Volunteers: Advice If You Drive

Whether you're giving someone a lift or just using your car to get to your volunteering role, there are a few things you need to know to stay safe and covered.

What’s changing?

Age UK B&NES has reviewed the guidance around volunteers using their own vehicles, in line with national best practice. We’re now asking all volunteers who use their car in any way for volunteering (even just travelling to and from your role) to check their insurance cover.

What do I need to do?

If you use your car for anything related to volunteering, please check with your insurance provider that your policy covers this use. Most standard insurance policies do, but some may need a small update (like adding "volunteer use" or "Class 1 Business Use"). You won’t usually need to pay more, but you must check.

You don’t need to send us proof, just make sure you’re covered.

We’ll remind you

Once a year, we’ll send a quick reminder, perhaps in a newsletter or email, to double-check your cover when you renew your policy.

🚗 What if I give people lifts?

If your role involves giving lifts to clients, staff or other volunteers, there are a few extra steps:

✔️ We need to check you have a valid driving licence.

✔️ Your car must have a valid MOT (if it needs one) and be roadworthy.

✔️ You’ll need written confirmation from your insurer that your policy covers you to carry passengers as a volunteer.

We’ll keep a copy of these details in your volunteer file.

Please contact us if you are unsure on anything volunteering@ageukbanes.co.uk