Lock-in on Fleet Safety!
Want to build the best vehicle safety plan for your company? Want to keep your business profitable and better control your automobile insurance expenses? Here are the secrets to know.
Secret #1: Manage DOT Compliance
Obvious tip, right? Yet many businesses miss it. Many say, “DOT, get off my back!” Many say, “Yes, I will do this when I have time.” The DOT is here to stay and the best time is now. Good work pays off. Become a DOT guru and you’ll avoid the risk of fines and penalties for non-compliance. Step forward to manage DOT drug and alcohol testing, driver qualification files, inspection/maintenance requirements, the Clearinghouse, and the other safety requirements in place. You’ll stand out well because you understand and adhere to DOT regulations. You will see an improvement in vehicle loss control and risk management. Know this, insurance companies favor DOT compliant businesses. You will be more attractive to insurance carriers and increase your credibility with underwriters. Remember DOT compliance. It puts you in the best spot to command attention.
Secret #2: Pull Your Driver MVRs (Motor Vehicle Reports) In-house
Review and manage them with vigor. Yes, that’s my word. VIGOR! Often undervalued and not an exciting topic, MVR pulls are a tremendous fleet safety asset. They’re already required for DOT driver qualification files. Pull them for any employee operating your business vehicle. Pull them pre-hire as a condition of employment and once a year to keep track of driver histories. Pull them if an employee is involved in an automobile accident. If you want to improve fleet safety, build the strongest group of drivers possible. Use an MVR matrix for your pulls. This document aligns with your insurance driver qualification guidelines and tells you if a driver is acceptable, borderline, or unacceptable. There are many online vendors that make in-house MVR pulls easy. All will require written consent from the driver. Don’t let this impede your plan to get the record. Know this, insurance carriers value employers who pull MVRs to manage drivers. Want to control your insurance automobile premium? Implement an MVR pull and review program. It’s an ace up your sleeve.
Secret # 3: Implement a Written Fleet Safety Program
A well-documented program puts everyone on the same page. Customize it to fit your business culture and goals. It does not have to be pages and pages long. Be sure it includes a mission statement for safety and a sign off for your employees to acknowledge it. Leave room to address DOT compliance, MVR pulls, driving dos and don’ts, vehicle maintenance and what to do in the event of an automobile accident. It provides a platform for accountability and helps minimize misunderstandings between managers and employees. Keep it as a living document and update it as your business grows. We’ve all heard the saying, “If it’s not in writing, it didn’t happen!” Don’t let this be you! Your fleet safety program will improve with a written guideline in place. Know this, want the best insurance companies to partner with you? Put a written fleet safety program in place. It’s an absolute win for any business!
So, there you have it – THREE SECRETS TO KNOW. They are an unstoppable force when combined. Take hold of DOT compliance; Pull MVR’s; Implement a written program. Use the trifecta! You’ll improve your safety record and have better control over your insurance program. Your business will thank you!
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About the Author:
Sarah Dietz is a seasoned professional in the insurance industry with over 2 decades of experience. She is a licensed NJ insurance agent using both internal and external partnerships to achieve her client’s objectives. Sarah’s guiding principle has always been “Client First,” a mantra that she embodies in every aspect of her work. She has a reputation as a trusted advisor and advocate for her clients. Her strategic approach enables her to get the job done efficiently and effectively.
