As an employee of an organization, it is apparent that you want to create the best environment for yourself to maximize your output and realize your full potential. In this regard, you will need convenience while running business errands or while executing your duties. That is one reason why, as an employee, you may even choose to use your car while on-job. For example, you will be delivering an order at one point and the next one, you will be picking up some documents from the office, or even following up with the client. You may also be attending training related to your job or seminars or even presenting a conference presentation on behalf of your organization.
But have you ever thought of the terms on which you should use your personal car for job-related duties? What about the outcome in case of a mishap or an accident? Let’s explore what you ought to know if you are using a personal vehicle to run business errands, including the risks involved.
Using Your Private Car to Meet Business Needs
Should you use your vehicle to run business errands?
As an employee, it might look extravagant to use your car is carrying out the roles of an organization, but that is just one way to look at it. The reason you may choose to use your car is first because no law outlaws that model of working! That is, you are free to use your vehicle if it serves you best.
For example, you may want to use your car to attend meetings in places where there is no parking for large vehicles as may be available at the workplace. Similarly, you may choose to use your car while running the business needs alongside personal errands. This, therefore, means that you will be using it to your convenience as well, and it is acceptable so, so that you may be comfortable.
Receive reimbursement for mileage and expenses.
Your employer may prefer it when you use your personal car to run the organization’s errands other than them having to buy a fleet of vehicles for use in the organization. In this case, your employer may have to reimburse you for mileage. That’s the distance you have covered with your car while conducting the business on behalf of the organization.
Besides, the other expenses, such as fuel, parking costs, maintenance, and washing, are subject to refunding by the boss. In a nutshell, when using your personal car to run company errands, it is expected that the employer treats it as part of the company’s assets.
In case of an accident?
While on the road working things out, you should also be alive to the fact that you are exposing yourself and your car to the risk of an accident. As such, it is essential to be aware of what may happen in the event of an accident.
The employer, by default, is liable for any costs, damages, or injuries that may be incurred in case of an accident. However, it is essential to note that the employer will be liable to pay costs and expenses if the outcome of investigations after the accident indicates that you were utilizing the vehicle on the job. To negotiate the repayments successfully, you may consider enlisting the services of highly accomplished car accident lawyers who will play the part of the intermediary between you and the employer or the insurance company. An auto accident lawyer will help, particularly if you are struggling to get compensated or if you want to sue for damages. If you’re doing business in another city like Sorrento, you’ll likely need to rent a car afterwards from a business like StressFreeCarRental.com.
Employee insurance cover
The insurance coverage of your personal car may include protection against risks such as accidents while executing business-related endeavors. This is because the general business utilization, such as visiting clients, delivering orders, and attending on-job training, is not a scope to consider when providing a cover.
Hence, the protection acquired on a vehicle determines the terms of meeting the insurance costs. It is also likely that you will find that your insurance has expanded your premiums once you get to utilize your vehicle for business-related activities.
Final word:
As an employee, all you need is to get your work done at convenience and post the best results. To do so, you may embrace the idea of using your private car to run the company’s errands. That said, you need to ensure that you have clear terms with your employer. You should also protect yourself against accidents with a proper cover. Besides, ensure that you speak to a lawyer if this has happened and you are struggling to get compensated.
