What Do Ins. Companies Define A "Motor Car" As?

TommyK

Hello:

I want to drive my brother's van (a Vivaro) that he has taxed privately and uses it for driving about the place, as well as for work.

I've noticed that my own insurance policy, as well as naming my own car reg. as being insured, also says:

"Any Motor Car (or Motor Cycle) being driven by the insured, provided such vehicle does not belong to him/her under a Hire Purchase Agreement or a Contract of Lease Hire or Contract Hire."

Although I do intend to ask my insurance company this tomorrow, I was wondering if, in the meanwhile, anyone might have any thoughts on if something like a Vivaro can be/is defined as a "Motor car."

Is it a case that insurance companies can define a "motor car" to be whatever they say it is, or is there a blanket (standard) definition?

I tried looking in the Road Traffic Act to see what that says as regards a definition but couldn't find anything (it made my eyes spin, actually; that thing ain't written in English! )

Tom.

rsta

i think the van could be included under the definition of 'motor car', as it covers a vehicle that can carry up to eight people and not weigh more than 3500kg

TommyK

rsta wrote:

i think the van could be included under the definition of 'motor car', as it covers a vehicle that can carry up to eight people and not weigh more than 3500kg

Cool... they might use the same criteria as the driving licence does then, I guess.

I'm sure they'll find some way to wring money out of me, though.

Litcagral

MOTORised CARriage with an internal combustion engine!

rsta

TommyK wrote:

Cool... they might use the same criteria as the driving licence does then, I guess.

I'm sure they'll find some way to wring money out of me, though.

yeah as far as i know i think they do... but you are right to check with them first. have you got a full licence?

TommyK

rsta wrote:

yeah as far as i know i think they do... but you are right to check with them first. have you got a full licence?

Yep, a full B since 1999.

I'll definately check with them anyway.

Tommy.

stevenmu

AFAIK it needs to be both taxed and insured privatly.