Whether you run your own business or work for someone else, there will probably come a time when you need to drive. It may be to a team meeting, to meet a client or to deliver products. When that time comes, you’ll be driving for business and there’s a few things you’ll need to take into consideration.
For example, did you know that there are certain business products you need in order to legally drive for your business? And others that will save you time and money? Read on to discover 5 things to consider when driving for business.
Make sure you have the right insurance
When your driving for a business, whether that’s your own business or as an employee, you need to ensure you have business car insurance.
Now, you may be thinking, well how much will that set me back? But in reality, it’s really not much more added to your premium.
Having business car insurance will mean your fully covered for any driving you do for your own business or for your employer. The last thing you want is to get into an accident and then find out you’ve not got the right cover in place!
Claim back your mileage
When you’re driving for business, did you know you can claim back the mileage? The current rate is £0.45p a mile and this can add up to a pretty sum if you drive for business quite regularly.
Remember to add any mileage costs to your tax return before the end of the tax year!
Get a fuel card
Fuel cards make sense for larger businesses as they are a quick and convenient way to pay for fuel as well as being a safer option for business drivers.
If you’re the business owner, giving your employees fuel cards give you tighter control of your business expenses and streamlines admin too. It’s a win-win!
Take steps to be more environmentally friendly
Whether you’re driving for business or pleasure, we must all take steps to think about the environment.
Ask yourself, is this car journey really necessary, or could you take public transport?
If it must be made by car, make sure you stick to the speed limit and turn your engine off when is standstill traffic. These small steps will work to make a big impact to protect our planet.
Make sure you get roadside assistance
If you’re driving for business and have urgent meetings to get to, the last thing you need is to be stranded on the side of the motorway.
Roadside assistance is vital for any business driver. Not only can they get you moving again, but they’ll also tow your car away and give you a lift to your destination, meaning you won’t be letting clients or colleagues down.
Many roadside assistance packages come as part of your insurance, so double check your policy to see if you’ve got it.
Did you know about all these considerations when driving for business? What else do you think we should consider when business driving? Let me know in the comments below!