ECOS Scheme Policies
This section outlines some of the key policies of your scheme. Your employer may have their own policy in addition to this and you should contact your Scheme Co-ordinator if you have any queries.
Optional extras
Options are available in agreement with your Scheme Co-ordinator.
Fitting of accessories
Dealer-fitted or after-market accessories (e.g tow bars) may be fitted to your scheme vehicle at your expense, but these must be removed prior to return. Any resultant rectification work should be completed so that the vehicle's appearance is not affected.
Return vehicle condition
At the time of order, all eligible employees will be supplied with a copy of the Acceptable Condition Guidelines. It is imperative that all vehicles are returned to your employer in a condition commensurate with this document if end-of-contract charges are to be avoided.
Initial Deposit
The standard scheme proposition features no requirement for a deposit. There will also be no option to reduce monthly repayments through payment of an optional deposit.
Payment Collection
Participating employees will be asked to sign a Payroll Instruction Form (PIF) which enables vehicle-related costs to be collected direct from net pay.
Early Termination
Participation in the scheme is dependent to continued employment. Employees who choose to terminate their employment during the contract period will have two options: either settle the outstanding finance and keep the car, or return the car to your employer.
Fines Administration
As the registered keeper of the vehicle, all potential fines and Fixed Penalty Offences will be sent to Car Benefit Car Schemes Limited. Drivers' details are then passed onto the relevant authorities. It is then the responsibility of the driver to resolve the issue and/or pay the fine within the stated time period.
In the event that the relevant authorities require Car Benefit Car Schemes Limited to pay the fine or charge, we will do so. In other cases where the issue is not resolved, or the fine is time sensitive (e.g. London Congestion Charge or Parking Fines), Car Benefit Car Schemes Limited may also pay the fine or charge. Where Car Benefit Car Schemes Limited pays for a fine or charge the cost will be recovered from the related {{ genericTags.clientNetwork || 'Retailer' }}. In turn, the cost will be deducted from the employee through salary deduction, in accordance with the Payroll Instruction Form authorised by the Employee.
Should the employee wish to exercise their right to appeal the fine, this can be taken up with the relevant authorities. In some cases, this can be actioned after the payment has been issued.
New Starters
Newly eligible employees may be required to successfully complete their statutory probationary period at their site before being invited to participate in the scheme.
Driving licences
Participating employees must hold a valid current UK Driving Licence at the time of ordering, and produce both parts (photographic card and paper element, photocopies are not acceptable), to their nominated Scheme Co-ordinator as and when requested. The address on the Driving Licence must match the site records for the eligible employee.
Please Note: The Paper element of a driving licence is not required for licences obtained after June 2015.
Mobile phones
The company expects participating drivers to comply with prevailing Road Traffic legislation (which is amended from time to time). Under no circumstances should a hand-held mobile phone be used by the driver of a scheme vehicle whilst the engine is running.
Maternity and long term illness
Employees who leave their employment on maternity or long-term illness will be given the option to terminate their scheme vehicle by returning the car.
Alternatively, should the employee prefer to retain their vehicle and continue making repayments, alternative arrangements will be made for the collection of the balance of monthly installments. Please speak to your Scheme Co-ordinator for further guidance.
Business Mileage Recording
A ECOS car is a private car therefore any business mileage in this vehicle must be recorded in line with the company mileage recording policy. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure accurate and auditable records of any business mileage are captured and retained for future reference.
Insurance Cover
Motor insurance shall be provided by your employer.
Insurance Groups
Your employer shall notify you of any applicable insurance group restrictions.