Accident Management
The accident management service (Accman) was developed for companies that have some level of self-insurance where accident costs are mostly carried by the fleet and not the insurer. The control of these direct costs is vital, but difficult, as they are an unknown quantity for many fleet managers as damage is often hidden and further, fleets are unlikely to have developed their own proven network of suppliers.
Additionally, an accident has additional costs beyond the repair costs. There is an administrative burden, potential loss of resale value and serious risk implications for driver safety and mobility.
Accident management was developed with all these factors in mind. It therefore incorporates the following;
- Driver Support
- Cost management
- Time management
- Supplier management
- Expense consolidation and reporting.
Driver support is the first need of any accident. Concerns about injury and security must be top of mind. A call to the service provider’s call centre will arrange necessary support for the driver and recovery of the vehicle and its subsequent movement to a secure location, without exposure to unwanted costs.
Cost Management is key. When accident costs are a direct expense, fleets want the best service at least cost. Cost is reduced by ensuring that the scope of repair work is accurate, without unnecessary work, and that each element of cost is minimised. The management of the scope and cost of repair is generally the work of an assessor. However, the Accman companies have taken it further by using expert software for repair evaluation and pricing together with dedicated assessors who have the responsibility to act on behalf of the customer.
Additionally, accident repair often includes mechanical repair and the Accman service provider will use its partner networks of mechanical suppliers to obtain reduced labour rates and parts pricing.
The service provider will further reduce costs by having pre-agreed fees for a range of services such as tow in, storage, recovery, assessors and vehicle rental.
Time Management. Reduced repair times are another significant cost savings. Repairers are required to give a firm completion date and their progress to achieve this date is strictly managed. Out of service vehicles are expensive and cause considerable inconvenience to the driver and company.
Supplier Management There will be a range of approved repairers available who were selected after a process of inspection. Key requirements are their resources, equipment, skill, OEM certification, quality guarantees, customer service and pricing. Quality repair ensures minimal impact on the future resale value of the vehicle.
Reduced Administration. The accident management process is automated, resulting in significantly reduced administration for the fleet customer. Orders are placed on suppliers and invoices are received, vetted and paid by the Accman service provider. All expenses are consolidated into a single tax invoice.
Detailed reports are provided which identify causes and the total cost of each accident
The accident management service is focussed on reduced cost and administration of accidents.
Have a question?
Contact Nigel Webb - Latitude Fleet Services - nigelw@latitudefleet.co.za