Why you should choose a pick-up for your next company car

If you’re looking for a commercial vehicle with plenty of space and off-road capability, a pick-up could be a great option.

Did you know that you could get more for your money by choosing a pick-up over other large vehicles for your next company car?

That’s because double-cab pick-ups with a payload over 1,000 kg are classed as light commercial vehicles (LCVs), which means the taxes are fixed, rather than calculated on a sliding scale (as they are for other company cars). Specifically, benefit in kind (BIK) payments are charged at a flat rate, regardless of CO2 emissions or the price of the vehicle.

What is the benefit in kind tax?

This tax refers to benefits which an employee or director receives from their employment but which are not included in their salary or wages (also called ‘fringe benefits’). BIK tax will need to be paid on a company car if it is available for private use by the employee.

For the 2018/2019 tax year, BIK for double-cab pick-ups with a payload over 1,000kg will be fixed at £3,350. The cost to you is calculated depending on the rate of tax you pay. For example, if you’re a 20% tax payer, you’ll pay just £670 a year.

Pick-ups have other benefits, too!

• Practicality: You can fit a lot in a pick-up. Load areas tend to be huge and easy to use, and many pick-ups have impressive towing capacity.
• Fuel savings: Company car drivers are taxed on private-use fuel, too. Similar to the main BIK vehicle tax, the amount is fixed for 2018/2019 at £633. When you compare this with other company cars, it’s a significant saving. The price won’t fluctuate because of your salary tax band or BIK tax percentage.
• Off-road capabilities: Most pick-ups have 4WD capability, meaning you’ll be able to drive on most terrains with no problem. They also tend to have high ground clearance, so you’re less likely to get any scrapes. Most have a large wading depth too, to prevent engine flooding when driving through water.
  
• Interior comfort: Most modern pick-ups will have all the creature comforts you’ve come to expect from more popular models like SUVs. Although you might think of a pick-up as being more of a workhorse vehicle, you’ll find you can opt for the same cutting-edge infotainment systems, leather upholstery and touch-screen navigation systems.

Not sure which pick-up is best? Here are a few of our favourites…

Why not speak to one of our expert product consultants who can help you find a deal that’s tailored for your needs?

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