Volunteers who are using their own cars have been urged to check they are covered by the correct insurance policy by Norfolk police.

They have been warned a regular insurance policy may not cover volunteer work, while others may charge an extra premium or impose a higher excess.

It falls under the Road Traffic Act, which says every person who uses, causes, or permits another person to use a motor vehicle on a road or other public place must have a policy of insurance in respect of third-party risks.

Officers are issuing the following advice to volunteers who are using their vehicles to carry out their services:

n Contact your insurer to find out if you are covered by your regular motor insurance policy.

n Always include your volunteer driving miles when declaring your annual mileage to your insurer If you use a voluntary organisation’s vehicle for volunteer driving.

n You should be covered by the voluntary organisation’s insurance, but you must always check with each organisation to be sure.

Kris Barnard, head of the Joint Roads and Armed Policing team, said: “If you do not have the correct insurance policy for your specific use of a vehicle, you are committing an offence and could be subject to a fine.

“Officers have the power to stop road users and are likely to question their necessity for travelling, advising accordingly.

“We may also undertake basic checks to see if you hold a valid license to drive and also that you have the correct insurance cover in place.”