Fleets Have Increased Personal Use Fees for Vehicles

New survey data shows companies are tightening policies regarding employee use of fleet vehicles.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Trucks

Isometric editorial illustration of orderly rows of cargo vans parked on a grid, representing corporate fleet management policies. — Approximately 54% of companies now charge employees personal-use fees for corporate fleet vehicles as organizations work to manage rising insurance and operational costs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should companies charge employees for the personal use of assigned company vehicles?

A recent survey conducted by Automotive Fleet reveals that 79% of companies now allow employees to use company vehicles for personal purposes. However, 54% of these organizations have implemented personal-use fees to offset the costs of these privileges.

Why it matters

As fleet management evolves, companies are balancing employee benefits with the financial and liability risks associated with personal vehicle use. Standardizing fees and eligibility requirements helps organizations manage rising operational costs and insurance complexities.

Of the 71 companies surveyed, 64% offer unlimited personal-use access, while 42% allow an employee's spouse to operate the vehicle. Additionally, 87% of fleets mandate motor vehicle record checks for any non-employee drivers.

The players

Automotive Fleet

This organization is a prominent industry publication and research entity that tracks developments within the commercial vehicle and fleet management sectors.

The details

Companies are increasingly prioritizing job function as the primary determinant for vehicle eligibility, with 69% of respondents using this metric to screen participants. The survey also tracked an uptick in fee adjustments, with 11 companies raising charges in 2025 and 5 doing so in 2026.

In 2013, 87% of fleet managers permitted personal vehicle use.
In 2024, 72% of respondents allowed personal use of company vehicles.
Eleven companies increased their personal-use charges during 2025.
Automotive Fleet conducted the survey regarding personal-use practices in 2026.

Roadmap

The shifting percentage of fleets allowing personal use suggests a cyclical approach to employee benefits in response to broader economic pressures. This trend marks a departure from the steady decline observed over the past decade as companies re-evaluate their vehicle asset utilization.

Employees with company vehicles should anticipate more rigorous screening processes and potential increases in personal-use fees as companies standardize their policies. Drivers are advised to confirm their eligibility status and fee structure directly with their employer's fleet management department.

The takeaway

Companies are increasingly moving toward a cost-recovery model for personal vehicle privileges to mitigate potential liability and operational expenses. Employees should carefully review their vehicle use agreements to avoid unexpected charges and ensure they meet all company safety requirements.