The ABI produces a list that details whether each insurer requires volunteers to notify them if they are driving for volunteering purposes. The PDF is linked to on the following page.
We recommend that organisations do not download the PDF and then refer to the downloaded copy at a later date as the information changes regularly. It is always best to check the live document.
If the volunteer is in any doubt or wishes to be certain, then they should contact their insurer to share details of their volunteering role and ensure this activity is covered by their insurance.
For organisations who have any driving activity undertaken there are two main scenarios.
- Volunteers driving a vehicle owned/leased or hired by the organisation
- Volunteers driving their own vehicles on behalf of the organisation
For both scenarios there are a number of checks that should be carried out including;
- Licenced to drive https://www.gov.uk/employing-people-to-drive
- Competent to drive the vehicle – use the same link above to confirm that category of vehicle is included on licence (NB This site does not recognise ‘Grandfather rights’ for drivers who passed their test before 1997, if the volunteer is driving Category C and similar vehicles you can check for Grandfather rights here)
- Insured to drive the vehicle https://www.abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/choosing-the-right-insurance/motor-insurance/volunteer-drivers/
- Roadworthy vehicle https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-service-vehicle-drivers-daily-walkaround-check the link is for a larger commercial vehicles, but it will act as a guide to vehicle checks generally.
Reasonable driver behaviour
Being legally able to drive and being a good/reasonable driver are not necessarily the same. Set some ground rules such as breaks and avoid placing unreasonable pressure on drivers to cover too much distance for them to be able to drive within the speed limit. You should not only consider the wellbeing of the people who drive and those around them but also there is a reputational risk to your organisation if you do not ensure that volunteers are safe and properly manged and supported, are covered by their insurance and that they keep their vehicles safe.
