A THIRD of fleet drivers fail to understand what benefits might be available from opting out of company car schemes. A survey carried out by Cheshire BMW and MINI dealer group Blue Bell found 37% were unaware of any potential benefits.

Blue Bell BMW business development executive Peter Stanier said: 'What surprised us, bearing in mind that extracting the best possible car or company car budget out of the employer is a national sport among company car drivers, was that more than a third had no idea that opting out could mean a better car at a lower price.'

However, the company's comments fall foul of critics of such schemes. Opponents believe administration can be increased for a company offering an opt-out choice and that many directors are unaware they have the same health and safety liability for employees using their own cars as for company car drivers.

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