Ed- very well said- I have to agree. Travel to/from a customer has to be factored in when pricing either t & M or flat rate. It would border on discrimination to offer some techs paid travel to/from work & others not.

On the insurance side- I got a quote years ago on theft of tools from my work truck. At that time the premium was $3.00 for every dollar of tool cost. Needless to say the premium price was indeed 5 figures & the insurance wasn't purchased. As far as insurance coverage in your home driveway, unless you have a rider specifically for them, they aren't covered. They are considered work tools, not homeowner tools & need a specific rider.

To Colleen b- to make things fair I think that all tech's should report to the shop. What would your company do if a new hire wasn't allowed to have a work truck at his home (home associations & townships in my area are now adopting this policy to raise property values- stupid rule but true just the same). Basing your hiring practices on where a tech lives or what rules he has at his home I think is unwise. There are too many variables beyond your control.