Car Benefit Scheme for Employees

The University of Birmingham has teamed up with Tusker to bring employees a Car Benefit Scheme. In short, it’s a fully inclusive motoring package you pay for via salary sacrifice, letting you lease a brand new, fully-maintained and insured car for up to four years. Core advantages include:

A brand new car at a fixed monthly amount
A new car typically every 3-4 years
Servicing, maintenance & breakdown cover included
Fully comprehensive insurance
No deposit needed
Excellent fleet and manufacturer discount
Protection against life’s unexpected events
Tax and National insurance savings on ultra-low emission cars
No credit checks undertaken

Please note that, by law, the university cannot reduce an employee's salary below the minimum wage, so the makes and models available to an employee will depend on monthly salary versus monthly payments. Employees must also have an employment contract that lasts longer than their chosen car lease and have passed probation. See FAQs for full details.

ULEv 2

How do I access the benefit and find out more?

Access the scheme at www.tuskercars.com, where you create an account using your company code UOB1 and your Payroll number. You can also call Tusker on 0333 400 7431 or email EETeam@tuskerdirect.com with your queries. At the scheme site, you can view the range of models available, find answers to your questions and get a quote. Once you’ve decided on the car you want, simply submit your selection online and Tusker will arrange the final approval with the University.

Frequently asked questions

What is salary sacrifice?

Salary sacrifice is different from a standard company car or personal lease scheme. With the Tusker scheme, you agree to give up part of your gross salary in exchange for a non-cash benefit – in this case a fully insured and maintained brand new car. The benefit here is that you sacrifice the salary before your income tax and NI are deducted for a fully inclusive package with fleet and manufacturer discounts making it much cheaper than a normal private lease agreement. However, as it is through your employer you will be liable for a Benefit in Kind tax, but this is all broken down in your net cost quote.

Who is eligible?

To join this scheme, a colleague must:

have an employment contract that will last longer than their chosen lease
have passed their probationary period, if their employment is subject to one

If these two conditions are met, the main restriction on an employee's participation is the university's statutory obligation to pay all workers the national minimum wage. This scheme involves a pay reduction, which must be counted towards the calculation of the national minimum wage. The university cannot reduce pay below minimum wage in exchange for another benefit (in this case a car) by law, even if it is the wish of the employee. As a guideline, a colleague must be earning approx. £30,000 p.a. to access the scheme as the lowest typical monthly payment is £450 (2024). Note also that this minimum wage calculation is based on the individual's total salary sacrifices. So nursery fees, Cycle-to-Work scheme payments, and other salary reductions will affect colleagues' participation in the scheme.

Do I pay tax on the car?

Under the scheme you are liable for Benefit in Kind tax as the car is being provided as a benefit by the University. This tax is calculated based on your income tax band and the list price and CO2 of the car you choose. You can find more information about this by visiting the Tusker site.

How long will my new car take to arrive?

This varies depending on which car you choose. Once you’ve placed your order, Tusker will contact you with all the information along with an estimated delivery date. If you need a car sooner, you can visit Tusker’s ‘cars in stock’ page as these are available in as little as 2-4 weeks, depending on all admin being properly completed.

Who can I speak to for guidance?

Tusker have an Employee Engagement Team who offer support and guidance to make sure you fully understand the scheme. They can also help you choose the right car to suit your needs. You can get in touch with them through ’Live Help Online’, an online instant messaging service found on the driver site. Alternatively, you can also call them on 0333 400 7431 or email EETeam@tuskerdirect.com.

What happens if I want or need to leave the scheme early?

There is an early termination charge if you resign, or you are made redundant during the first three months of your agreement. However, if you resign or you’re made redundant after three months, the early termination charge may not be payable. There are also protections in place for maternity leave, paternity leave, although the eligibility period may vary.

What happens at the end of the agreement?

Tusker will contact you six months before you’re due to return your vehicle to discuss your options. You can choose to return the vehicle and swap it for a brand new one, or you can buy the car outright. If you want to buy your car outright, Tusker will give you a final purchase price two months before your agreement ends.

What's included?

The car benefit scheme includes all routine servicing and wear and-tear maintenance, fully comprehensive motor insurance, annual Road Fund License, European breakdown cover, replacement tyres and even lifestyle protections. This means you’re safeguarded against leaving the scheme early as a result of resignation, redundancy, ill health or other life events with no termination fee to pay. Please visit the 'about scheme' section on the scheme site for further information.