Road collisions are an unfortunate aspect that fleet managers must handle. In addition to the safety concerns associated with drivers being involved in accidents, employers also experience financial burdens due to vehicle repairs, downtime, and decreased productivity.
Prompt claim reporting allows for immediate action to be taken to mitigate further damage or loss. Early reporting ensures that all necessary information related to the claim is documented accurately while it is still fresh in the minds of those involved. This helps preserve critical evidence and details that might be crucial during the claim process. A late-reported claim could therefore, result in loss of evidence.
Reporting claims quickly can also help to get your drivers back on the road faster, as it can speed up the time it takes for repairs to be completed.
How to reduce the likelihood of accidents?
When running a fleet business, aiming to reduce the likelihood of accidents can help to reduce your overall costs and make your fleet insurance more worthwhile.
- Prevention - It is crucial that your drivers receive up-to-date training to ensure they operate their vehicles in the safest manner possible.
- Management System - By using a defect management system, you have the ability to set up fleet inspections and establish automated notifications for critical maintenance tasks, guaranteeing that your vehicles always stay on top of their servicing requirements. With the appropriate tools in place, your drivers can effortlessly report any defects or problems as soon as they become aware of them.
- Check the weather - It is essential to ensure that both your vehicles and drivers are prepared for all weather conditions, as approximately 22% of road accidents are attributed to adverse weather.
- Maintain your vehicle regularly – Performing routine maintenance of your vehicle is essential to reduce the risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Make sure to check your tyres, brakes, and fluid levels regularly to ensure that your car is in good working order.
Providing drivers with comprehensive training on accident prevention as well as proper protocol in the event of an accident is crucial to ensuring the safety of your fleet.
As a fleet manager, including accident reporting as a fundamental aspect of your role is essential. Adequate documentation plays a critical role in protecting both your drivers and your company. Furthermore, it enables you to access reliable data for future reference, aiding in the prevention of further accidents involving company vehicles.
Having Fleet Insurance to protect your vehicles, can offer you peace of mind when operating your business.