If you use your car for work, you may need business car insurance. It can be confusing, especially if you're new to the UK, because standard car insurance doesn’t automatically cover driving for work.

This guide explains what business car insurance is, who needs it, what it covers, and how to choose the right type for your job.

What is business car insurance?

Business car insurance covers you when you drive your car for work beyond commuting. Standard “social, domestic, pleasure and commuting” insurance only covers travel to a single workplace.

Once you're driving to clients, travelling between sites, or making regular work-related trips, you’ll usually need a business-use policy.

Business car insurance protects you against:

• Accidents while driving for work
• Damage to your car or someone else’s property
• Injuries to other people
• Additional risks linked to frequent or long-distance driving

It doesn’t cover commercial driving, like food delivery, taxi services or courier work — those require commercial or hire and reward insurance.

Read our blog to find out more about different types of car insurance.

Who needs business car insurance?

You’ll likely need business car insurance if you use your personal car for:

• Visiting clients or customers
• Travelling to multiple work locations
• Driving between offices or sites
• Attending off-site meetings or events
• Carrying work equipment
• Sales, field, or representative roles

You don’t usually need business car insurance if you only:

• Drive your car for personal use
• Commute to a single regular workplace

If in doubt, it’s always best to check — using your car for work without the correct insurance could invalidate your policy.

What are the different types of business use car insurance?

Business car insurance is usually split into three levels. Your employer or job role will determine which one you need.

Class 1 Business Use Car Insurance Suitable for employees who drive occasionally for work.

Covers:

• Visiting clients
• Driving between work locations
• Occasional business trips

Does not cover:

• Commercial driving
• Carrying large amounts of equipment

Class 2 Business Use Car Insurance Covers the same as Class 1, but allows you to add a named colleague who also drives your car for work.

Class 3 Business Use Car Insurance For people who spend a lot of time on the road.

Covers:

• Long-distance, frequent business travel
• Door-to-door sales
• Regular client visits across wider areas

None of these options cover taxi, courier, or delivery work.

What does business car insurance cover?

Coverage depends on whether you choose third-party, third-party fire and theft, or fully comprehensive insurance.

With a comprehensive policy, you’re covered for:

• Damage to your own car
• Damage to other vehicles or property
• Personal injury to others
• Fire, theft and vandalism
• Storm or flood damage
• Windscreen repairs
• Work-related journeys covered under your class of use

Most policies will not cover:

• Using your car as a taxi
• Delivering goods (including takeaway food)
• Wear and tear
• Mechanical or electrical failure

How much does business car insurance cost?

Business use car insurance often costs more than standard insurance because you:

• Usually spend more time on the road
• May drive to unfamiliar places
• Are exposed to more risk overall

Your price will depend on:

• Your driving history
• The type of business use
• Your annual mileage
• Your car’s value and engine size
• Where you live and park

At Marshmallow, we aim to keep prices fair and transparent — especially for people moving to the UK who may not have a long driving history here.

How to choose the right business car insurance

To make sure you’re properly covered:

• Check your job role: What do you use your car for — occasional trips or daily travel?
• Confirm your class of use: Pick Class 1, 2 or 3 depending on your needs.
• Ask your employer: Some companies will guide you or even cover the cost.
• Be honest about your mileage: Higher mileage can affect your risk level.
• Choose the right level of cover: Comprehensive offers the most protection.

If you already have insurance, speak to your provider before using your car for work. You may need to update your policy.

Can you get business car insurance as an expat or someone new to the UK?

Yes, but many insurers may charge more if you haven’t built up a UK driving record.

At Marshmallow, we offer Class 1 Business car insurance. Our insurance is designed for people coming to the UK from abroad. So we take your international driving experience into account, which can make it easier and more affordable.

How do you add business use to your Marshmallow policy?

If you're already a Marshmallow customer, you can request business use by:

• Open the Marshmallow app
• Tap Your Policy
• Tap Update Details at the top of the screen
• Scroll to Manage your vehicle
• Tap Edit next to Usage & Mileage
• Select Class 1 Business Use
• Tap Continue and follow the steps to confirm

If you have any questions, our support team can help.

Final thoughts

Business car insurance protects you when you use your car for work — whether you’re visiting clients, travelling between sites, or making regular business trips. Standard insurance won’t cover most work-related journeys, so choosing the right class (1, 2 or 3) is essential to stay protected and avoid invalidating your policy.

If you’re new to the UK, Marshmallow can help you get quick, flexible Class 1 Business cover at a good price.

Learn more and get a quote today.