Why You Shouldn’t Drive a Company Vehicle for Personal Use

When you are provided with a company vehicle, you should understand the boundaries regarding its use. While using a company vehicle for personal purposes may be tempting, this practice should generally be avoided because potential risks and liabilities are associated with using a company vehicle for personal use.

If you must use a company vehicle for nonbusiness-related activities, appropriate auto insurance coverage is essential.

Contact Academy Insurance Agency in Leesburg, Virginia, to learn more about coverages necessary for driving a company vehicle for non-business purposes.

Commercial Auto Insurance Coverage and Liability

Using a company vehicle for personal use can create insurance coverage challenges and liability concerns. Most company vehicles are insured for business purposes only and may not have adequate coverage in the event of an accident or damage during personal use.

Commercial auto insurance policies are designed to protect the organization and its assets, not individual employees. Therefore, engaging in personal use of a company vehicle could leave you personally liable for any damages or injuries.

Unintended Personal Expenses

Driving a company vehicle for personal use may lead to unforeseen personal expenses. Any costs incurred, such as fuel, maintenance, repairs or traffic violations, may become your responsibility. These expenses can add up quickly.

Appropriate Use of Company Resources

Using a company vehicle for personal activities may be perceived as a misuse of company resources, depending on the usage agreement. Employers generally provide vehicles to support business operations, not personal convenience. Engaging in personal use could undermine your professionalism and damage your reputation within the organization. It is essential to maintain a clear distinction between personal and professional matters.

Speak with your employer to understand what company vehicle use is acceptable.

Loss of Privacy

Driving a company vehicle for personal use may compromise your privacy. Employers may monitor and track the usage of company vehicles for legitimate business purposes. If you use the vehicle for personal activities, you may inadvertently allow your employer to access information about you. Respecting boundaries can help maintain a healthy separation between work and personal life.

Contact Us

It’s possible that some employers may provide employees with company vehicles for personal use. However, in these situations, additional insurance is often required. If you are allowed to use a company vehicle for nonbusiness reasons, be sure you are covered under adequate insurance. For instance, you may need to add an endorsement to your personal auto insurance policy.

Contact Academy Insurance Agency today to review your insurance coverage and discuss using a company vehicle for personal purposes. Our team can help assess your needs and provide coverage recommendations.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.