Can an employer require you to drive your vehicle for company errands?

Question

And if you don't have a vehicle can they require you to walk or ride a bike to run company errands? I know you can be compensated for .51/mile in gas but what if you're riding a bike?

Answer 1

If that's what you agree to when you agree to take the job.  Normally these things are discussed and agreed upon when you're hired so you can decide whether or not you agree to it.  If you don't want to do it - I would look for a different job.

Answer 2

It depends on your job description and contract.  

Be aware that using your own car has insurance implications.  It becomes ‘for business use’, instead of personal.  If you tell your insurance company this, your rates will increase.  If you don’t, and you get in an accident while on company business, your insurance may not cover you.

Answer 3

DO NOT drive your vehicle for work purposes. You are setting yourself up for a lawsuit, if something should happen. And then you will be on your own because the company will not back you up. I know of someone who was in an accident in her vehicle on company time. She was actually transporting a client. She was sued and the company would not help her. It made a big mess with her insurance-in fact, I am not sure of what happened.

My friend handles transportation for his company. He said to never drive your vehicle on company time and never drive a client, boss, co-worker, anyone else either. His employees are under strict instructions to not do this because he is protecting them.

The problem with your job is that you did not agree to run errands, but it may be one of those jobs where you have to do "other duties as assigned." I do NOT know the legal issues with this, as far as driving your own car.

I wish you luck. I would refuse to drive or ride and see what they say.