changes to company car policy
Discussion
Rumours at work are that HR may be implementing a maximum age limit on vehicles which are owned by employees who have opted out of the company car scheme and bought their own.
The rumours have been fuelled by an email asking everyone who has a car allowance for an update of what they drive, its model, registration number, fuel type- for auditing of their "Grey Fleet".
I replied with my (cringe) private plate and got asked what the year of manufacture was - thus perpetuating the rumour that its the age which they are also interested in.
SO my question is, if they now implement a maximum car age and my car falls outside it:-
Do I have to replace the car immediately?
Do they have to give a grace period to replace the car?
Can I do nothing based on the fact that I bought the car during the existing car policy which didnt state a maximum age of car?
My current position is that I still have finance outstanding on the car and selling it at this stage in its life will put me in an economically disadvantaged position based on the depressed 2nd hand car market for 3.0 petrol quattro saloon cars.
Your thoughts please.
The rumours have been fuelled by an email asking everyone who has a car allowance for an update of what they drive, its model, registration number, fuel type- for auditing of their "Grey Fleet".
I replied with my (cringe) private plate and got asked what the year of manufacture was - thus perpetuating the rumour that its the age which they are also interested in.
SO my question is, if they now implement a maximum car age and my car falls outside it:-
Do I have to replace the car immediately?
Do they have to give a grace period to replace the car?
Can I do nothing based on the fact that I bought the car during the existing car policy which didnt state a maximum age of car?
My current position is that I still have finance outstanding on the car and selling it at this stage in its life will put me in an economically disadvantaged position based on the depressed 2nd hand car market for 3.0 petrol quattro saloon cars.
Your thoughts please.
Corporate Manslaughter laws etc are probably the catalyst for this review. If you are still driving on Company business then your employer has a duty of care to ensure that your vehicle is safe for you to carry out your duties, regardless of ownership.
How old is your car exactly? Most 'reasonable' (and, as always, that's the test) employers would phase in a change (if there were one) with regard vehicle age to allow employees in exactly your situation to have the chance to comply. If not, then they would probably give you a vehicle to travel in for work needs (if this is possible and your work isn't 100% travel).
So haven't really answered your 3 questions, sorry, other than they should give you a reasonable period of notice of the change and maybe use their discretion for enforcing this policy.
How old is your car exactly? Most 'reasonable' (and, as always, that's the test) employers would phase in a change (if there were one) with regard vehicle age to allow employees in exactly your situation to have the chance to comply. If not, then they would probably give you a vehicle to travel in for work needs (if this is possible and your work isn't 100% travel).
So haven't really answered your 3 questions, sorry, other than they should give you a reasonable period of notice of the change and maybe use their discretion for enforcing this policy.
scirocco265 said:
Corporate Manslaughter laws etc are probably the catalyst for this review. If you are still driving on Company business then your employer has a duty of care to ensure that your vehicle is safe for you to carry out your duties, regardless of ownership.
How old is your car exactly? Most 'reasonable' (and, as always, that's the test) employers would phase in a change (if there were one) with regard vehicle age to allow employees in exactly your situation to have the chance to comply. If not, then they would probably give you a vehicle to travel in for work needs (if this is possible and your work isn't 100% travel).
So haven't really answered your 3 questions, sorry, other than they should give you a reasonable period of notice of the change and maybe use their discretion for enforcing this policy.
What both of the above posters said.How old is your car exactly? Most 'reasonable' (and, as always, that's the test) employers would phase in a change (if there were one) with regard vehicle age to allow employees in exactly your situation to have the chance to comply. If not, then they would probably give you a vehicle to travel in for work needs (if this is possible and your work isn't 100% travel).
So haven't really answered your 3 questions, sorry, other than they should give you a reasonable period of notice of the change and maybe use their discretion for enforcing this policy.
Our company asked all car users to give details of the car they have if claiming cash alternative.
I provided all details (inc age) mine is a 2000 528 sport
I provide MOT yearly and proof if business insurance
Nothing has been said.
