If you’ve decided to opt out of your company car scheme altogether, how can you best run a private car with the minimum of hassle?
• Consider personal leasing companies and personal contract purchase (PCP) deals when looking for a new car. These are usually for a fixed period of time, such as three years, and can be tailored to include all servicing and maintenance bills. Although these may not represent the absolute best value for money, they offer a fixed monthly budget and convenience similar to running a company car.
• When insuring the car, shop around for providers who will take into account your previous driving record as a company car driver. Some will count this like a no-claims bonus, which can make a big difference to your premium. Try an online comparison engine such as Confused.com, Insurancesupermarket.com or Insurancewide.com to find an insurer who meets your needs.
• Look for cars that have low carbon dioxide emissions and low fuel consumption, to keep road tax and running costs down.