not included.
Key cover
This provides cover for replacing locks and keys for your car, home and office, including locksmith charges.
Enhanced personal accident cover
If you're injured in an accident, you may be left unable to work - either while you recover or permanently, dependent on the severity of your injuries. Enhanced personal accident cover will provide a specified lump sum which may provide immediate security in assisting with bills, medical costs and other expenses that may be incurred.
Hire car cover
If your car is written-off or stolen and not recovered, this cover will provide you with a car to use anywhere in the UK, usually for up to 21 days – although check your policy documents to be sure. Normally, all named drivers on your policy aged between 18-79 (with a full UK licence) will be able to use this car.