Natural England - Driving vehicles

Driving vehicles

Natural England promotes the use of public transport wherever possible. However, where the use of public transport is impractical, volunteers may prefer to use their own vehicles.

Private vehicles

If you use your car during your voluntary role - for example to travel to and from a site - you must inform your motor insurance company. Most national insurance companies recognise that, as drivers do not make a profit from voluntary work, it is not a 'business use' of a vehicle and therefore recommend that existing insurance premiums should not be affected.

The Standard Mileage Rate for reimbursement, used by Natural England is classified as a non-profit rate by the Inland Revenue, under the Fixed Profit Car Scheme.

If you have any queries about business use insurance, please contact your supervisor.

Average running costs

The Standard Mileage Rate offered by Natural England is sufficient to cover average running costs. The Automobile Association (AA) website gives details of average running expenses. This includes fuel, oil, tyres, servicing, repairs and replacements (it does not include standing costs of car ownership such as finance, road tax, insurance, breakdown cover or depreciation). For more information on average running costs visit the AA websiteexternal link.

Maintenance responsibilities

Volunteers are responsible for the maintenance of their cars. Natural England accepts no responsibility for costs incurred for MOTs, insurance, servicing, repair, breakdown cover, depreciation, oil or fuel.

If you have any queries regarding expenses, driving or insurance, please contact your supervisor. Download our expenses claim form: (81kb)word document [PDF]