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HOME : Just the FAQs Ma'amPleasure Driver Is Covered For The Occasional Trip To WorkSince I usually take the bus to work, I told my insurance company that I only use my car for pleasure driving. However, the other day, I had a dentist appointment, so I took my car to save time getting to work afterwards. Well, wouldn't you know it, as I was driving to work, a car veered into my lane and hit the side of my car. The accident wasn't my fault, but now I'm afraid my insurance company won't cover the damage, because I was driving to work when the accident happened. What should I tell them? And how do insurance companies define "pleasure driving," anyway? That's enough to set your teeth on edge, but don't worry! Your side trip to the dentist won't cause you any pain, at least from an insurance standpoint. Insurance companies understand that, even if you are only rated for "pleasure driving," there may be special occasions - as in your case - when you do need to take your car to work. As long as you don't make a habit of it, your coverage won't be affected. Let's say, for example, there was a transit strike in your city, and you had to drive your car to work for the duration of the strike. Again, the insurer would make allowances. However, there can always be exceptions, so if you know you are going to be driving your car to work for several days due to a transit strike, it's a good idea to inform your insurance company - just to be on the safe side. It would be a different story if you had told your insurer that you drive only for pleasure, and then took your car to work every day. In that case, the company may refuse to pay your claim. So always advise your insurer if there is a change in your driving routine. There are three classes of driving: 01 - pleasure driving, not driving to work regularly; 02 - driving to work, but not more than 16 kilometres one way; and 03 - driving to work with no kilometre restrictions. Insurers calculate your premium based on the distance you drive your car each day (along with other factors like your driving record, age, and where you live). If you belong in the 03 category, for example, don't tell your insurer otherwise hoping to save money on your premium - you'll end up paying the price if you have a claim. In your case, driving to work was an exception, so that dent in your car shouldn't make a dent in your pocketbook!
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