VTC and professional carpooling: what coverage extensions?

Professional carpooling with a VTC requires adding extensions to the standard insurance covering extended operating liability , co-paying passengers , transported luggage , comprehensive insurance and legal protection to avoid any gray areas in the event of a claim.

Professional carpooling (connecting employees for a financial contribution) is gaining ground among businesses. If your VTC car insurance already covers classic VTC activity , it does not systematically include additional paying passengers or transported luggage. To operate legally and with complete peace of mind, it is essential to take out suitable extended guarantees . Here are the key options for transforming your VTC contract into comprehensive pro-carpool coverage.

1. The legal framework for professional carpooling

Non-professional carpooling is covered by standard car liability insurance if the costs are simply shared. On the other hand, professional carpooling – when you organize and invoice the connection – is considered a paid transport activity, requiring appropriate VTC professional liability insurance. Without this distinction, the insurer may refuse any compensation in the event of a claim.

2. The limits of standard VTC insurance

Civil liability for traffic and professional liability for VTC cover the accident, but do not cover:

• Additional passengers exceeding the declared capacity
• Baggage or goods transported, particularly if fragile or valuable
• Disputes arising from a breach of contract between employer and employees requiring enhanced legal protection

3. Warranty extensions to consider

3.1 Extended Operational Civil Liability

Covers damage caused to third parties and passengers beyond standard VTC use, including connection and contractual management of journeys.

3.2 “Passenger” guarantee

Compensates for injuries suffered by all passengers, including those taking part in professional carpooling, with a limit per claim adapted to the maximum number of seats .

3.3 Goods and baggage insurance

Protects personal effects or transported goods (computer, documents, packages) against breakage or theft , up to an amount predefined by contract.

3.4 All risks or Omnium

Consider comprehensive insurance to cover all damage to the vehicle, including collisions with a third party for which you are not responsible, particularly on private access roads or construction sites.

3.5 Legal protection

Provides follow-up and defense in the event of contractual disputes with the employer or between passengers, including lawyer, bailiff and procedural fees .

4. Practical cases

• Company X organizes daily carpooling: without a “passenger” extension, a serious accident exempted it from compensation for two injured employees, due to the lack of specific cover.
• Company Y added baggage cover for their sales staff's packages, avoiding a cost of €5,000 in stolen computer equipment.

5. Tips for negotiating your contract

1. Accurate costing : Calculate the maximum number of passengers and the value of goods transported.
2. Benchmark : compare several specialized VTC/TAXI insurers for their carpooling options.
3. Clear amendments : obtain a specific amendment mentioning professional carpooling.
4. Regular monitoring : review your limits and options annually according to the evolution of your fleet and your services.

Conclusion

Professional carpooling requires adjusting your VTC coverage: without targeted extensions, you expose yourself to dead zones in the event of a claim. By integrating passenger, baggage, extended operating, comprehensive, and legal protection coverage, you offer your customers a safe and compliant service, while protecting your business.
KT VTC & TAXI supports you in negotiating and implementing these options for 100% secure professional carpooling.