Who is Covered Under Fleet Insurance?
19/02/2024
Many British companies insuring commercial vehicle groups wonder exactly who qualifies for coverage under a fleet policy. Do policies individually name authorised drivers like personal car insurance? Or do broader driver eligibility terms apply instead to enable flexible operations? Typically wider credentialing conditions govern fleet, with ownership entities also gaining key protections.
Does UK Fleet Insurance Name Specific Drivers Like Personal Cover?
Unlike individual personal motor policies which designate one named policyholder and list other specifically approved drivers, commercial fleet insurance utilises a more flexible framework:
Instead of naming drivers, fleet policies classify broader categories of employees considered authorised to operate covered vehicles. Common examples include specifications such as:
- Age 21+
- Full Valid UK or EU Driving Licences
- No major convictions within past 3 years
- Max 6 penalty points currently
- At least 1 year’s experience
Rather than safeguard a few named individuals, parameters aim to verify baseline credentials for a larger driver pool - with any staff member meeting core criteria able to lawfully utilize fleet vehicles.
Are Employee Vetting Checks Needed To Qualify Drivers?
Some insurers may mandate additional upfront driver screening and motor vehicle record checks before extending fleet coverage. This ensures existing staff carrying out driving responsibilities already meet stipulated requirements.
Ongoing checks before newly assigned employees operate vehicles also represent a best practice. Proactively vetting helps sustain an appropriately qualified driver pool over time as personnel inevitably fluctuate.
Do Fleet Policies Also Protect Management & The Registered Business Entity?
Alongside blanket employee driver coverage when operating vehicles, UK commercial fleet insurance also protects:
- Business owner(s), directors & officers against claims alleging management negligence regarding fleet use
- The registered corporate entity itself from direct claims
This safeguards the organisation, leadership and decision makers against damaging lawsuits alleging broader oversight failures concerning employee driving activities, vehicle maintenance etc.
Without such protections scaling liability cover across the organisation, UK enterprises risk dangerous gaps - so executive shields prove essential.
Is Temporary Driver Coverage Available?
Standard employees represent typical stable long term vehicle operators. However special provisions for short term or one-off drivers also exist:
- Employee probation periods before vetting completes
- Temporary personnel substitutions
- External contractors/consultants needing sporadic access
By accommodating inevitable business realities, flexible provisions enable adequate interim cover for essential parties requiring temporary fleet vehicle access - without leaving companies exposed.
In summary – the majority of UK fleet policies extend protection across a wider spectrum: the insured entity itself, leadership team, employees that drive when meeting baseline licensing and experience criteria.. Special considerations for short term needs fill remaining gaps.
This article is designed to offer general advice and may not apply to every insurance, broker, insurer, cover or policy. You would need to check the individual policy benefits of each cover with your insurer or broker.
