Company car tax explained - Corporate responsibility

Whether your company car is administered by a dedicated fleet manager, an outside fleet management company or the managing director, their responsibility does not end when they hand over the keys to your new company car.

Both you and they should remember this, because whoever is responsible for administering your car will be required to check the number of miles you are covering, that you are keeping up to date with regular servicing and that the car is being driven and looked after appropriately.

Sometimes it can feel as if the fleet manager is intruding on your space or putting red tape in your way - but the law says that they must monitor the technical safety and roadworthiness of your vehicle, issue a directive on mobile phone use in your car, recommend how often you take breaks and offer advice on safe driving practices.

If they fail to do this and you are involved in a fatal accident, they can be held responsible for corporate manslaughter.

Your company is also legally required to check a personal vehicle being used for business is up to the job, and your fleet manager may request a chance to inspect it before you set off.