DO I NEED EXTRA COVER TO USE MY CAR AS A VOLUNTEER?

I’VE been furloughed from my job and I’ve signed up to volunteer in my local community to help the most vulnerable with shopping and other tasks.

I’m going to be using my car for this and I’m wondering if I need to speak to my insurance company to get extra cover? I don’t normally use my car for any sort of work-related or commercial purposes. Janet Simpson by email

Cash Queens say:

YOU do not need to contact your car insurer.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI), the voice of the insurance industry, has confirmed that people who are volunteering to help their communities during the virus outbreak do not need to contact their insurer to update or extend their cover.

They say that if you are using your own car for voluntary purposes to transport medicines or groceries to support others who are impacted by Covid-19, your cover will not be affected and you do not need to update your documents or extend your cover.

This applies to all categories of NHS Volunteer Respondents, including those transporting patients, equipment or other essential supplies.

The ABI says motor insurers have pledged to provide enhanced customer help during the coronavirus outbreak, and have committed to support people who are using their cars to help their communities.

Also, in case you car is due an MOT any time soon, the Government has announced an automatic extension of six months for MOT certificates due from March 30 onwards.

So insurers won’t penalise those who cannot get an MOT.

However, drivers should check tyres, brakes and lights before driving to ensure their vehicle is safe.