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We're delighted to announce that a new insurance solution for small community car clubs has been found. The Derwent Valley Car Club (DVCC), run by the Blackhall Mill Community Association, has announced a breakthrough partnership with Business Choice Direct (BCD) supported by the Scottish Rural & Islands Transport Community (SRITC), addressing one of the greatest threats facing community-led transport. With the withdrawal of previous insurance providers, up to 40 car clubs across the UK were recently at risk of closure, leaving communities without access to this vital, low-cost and sustainable transport option.
Since 2020, SRITC community members have raised concerns during monthly online cafés, leading to a call for evidence that drew over 40 responses. These highlighted the challenges of losing car clubs as well as their social, economic, and environmental value. A strategic focus group was then formed, bringing together communities, policymakers, government, and industry, to explore both urgent solutions for car clubs at risk and longer-term ways to ensure sustainable, affordable shared transport.
The work also complements ongoing efforts by Como UK and the Community Transport Association (CTA), who continue to provide vital advocacy, research, and support for shared mobility and community transport providers across the UK.
Until now, insurance products were typically restricted to larger schemes with three or more vehicles, excluding the majority of small, rural clubs. The new package, developed through collaboration between DVCC, BCD, and SRITC, provides affordable and flexible insurance for car clubs with two or more vehicles, unlocking access to shared transport for many more communities. DVCC’s “Car Club in a Box” model - eCo Car Club, developed through more than a decade of successful operation in the North East, provides the framework and governance standards to support the creation of this insurance pathway.
Jamie Park from Blackhall Mill Community Association (DVCC), says:
“The lack of accessible insurance has been the single greatest challenge facing community car clubs across the UK. This partnership with Business Choice Direct and SRITC provides a lifeline, ensuring clubs can continue to cut costs, reduce car dependency, and give people real transport choices. It’s a turning point for community mobility.”
Jenny Milne, Founder of SRITC:
“This breakthrough shows what can be achieved when communities, organisations, and policymakers work together. By connecting our members and amplifying their concerns, we’ve helped deliver a practical insurance solution that will keep vital car clubs on the road. The next step is finding a way forward for clubs operating with fewer than two vehicles, so no community is left behind.”
Tristan Scaife, Director of Commercial, Business Choice Direct, says:
“The BCD team and I are delighted to offer this new insurance product to community car clubs in need. This would not have been possible without the support and insight of DVCC and SRITC, whose help was key in bringing insurers to the table. We look forward to supporting new, re-forming, and existing groups in the near future.
The creation of this insurance solution was made possible by the collaborative efforts of DVCC, BCD, SRITC, and Edge Innovation. Early feasibility research was supported by the Department for Transport and Connected Places Catapult, while the Royal Countryside Fund backed development of the Car Club in a Box model, recognising its potential to strengthen rural mobility and resilience. This development mean that car clubs can once again thrive, giving communities across the UK a practical, low-carbon way to improve transport access and reduce emissions.
If you would like to learn more about the new insurance solution, please contact Tristan Scaife: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Susan Ross: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
About the project contributors
This project has been shaped with input from a wide range of organisations, through consultation and involvement in the focus group, including:
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