In brief
Damage management covers the recording, coordination, and billing of damage to company vehicles. Its aim is to restore vehicle availability quickly while keeping costs under control.
What happens in a damage case?
The driver reports the damage; the circumstances, photos, and people involved are recorded; a decision is made about repairs and the workshop; replacement transport is arranged; the claim is handled with the insurer; the invoice is checked; and the case is documented in the vehicle record.
The time-critical stage comes first: the more complete the initial report, the fewer follow-up questions delay settlement.
Where do the costs arise?
Not just in the repair. There are also deductibles, replacement vehicles, administration, downtime, and, in the medium term, the effect on fleet insurance through the claims ratio. Minor damage paid for directly often costs more in total than individual major claims.
What typically delays handling?
Incomplete reports. If photos, details of the other party, or a precise account of events are missing, a chain of questions can continue for days while the vehicle is unavailable. It is also common for minor damage to go unreported until lease return, when it appears as a reduction in value and costs considerably more.
A report that can be submitted on site from a mobile phone, with guided questions and photos, is therefore effective. It increases reporting of minor damage, which may initially look like more claims, but reduces total costs.
Further reading
Fleet Management Without Excel Spreadsheets
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