Do I need to ensure contractors have business use on own car insurance?

[halster]

Hi

Do I need to ensure (i.e. put it in their contract or something) that our contractors have business use car insurance? Or is that something that is their own responsibility? I know we need to ensure it for our employees. Any advice gratefully received. Thanks

 

[PhilWarman]

Yes - ask them to complete a simple form stating insurance cover in place and ask them to supply a copy certificate proving cover.

 

[halster]

Thanks. That's good to know. Presumably same process for employees?

 

[GraemeL]

I think that there is a bit more to this than has been covered so far?

You should ensure that a contractor has all adequate insurances and qualifications. Both of these depend on what work is being done. Public liability insurance would probably be essential, as well as vehicle insurance if they are driving on your behalf. So might driving licenses. (CORGI for gas fitters etc) I think, but am not sure, that for a contractor it is not essential to see the actual documents but a letter from them confirming they are in place is adequate.

For employees, you must (It's not a legal requirement but the onus on you is so great that in my view, its a must) see their original green paper driving license every year, make a copy and retain it for several years. (Not sufficient for the employee to give you a copy). Same for insurance certificates if they are driving vehicles that are not company vehicles insured by you.

Another one is that if you have company vehicles, you need to do the above for everyone who drives the vehicles, which can include your employees families.

G

 

[TheGuru2010]

Thanks. That's good to know. Presumably same process for employees?

Do you mean your staff use there own vehicles for work? If this is the case then yes you need to make sure they have the adequate insurance. You should also check there license & mot.