Check your Volunteer Driver's Insurance
The CTA has been part of another major problem solving exercise for volunteer car drivers. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has now published a list of insurance companies showing how they treat volunteers driving their own car for the benefit of the community. Many of the companies on the list no longer require any letter to be sent to inform them of the fact that a policy holder will be starting to volunteer.
This success comes quickly on the heels of the CTA’s success in convincing the Chancellor of the Exchequer to raise the ceiling on income tax free contribution that volunteer drivers can receive from their passengers by allowing the extra 5 pence per mile when passengers are carried.
Keith Halstead, the CTA’s Chief Executive, said “Thousands of volunteer drivers across the UK and, more importantly, the communities which they serve by providing access to healthcare and other local services, will be delighted to hear this new commitment from the motor insurance industry."
Nick Hurd MP, Minister for Civil Society, said:
“We’ve made it very clear that we want to tackle the obstacles that get in the way of people getting involved as volunteers. That’s why we commissioned Lord Hodgson’s red tape taskforce. This was one of the recommendations of the report and I am delighted the insurance industry has responded so positively to that challenge - making it easier for people to do more for their communities.”
The CTA worked with Volunteering England and the WRVS in achieving this breakthrough.
Justin Davis Smith, Chief Executive of Volunteering England, said:
“This is a great step forward in helping communities meet their own transport needs. The cost of insurance can be a real barrier for volunteer drivers, so I’m delighted that the industry has made a clear commitment to support them.”
Alastair McDougall of volunteering charity, WRVS, said:
“This marks real progress. Over 10,000 volunteers use their cars to help older people for WRVS. Last year they covered over 3.5 million miles. We know there are going to be a lot more older people in Britain in the years ahead and WRVS is going to grow to meet that need. Overcoming isolation is one of the targets to help older people, and that often involves driving.”
Otto Thoresen, the Director General of ABI, said:
“Volunteers are a critical part of our communities. Motor insurers have given a clear commitment that they do not want to stand in the way of volunteer driving, by not charging extra premiums. They recognise the tremendous benefit that this work brings to local communities and society as a whole.
This commitment follows very positive discussions with the voluntary sector and government, and we have recognised where the problems may come for volunteers. They told us that there are sometimes extra charges and unnecessary bureaucracy. Insurers have responded swiftly and clearly to ensure volunteers can continue their vital work.”
From now on the process for drivers intending to volunteer with social car schemes, etc. is to look up the list at http://www.abi.org.uk/Information/Consumers/General/Volunteer_Driving_.aspx and then follow the instructions applicable to their existing motor car insurance policy. The previous advice given by the CTA for drivers to contact their insurance company using the ‘standard’ letter should now be ignored.
It is important to refer to the web version of this list because it is thought that insurance companies may review their position following publication of the whole list. Hopefully this will result in more companies stating clearly that all driving as a volunteer is covered by standard social, domestic and pleasure insurance.