Business Use Car Insurance (UK) — Compare Quotes in Minutes

If you use your car for work, you may need a policy that matches how the vehicle is actually used. "Business use" can mean different things depending on the insurer, so it's important to choose the right usage when you compare quotes.

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What you'll need to start a quote

  • Vehicle details (registration or make/model)
  • UK postcode
  • Rough annual mileage
  • How you use the car (social / commuting / business)

Who this page is for

This page is for UK drivers who:

  • use their car for work-related journeys (beyond normal personal use)
  • want to understand what insurers typically mean by "business use"
  • want to avoid problems caused by selecting the wrong usage
  • want to compare quotes quickly based on accurate details

What does "business use" usually mean?

Insurers often separate car usage into categories, for example:

  • Social, domestic and pleasure (SDP): personal use
  • Commuting: travel to a permanent place of work (definitions vary)
  • Business use: work-related journeys beyond commuting (details vary by provider)

What counts as business use depends on the insurer and the policy wording. Some refer to this as commercial car insurance. If you carry paying passengers (such as private hire or minicab work), you'll need taxi or hire-and-reward insurance – standard business use doesn't cover this. If you're unsure, check the options during the quote journey and review the definitions.

What can affect the cost of business use cover?

Pricing varies by provider, but these factors often matter:

  • how often you drive for work and roughly how far
  • your occupation and how the car is used
  • vehicle type, insurance group, and repair costs
  • postcode and where the car is kept overnight
  • annual mileage and cover level
  • claims history, points, and convictions

Being accurate with usage and mileage is important. If you want to spread the cost, check pay monthly options.

Practical tips when comparing business use options

  1. Choose the usage that matches real driving habits
  2. Compare multiple providers and read the usage definitions
  3. Check the total cost and the cover breakdown
  4. Keep mileage estimates realistic and truthful
  5. Review excess amounts and exclusions before choosing

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FAQs: Business use car insurance (UK)

Do I need business use if I drive to work?
Not necessarily. Many insurers treat commuting separately from business use, and definitions vary. Choose the usage option that matches your situation and the insurer's definition.
What counts as business use?
It generally refers to work-related journeys beyond normal personal use, but what's included varies by provider. Always check the policy wording.
Will business use make my insurance more expensive?
It can, depending on the insurer and how the car is used. Comparing quotes is usually the quickest way to see options.
Is commuting the same as business use?
Not always. Many providers separate commuting from business use, but terms vary.
What details do I need to compare?
Typically vehicle details, postcode, annual mileage, and how you use the car (personal/commuting/business).
What happens if I choose the wrong usage?
It can cause issues with cover or claims. It's important to select the option that matches your driving.
Can I change my usage later?
Some providers may allow changes, but it depends on the policy. Check with the provider.
What's the fastest way to check options?
Start a quote journey with accurate details and review the usage definitions and cover breakdown.

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How we created this page (transparency)

This page was created to help UK drivers understand what "business use" commonly means in car insurance and what to check when comparing options. It is reviewed for clarity and updated as needed to stay accurate and useful.

Important information

MySupermarketCompare is an insurance comparison website. We introduce customers to our quote partner to help them compare insurance options. Information on this page is general and is not financial advice.

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