What do I do about my car insurance? 

Most providers don’t require additional insurance for participating in a voluntary lift scheme. There are no licensing requirements as long as you use your own vehicle and aren’t carrying passengers for hire. The costs of the journey will be covered by the passenger at HMRC approved mileage allowance payment, the payments will have been agreed and paid before the journey, therefore this will not exceed the running costs of the vehicle, therefore this is not classed as a business venture.  

Some providers will require you to inform them of participation in the scheme. If so, and you need to pay extra money for this to be added to your policy please let us know. BLCL will reimburse you the extra charges to ensure that no one will be out of pocket as a result of participation in the scheme.  

A list of the insurance providers who have signed up to the Association of British Insurers (ABI) volunteer driving motor insurance commitment can be found by clicking on the following link. This details any requirements that they have for volunteer drivers and should provide a starting point for you to know if you need to do anything: abiguidevolunteerdrivingmotorinsurancecommitment2025.pdf  

How do I reclaim my mileage? 

By submitting a claim form with the service once a month to get your reimbursements. Copies of the forms will be giving during your Volunteer Driver Induction training. 

What do I do if I can no longer offer a lift? 

We understand that circumstances can change sometimes, leading to plans being altered. If you are no longer able to offer a lift and must cancel, please contact the service on 01481 868082 giving as much notice as possible.  

Are there minimum requirements needed for a driver to volunteer as a driver? 

A driver must have a valid motor insurance certificate, a full driving license and an MOT certificate that they are able to show BLCL so that we can ensure that everything is up to date. We ask that you inform your car insurance company if they require notice of your participation in the scheme.  

How will I be supported by BLCL as a volunteer driver? 

BLCL will carry out a DBS check on you, helping to protect you and your passengers.  

You will be invited to attend Volunteer Driver Induction Training once you have signed up to the scheme and BLCL will be available to offer support if you have any further questions. 

How often will I be expected to volunteer?  

The number of lifts you offer is entirely up to you, so as few or as many as you like. You will be able to select the journeys and times that suit you.  

How will I reassure a passenger that I am officially part of the scheme? 

You’ll be given branded uniform (tops/fleece) and a name badge to wear so that you can be identified by your passenger. You will have been in contact with your passenger the day before the journey to confirm timings and the location, which should help to reassure your passenger that you’re their designated volunteer driver for that journey when you arrive.