Many businesses will offer their employees a company car as part of their package. Some employees will be given the choice of several different company cars or a car up to a certain monetary value. Making this decision can be tricky; however, with a bit of consideration, you can choose the right company car for your needs. In this article, we look at things to consider when selecting a company car.
Evaluate the choice list
A good place to start is by evaluating your choices when choosing a company car. Some businesses will provide you with a list of manufacturers or a list of individual cars to choose from. If your list is limited, then there is no point looking at other options; evaluate each car or manufacturer on the list and figure out which would be the best for your needs. The following points will help you with the evaluation process.
Car efficiency
If you’re going to be driving a lot for work, your employer is likely to pay for your fuel expenses; they could also pay for your personal fuel, depending on the deal you have with them. However, this doesn’t get you out of paying anything as you’ll be required to pay car fuel tax on the mileage you use on the vehicle. The amount of fuel tax you pay will depend on the engine size and fuel efficiency of the vehicle you’ve chosen to drive. A more efficient vehicle will have less fuel tax per mile compared to one that uses lots of petrol or diesel. The best option, if you’re looking to reduce your fuel tax costs, is to opt for the most efficient car or an electric vehicle, as these have a lower fuel tax rate.
Where you’ll be driving
If you’re regularly driving in inner city areas that have green emission zones and other charges associated with certain cars, it can be frustrating to pay this cost. You’re likely to get it back from your employer, but the associated administration will add time to your daily workload. Many cars are exempt from green air zones because of their low emissions; it’s worth checking this before you agree to a company car. Having one that you can freely drive in and out of cities can be useful and reduce the need for admin associated with green air zone costs.
The car aesthetics
The look of the car can be important if you’re trying to make an impression on your potential clients. An executive car will appear professional and help potential clients see that you’re serious about your work. Look out for executive car sales professionals if you’re trying to purchase a car that creates a certain impression when you visit clients or potential clients as part of your job role.
Size of the car
Another important consideration is the size of the car; if you have a large family and plan on using the car for private use, you’ll need to make sure it’s big enough for your needs. Look at your options carefully before deciding on a specific model; boot sizes and passenger space can vary considerably, even between two cars that look very similar. In addition to your personal needs, you might need a car with storage for work purposes, depending on your job role.
Driver aids and safety technology
If you’re driving regularly for your job, it’s important to choose a car that has lots of safety features, as you’re more likely to get into an accident if you spend lots of time on the road. Review all the cars and look for features such as lane-keeping assistance, parking assistant cameras, collision avoidance systems and other safety features that will help you in an emergency.
When you follow these tips, you’ll find it much easier to select a company car that works for your needs. Remember not to rush into a decision; take your time and carefully evaluate your options and the cost to you as an employee. In addition, it can also be useful to test drive the car or the same model in advance of making your decision to ensure that it will suit your needs.
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