Summary of "BFC x Tusker Webinar"
Summary of BFC x Tusker Webinar
This webinar, presented by Kate Thompson, Account Development Manager at Tusker, provides a comprehensive overview of the Tusker salary sacrifice car scheme available to Bracknell Forest Council employees. The main focus is on explaining the scheme’s features, benefits, responsibilities, and how to access and use it.
Main Financial Strategies and Business Trends
- Salary Sacrifice Scheme for Vehicles: Employees sacrifice part of their gross salary in exchange for a leased vehicle, reducing taxable income and National Insurance contributions.
- Tax Efficiency with Electric Vehicles (EVs): The scheme exclusively offers Electric Vehicles, which benefit from very low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rates (currently 3%, rising by 1% annually), making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option.
- No Deposit or Personal Credit Check: Unlike private car purchases, no deposit or personal credit check is required since the lease is arranged through the employer.
- Flexible Contract Terms: Contracts range from 24 to 36 months for new cars, and up to 48 months for pre-loved vehicles, with mileage options between 5,000 and 35,000 miles per annum.
- Lifestyle Protection: Robust protections allow early termination without penalty under specific life events such as redundancy, maternity leave, relocation, or medical issues.
- Environmental Commitment: Tusker offsets all tailpipe and EV charging emissions, supporting sustainability goals.
Key Features of the Tusker Scheme
- Vehicle Options:
- Factory order (custom-configured vehicles)
- Stock cars (pre-configured, ready within 6-8 weeks, about 70% of fleet)
- Pre-loved vehicles (young used cars, available within 4 weeks, discounted, with full service and maintenance)
- Inclusive Services:
- Routine maintenance and servicing aligned with manufacturer standards
- No-quibble tire replacement policy
- Fully Comprehensive Insurance covering up to three additional drivers, including business and private use
- RAC breakdown and recovery cover in the UK and Europe
- Annual vehicle excise duty (road tax) included and automatically renewed
- Accident management service to handle repairs and insurance claims
- Insurance Details:
- Fleet policy not dependent on individual no-claims bonus
- Coverage extends to partners/spouses for business miles
- Age and vehicle insurance group affect eligibility and premiums
- Proof of driving history can be obtained for future insurance purposes
- Ordering and Management:
- Online portal for quotes and orders, requiring personal details to generate bespoke quotes
- Options to adjust contract length, mileage, and vehicle specifications
- Ability to opt out or upgrade relief cars (small second cars)
- Use of a network of 7,000+ approved independent garages for servicing to reduce costs, with option to choose manufacturer dealers at a premium
- Digital signing of driver and salary sacrifice documents
- Ongoing order status updates via portal and email
- End of Contract Options:
- Order a new vehicle with “key for key” delivery (new car delivered as old car is collected)
- Purchase the current vehicle at competitive market value
- Return the vehicle and exit the scheme (with checks for excess mileage or damage)
- Additional Notes:
- Home EV Charger installation offered via partner Charged EV, including a £100 discount
- Fines (parking, speeding) are initially paid by Tusker and charged back to the employee with a small admin fee; employees can still appeal fines
- Excess mileage fees apply if contract mileage limits are exceeded but contracts can be adjusted mid-term to avoid this
- Damage beyond fair wear and tear is the employee’s responsibility to repair before vehicle return
Step-by-Step Guide to Ordering a Vehicle
- Access the Tusker portal with company code (BFC) and payroll number.
- Enter personal details (postcode, salary, DOB) to generate a personalized quote.
- Choose vehicle type: factory order, stock car, or pre-loved.
- Customize vehicle options (paint, trim, option packs).
- Select relief car option (remove, standard, or upgrade).
- Review detailed quote showing gross salary reduction, tax and NI savings, pension savings, and Benefit-in-Kind cost.
- Digitally sign driver declaration and salary sacrifice documents.
- Submit order for employer approval (ensuring no breach of minimum wage).
- Complete driver license check promptly to avoid delivery delays.
- Track order status via portal and receive email updates.
- Vehicle delivered; ongoing support available via driver portal and Tusker’s support team.
- Near contract end, decide to order a new vehicle, purchase current vehicle, or return it.
Presenters and Sources
- Kate Thompson – Account Development Manager, Tusker
- Vincent – Webinar moderator (enabled Q&A)
- Additional support and engagement team at Tusker
Category
Business and Finance
