Car clubs are often promoted as a convenient option for everyday errands and leisure, but many people also wonder whether they’re suitable for work. If you need a car for meetings, site visits, or other business purposes, can you book one through a car club?
The short answer is yes, you can. Most UK car clubs allow business use as long as the trip is legal, covered by insurance, and within the terms of service. But there are a few details you should know before you rely on a car club for work travel.
What Counts as “Business Use”?
Business use in the context of car clubs means driving related to your job: visiting clients, attending meetings, making site visits, or travelling between work locations.
It does not mean using the car as a taxi, for delivery driving, or for hire-and-reward work like Uber or Deliveroo. Those types of work are excluded because they require specialist insurance.
Insurance and Cover
Car clubs include insurance as part of the booking. This typically covers social, domestic, and business use. That means you’re insured to drive for work-related trips such as travelling to meetings or between offices.
However, car club insurance does not cover commercial activity where the car itself is central to the work (e.g. carrying paying passengers or courier driving). If you’re unsure, check the provider’s terms before booking.
How the Major Car Clubs Handle Business Use
Some car clubs have gone further than simply allowing business travel — they’ve created dedicated programmes aimed at companies and freelancers. These schemes usually add features such as centralised billing, account management for multiple staff, and VAT-friendly invoices.
For example:
- Zipcar has a well-established Zipcar for Business programme. This is designed for companies and freelancers who regularly need access to vehicles. It offers centralised billing, 24/7 support, and discounted rates compared to personal plans. Employees can also be added to a single account, making it easier for organisations to manage usage.
- Enterprise Car Club also runs a business membership option. It positions itself as a fleet alternative for companies that don’t want the cost of maintaining their own cars. Business accounts can cover multiple staff, and centralised invoicing makes expenses simpler to manage.
Many car clubs will not have specific “for business” packages, but all will allow standard members to use their cars for ordinary business travel such as meetings and site visits. The only limitation is the same across all clubs: hire-and-reward driving is not permitted.
Things to Watch Out For
Just to re-iterate a few points and raise one or two more:
- Not for hire-and-reward – using a car club car for delivery driving, taxi work, or ride-hailing will breach the terms and void your insurance.
- Mileage charges – business trips often involve longer journeys, so check per-mile fees in advance.
- Parking and congestion charges – these are your responsibility, and if you’re working in central London, ULEZ or Congestion Charge costs can add up.
- Availability – make sure cars are available when and where you need them. For time-sensitive trips, booking early is wise.
Is It Worth It for Work Travel?
For many professionals, car clubs are a cost-effective way to cover business journeys. They suit freelancers, small businesses, and employees who only occasionally need access to a car. Larger organisations can even set up dedicated business accounts to manage usage across staff.
The only major limitation is if your work involves carrying passengers or goods for money, in which case you’ll need a vehicle insured for hire-and-reward. For ordinary business trips, though, car clubs are designed to fit the bill.
Driving the Point Home
So, can you use a car club car for business trips? Yes – and for many people it’s one of the best reasons to join. The insurance provided covers standard business use, the pricing is straightforward, and the flexibility is ideal if you only occasionally need a car for work. Just remember that commercial driving jobs are excluded.
For freelancers, small companies, or employees who need the odd trip to a meeting or site, a car club can be a smart and affordable solution.