As long as the car is serviced and MOT'd how could I make getting a newer car be safer?
I provided all details (inc age) mine is a 2000 528 sport
I provide MOT yearly and proof if business insurance
Nothing has been said.
As long as the car is serviced and MOT'd how could I make getting a newer car be safer?
My current employer abandoned the opt out schem 3 years ago and my previous employer have given notice that anyone still opted out will have to be opted in by Dec 2011. There was a maximum age of 7 years for the cars but this was stipulated before you could opt out and yoour proposed choice had to be approved anyway before you could purchase.
Unfortunately the minority have spoilt it by not having business class insurance (a few claims have been refused as on a SDP policy) and scrimping on tyres (bald tyres in accident) so no one can opt out anymore. With the cost of fuel its probably not worth it now anyway unless you get a massive allowance on your salary.
I can't speak for your employer but my experience is they let the lease run to the end so you don't incur any financial penalty.
Unfortunately the minority have spoilt it by not having business class insurance (a few claims have been refused as on a SDP policy) and scrimping on tyres (bald tyres in accident) so no one can opt out anymore. With the cost of fuel its probably not worth it now anyway unless you get a massive allowance on your salary.
I can't speak for your employer but my experience is they let the lease run to the end so you don't incur any financial penalty.
ClassicMercs said:
Have HR forgotten the biggest issue ?
The numpty behind the wheel - excluding posters here of course.
Are good tyres the biggest issue when if someone is driving at 90mph in a downpour ?
But hey - its only HR !
Some may, others don't - but you try getting a company driver who knows it all to, for example, use some cbt to develop hazard awareness. Well nigh impossible, yet one suspects it's the knowalls who need it most. Hey ho though at least we've been duly diligent... The numpty behind the wheel - excluding posters here of course.
Are good tyres the biggest issue when if someone is driving at 90mph in a downpour ?
But hey - its only HR !
Ours have just changed.
From Jan 2012 you will not be able to opt out. You either have a company car (from a chioce of 6) and a fuel card, or you dont. The fuel card does cover all personal use too.
There are exceptions for people who have just taken out a lease that goes over that date.
From Jan 2012 you will not be able to opt out. You either have a company car (from a chioce of 6) and a fuel card, or you dont. The fuel card does cover all personal use too.
There are exceptions for people who have just taken out a lease that goes over that date.
bull996 said:
Ours have just changed.
From Jan 2012 you will not be able to opt out. You either have a company car (from a chioce of 6) and a fuel card, or you dont. The fuel card does cover all personal use too.
There are exceptions for people who have just taken out a lease that goes over that date.
My advice would be to take the cheapest car they offer, you will be taxed on the value of the car.From Jan 2012 you will not be able to opt out. You either have a company car (from a chioce of 6) and a fuel card, or you dont. The fuel card does cover all personal use too.
There are exceptions for people who have just taken out a lease that goes over that date.
And at 40% tax it starts to get a bit ridiculous when looking at £30k motors - like I went for last time.
Although you do have a year and 8 months to make your decision...
hman said:
bull996 said:
Ours have just changed.
From Jan 2012 you will not be able to opt out. You either have a company car (from a chioce of 6) and a fuel card, or you dont. The fuel card does cover all personal use too.
There are exceptions for people who have just taken out a lease that goes over that date.
My advice would be to take the cheapest car they offer, you will be taxed on the value of the car.From Jan 2012 you will not be able to opt out. You either have a company car (from a chioce of 6) and a fuel card, or you dont. The fuel card does cover all personal use too.
There are exceptions for people who have just taken out a lease that goes over that date.
And at 40% tax it starts to get a bit ridiculous when looking at £30k motors - like I went for last time.
From RB320 to Prius company cars in my case. Economics overwhelmingly in favour of the move, albeit a bit of a culture shock!
Remember also that the cheapest isn't always the one with the lowest sticker price. www.comcar.co.uk is your friend here.
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