Personal Vehicle Insurance...

[Leeland]

I'm not sure what my insurance company would say if they knew I was a volunteer. I don't use my POV as an emergence response vehicle unless the incident is real close by to home and I do take my time getting to the scene. I'm too far to do a home response which has gone the way of the dinosaur and I don't think anybody does it anymore.

[pasobuff]

I'm not sure what my insurance company would say if they knew I was a volunteer. I don't use my POV as an emergence response vehicle unless the incident is real close by to home and I do take my time getting to the scene. I'm too far to do a home response which has gone the way of the dinosaur and I don't think anybody does it anymore.

If your vehicle is not (legally) defined as an emergency response vehicle, it is still just a passenger vehicle you are driving to a scene.....you are still subject to all laws and regulations...and your insurance should not be affected by you being a volunteer or not.

My old insurance agent was also a fellow Vol. FF in my department - part of why I chose his firm....he was able to get me the BEST rate after I shopped around - from the other companies there was never even a question asked about me being a FF (or even EMS) responder.....

[N2DFire]

Hey Neighbor (I'm down in Franklin),

First of all to clarify for everyone else (and you in case you didn't know)

In the Commonwealth of Virginia:
- Your POV is not, can not, will not ever be considered an Emergency Vehicle.
- Limited amounts, colors, and locations of lights are allowed on your POV - No sirens
- Warning Lights on your POV are considered "courtesy lights" and merely a request for the right-of-way. Others are NOT required to yield to you & you must obey ALL traffic regulations (Incl. speed limit)


That being said, in the event you are in an accident of some sort while responding to a call AND you were obeying all traffic regulations - then your insurance will cover you the same as if you were driving to get groceries.

There should be absolutely no effect on your rates for being a volunteer firefighter - if they do say they will raise your rates because of that you should at a minimum find a new carrier.

Hope that helps answer your question.

[oldtrackmedic]

Check with the fire department's policy. Some insurance companies insure your vehicle on the way to the firehouse. (i.e. you get in a wreck on the way to the firehouse after a page, the FD insurance covers it). While other FD insurance companies only cover what isn't covered by your insurance. I know with our department that was a big selling item...

[LVFD301]

I'm not sure what my insurance company would say if they knew I was a volunteer. I don't use my POV as an emergence response vehicle unless the incident is real close by to home and I do take my time getting to the scene. I'm too far to do a home response which has gone the way of the dinosaur and I don't think anybody does it anymore.

I would venture that the dinosaur is still alive and well in other parts of the world from yours. It is very common here in the land of departments that cover 200 square miles, 4 times that on auto aid for structure fires.

[FIREguy2011]

I currently work at a mainstream insurance company, doing office stuff until I get my license, but when you put an application in the computer, it doesn't ask what the vehicle is used for; pleasure, farm or work, thats it.

[BSFD9302]

I currently work at a mainstream insurance company, doing office stuff until I get my license, but when you put an application in the computer, it doesn't ask what the vehicle is used for; pleasure, farm or work, thats it.

In the standard policy of your carrier what does it say about having e-lights and sirens on your vehicle? Mine clearly states they are not allowed. I can get an insurance policy that will allow e-lights and siren but it is beyond the scope of reason in cost. Besides I wouldn't have them anyway.

[FIREguy2011]

Only if they are mounted (IE: permanent), and then you have to have a letter from said organization claiming liability, (so just stick with magnetics or windowlights.