Business use endorsement

Insurers rate a policy partly on how the car is used, and they distinguish between three broad classes: private use, private use plus occasional business (commuting and the odd work trip), and full commercial use. The endorsement moves you into the business-use class so that work driving — site visits, client calls, deliveries — is properly covered rather than sitting outside the policy.

The common trap is assuming that "social, domestic and pleasure" cover, or even ordinary commuting cover, stretches to business errands. It does not always, and a claim that arises while you were driving for work can be declined if the use was never declared. Commuting to a single regular workplace is usually fine; driving between sites or carrying goods or tools for work generally is not.

If any part of your week involves driving for your job, declare it. The extra premium is modest next to the risk of a refused claim, and getting the use class right up front is one of the simplest ways to keep cover watertight.