As businesses look for ways to reduce expenses and streamline operations, pool cars have become an increasingly popular option. A pool car is a vehicle that is owned by a company and made available for use by employees on a shared basis. This post will explore the meaning of a pool car, the rules that govern its use, and the insurance considerations that businesses need to be aware of.
What Is a Pool Car?
A pool car is a vehicle that is owned by a company and used by multiple employees for business purposes. It is typically used for short trips, such as client meetings, site visits or deliveries. The main advantage of a pool car is that it allows a company to make better use of its resources, rather than having each employee use their own personal vehicle for work purposes.
Pool Car Rules
When it comes to using a pool car, there are some important rules that businesses need to be aware of. Firstly, the use of the pool car must be restricted to business purposes only. Employees should not use the car for personal use, such as running errands or commuting to work. This is important to ensure that the car remains in good condition and is available for use by other employees when needed. The use of trackers for cars can help with this aspect.
It is also important to have a system in place for booking the pool car. This helps to prevent conflicts and ensures that the car is available when it is needed. Businesses can use a variety of methods to manage pool car booking processes, such as an online booking system or a physical booking sheet that is kept in a central location.
Another important consideration is ensuring that all employees who use the pool car have a valid driving licence and are authorised to drive the vehicle. This helps to ensure the safety of employees, the vehicle and other road users.
Pool Car Insurance
It is important to have the right type of insurance coverage in place. A company pool car should be insured for business use, which typically covers the vehicle for journeys made in connection with the business. This can include trips to meetings, site visits, and deliveries.
In addition, businesses may want to consider taking out additional insurance coverage to protect against damage to the vehicle or third-party liability claims. This can include cover for accidental damage, theft or loss of the vehicle, and public liability insurance.
Companies should also ensure that employees who use the pool car are covered by the company’s policy. This can be achieved by adding them as named drivers to the policy or by taking out separate insurance cover for employees who use the pool car.
Conclusion
A pool car can be a cost-effective and efficient way for businesses to manage their transportation needs. By having clear rules in place and ensuring that the appropriate insurance coverage is in place, businesses can make the most of this resource while minimising risk and expense. If a business is considering introducing a pool car, it can be worthwhile to seek advice from an experienced insurance broker to ensure that they have the right level of coverage.
Sources:
- https://businessmotoring.co.uk/pool-car/
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/use-of-company-pooled-cars-or-vans-480-chapter-15
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