Care of company cars causes confusion

Fleet managers are under constant pressure from budget restrictions and wear and tear charges often feel like a sting in the tail at the end of a leasing contract. The lastest survey from Venson Automotive Solutions reveals that 58% of company car drivers think it’s their employer’s responsibility to get the car serviced at the appropriate times, even though the employee is accountable.

Key findings:
• 58% see car servicing as their employer’s responsibility
• 17.5% wouldn’t report minor damage to their employer
• 28% of drivers ignore dashboard warning lights
• Only 52% top up water coolants if they drive a company car

When asked if they undertake any vehicle maintenance, company car drivers are least likely to top up water coolants, (52%) with only 53% checking oil levels. In contrast, only 66% check their tyre pressures and inflate if necessary. Even more concerning is that almost one in three drivers (28%) ignore warning lights on the dashboard.

Venson’s top tips to reduce wear and tear charges:
• Use daily/weekly/monthly (depending upon vehicle usage) vehicle checks to spot issues early.
• Consider implementing a fleet policy that recharges fees back to drivers if incidents aren’t reported.
• Ensure your fleet provider has a clearly defined end of contract damage process to avoid hidden charges.
• Regularly communicate and educate drivers on what needs reporting to the fleet team.
• Make sure you have a pre-collection inspection prior to the end of your contract to allow any issues to be addressed or claimed through insurance.
• Use driver training and an ongoing education program to ensure drivers are driving safely which in turn will reduce accidental damage.