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Courtesy Cars #

Posted by Roger Wheeler on April 25, 2009, 7:58 am
Message modified by board administrator April 25, 2009, 12:18 pm

Hi
Just thinking about introducing a courtesy car to try and retain / gain customers.
Would gratefully receive any hints, tips and advice of how to police this . I am planning on doing it on the customers own insurance.
Thank you

Re: Courtesy Cars

Posted by Andy Mason on April 25, 2009, 8:42 am, in reply to "Courtesy Cars"
Andy Mason

We run 2 courtesy cars, which we insure for customers use.
We found it easier and less hassle than having to check insurance details etc.
Our main problem comes with fuel.
Nearly all customers refill the amount of fuel they have used, but some think its fine to return the car almost empty and not have to pay for any fuel they have used.
Do keep a log of who has used the vehicles and on which dates etc, and do daily checks for damage etc.
Hope that helps
Andy

Re: Courtesy Cars

Posted by Dave Harney on April 25, 2009, 11:28 am, in reply to "Re: Courtesy Cars"
Dave Harney

We have 4 courtesy cars, 2 new corsa'a that we lease for 18 months that we lend to people who look like they look after there motors, and 2 slightly older (yaris & corsa) garage owned that we lend to people with "shed's"

We put them on our insurance, and they must sign a form to declare they accept our terms and conditions of use.

1. Insurance excess in event of any accident - £250 (under 21's - £500)
2. All fuel used must be replaced, or will be charged for on return. We don't have pumps, so we work out the mileage and charge accordingly.
3. No pets or smoking in the vehicles
4. Car cannot be taken off the mainland without our express permission (would never be given)
5.All parking fines and speeding tickets are there responsibility.
6.If they don't return the vehicle when they have been informed theres is ready, courtesy car will be charged out at £30 quid a day.
7. Vehicle must be returned in a clean and tidy condition.
8. Vehicle is provided with breakdown isurance, but they must contact us first (during working hours) before calling breakdown company as it costs £80 a callout ! (but breakdown insurance only costs £1.20 per car a year)

Think thats about it, can't imagine doin it on customers own insurance, because you could only ever do that with reasonable prior notice so that they could contact there insurance companies and arrange cover and paperwork !

Regards
Dave

Re: Courtesy Cars

Posted by simon dean on April 27, 2009, 11:20 pm, in reply to "Re: Courtesy Cars"
Simon Dean

Hi Dave
If a customer has an accident do you losse your business policy NCD or not?

I have been wanting to insure our courtesy car on our insurance for customers but i risk my ncd according to Norwich Union so i haven't done it.

Does anyone know if you can lease a cheap new vehicle with any driver insurance cover through the lease agreement.

Any other ways of doing it without risking my ncd

Thanks Simon

Re: Courtesy Cars

Posted by Dave Harney on April 28, 2009, 8:30 am, in reply to "Re: Courtesy Cars"
Dave Harney

Hi Simon,
I'm not aware of any NCD on our policy !

Regards
Dave

Re: Courtesy Cars

Posted by Aidan birley on April 28, 2009, 8:06 pm, in reply to "Re: Courtesy Cars"
Aiden Birley

Hi

Our road risks has a 40% no claims, any claim results in a 10% reduction in NCB. We also have a £500 voluntary excess, This give us a reduction in annual premium of about £450, must be 15 years since we had a claim so well in pocket on that.

I would be cautious about running a courtesy car on a general (i.e non motor trade) any driver policy, almost all policy will have a clause invalidating any use in connection with motor trade.

we don't run courtesy cars, can do without the hassle. If I get asked, just point out it would reflect in the labour rate. We will of course help out by running cars / driver home if needed.

Cheers Aidan

Re: Courtesy Cars

Posted by Pete Greenow on April 28, 2009, 9:07 pm, in reply to "Re: Courtesy Cars"
Peter Greenow

Hi All

I am with you Aidan we don't run courtesy cars , we always offer a lift home or to work , offer an early or evening before drop off etc. But the thought of some customers driving around on my insurance in my car would probably be too much for me.

Regards Pete

Re: Courtesy Cars

Posted by Ian Whitmore on April 29, 2009, 1:59 pm, in reply to "Re: Courtesy Cars"
Ian Whitmore

Hi
We run an Nissan Almera 1995 as a loan car.
Its a very presentable car with power steering etc. We ask customers to sign a form stating that they provide insurance on it & that they put petrol in it. Car cost me £500 about 2 years ago. Only had a couple of people say something & I reply "what do you expect for FREE"
Of course the fun will start when someone actually crashes it & I ask them for £500 as they probably will only have third paty insurance,Of course though I have their car untill they pay !!

Re: Courtesy Cars

Posted by Paul Foster on April 30, 2009, 10:07 am, in reply to "Re: Courtesy Cars"
Paul Foster

Hi all.

I run two old, low value cars for this purpose.

One is a 1998 Megane 1.4 that was abandoned on us because of a timing belt failiure. The other is a 1995 Fiesta 1.3 that I've had for years - np PAS, no CL, no EW, No power, lots of rust!

My customers sign a disclaimer saying they are responsible for insuring the vehicle, any damage, any fines, all fuel used, etc. Had one or two comments, especially on the Fiesta, but, as Ian says, I point out that it's free! If they want a 1 year old car they can go and pay dealership prices!

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