Been asked to use my own car for business use

[HuntD]

I've been with at my current employer for a while now but it looks like i'm now needing to commute to more than one place of work, including the continent.

We have boggo 1.6/2.0 diesel company cars but my employer won't pay for the insurance as I am under 25 and so they have asked me to use my own car, even though when I took the job they said they’d take out a new insurance policy if and when I need it, now they are saying its not worth it.

I don’t mind this as such, but they will only pay me 45p a mile and my car is quite thirsty so there is not much leaway. It would also stop me from buying a V8 which was on the cards this summer.

So, what are my options? Is it unreasonable to ask for a fuel card as well as 45p per mile? What about the additional insurance premium for adding business use to my policy?

To be honest I’ve been given a good career opportunity here so I don’t want to blow it, but I can’t help but feel short changed.

[HuntD]

Thanks for the brilliant response (so quick too ).

The trouble is my M3 costs me 37p a mile (inc maintenance and insurance), but does not include depreciation! I don't see why I should change my car either.

Also, our company handbook says business insurance is the responsibility of the employee.

Edited by HuntD on Sunday 4th March 13:18

[HuntD]

mxspyder said:

I would suggest that your employer has made quite a reasonable offer, if they pay you enough to be able to run an M3 for company use how would that look to the members of staff who get a 1.6/2.0 diesel?

The company will be trying to keep a level playing field between staff members.

I think that its down to you, do you want the Job or the car? and as this is PH, you know the answer !

Ah, thats what I love about PH - there's always someone who can shed a second point of view (wrongly or rightly)

[HuntD]

cwis said:

One word answer. "No".

I walk in to work - as far as the company is concerned I don't have a car. If they want me at a different site, it's their problem, not mine...

Did they say the company insurance thing to you in writing? If so, hold them to it.

Not in writing no, but I'm afraid if I kick up a fuss they'll just give the role to someone else. I think I'll just have to suck it up for now and hope the experience pays off in the long run.

Munter said:

Shirly he's just saying the company policy is over 25s only. And he's under. And the company doesn't want to stump up the money to change the company policy just for him.

This is correct.