Member Article

Do Fleet Managers Really Have Time to Find Their Inner Columbo?

**Director of Amber Claims Management Ian Ambrose looks at what is expected of fleet managers when it comes to accident management **

Following any incident that takes place on the road, be it fault or non-fault, it is essential that vital information is gathered at the scene. Unless drivers are well equipped for such an event, vital information can be ignored which can lead to complications further down the accident management line. This can make a huge difference for a number of factors, for example, how liability is established which can, of course, impact on both fleet bottom line and insurance premiums.

With in excess of over 40 years’ experience in dealing with incidents on the road from minor vehicle damage, assisting with replacement vehicles through to the devastating life changing injuries and fatalities, our teams are adequately trained to deal and react appropriately to any given scenario.

Based on our experience we believe that vital initial information will include (however is not limited to) the following:

· Photographs of the vehicles/accident scene/damage

· Details of witnesses

· Details of those involved along with respective registered mark of vehicles

· A comprehensive account of how the incident occurred

It goes without saying that without clear, concise information and vital evidence following an incident, the result can be disruption, downtime and confusion for even the most experienced fleet manager.

Along with key information regarding the case, a fleet manager must consider when an incident needs to be reported, the timescales in which it must be reported and the departments and managers who need to be kept informed to name just a few.

This is, of course, the tip of the iceberg.

To anticipate and resolve any issues a fleet manager may face, Amber Claims Management offers a range of bespoke pick and mix of services designed to bridge the gap for each and every requirement, from small business owner fleets to large commercial fleets, covering every angle of the accident management process and designed with a view to minimising costs by ensuring that such incidents are dealt with both immediately and correctly.

By outsourcing accident management, whether FNOL (First Notification of Loss) or the whole journey up to resolution, we ensure that fleet managers can concentrate on what they do best, managing their fleet, removing the tricky and often complex aspects of their role.

The team behind the amber:assist portal have the capabilities to deal with incidents efficiently, with its specialists working with both fleet managers and organisational multidisciplinary teams in accordance with the internal risk management policies.

We believe that the benefits of outsourcing your fleet accident management, or selected components, are invaluable – so as a fleet manager, why not leave your ‘Columbo’ jacket well and truly behind, sit back, relax and let amber:assist?

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Craig Guy .