How risk-focused tech drives better fleet futures

Insurance: Pozitive

The great news for businesses operating fleet vehicles, is that new-look insurance approaches can help make drivers more aware of their behaviour. This, in turn, can contribute to lower fuel costs as the driver takes more note of their speeds and becomes less erratic as they see the practical benefits of smoother driving.

Increased awareness can help transition to a green fleet, something required by 2030.  Whilst insurance has lagged behind sectors such as banking, in terms of digital transformation, that is all changing thanks to the policies on offer from ‘insurtech’ businesses.

What these tech-friendly insurance companies offer, including names such as Zego, will not suit every fleet operator. However, those for whom the technology works, can secure both operational improvements and cost savings.

Benefits of tech-friendly insurance

One benefit can be a reduction in overall insurance costs if a fleet is currently paying for insurance, regardless of whether or not vehicles are parked up for much of the day.

Some businesses only have vans carrying out an irregular delivery service, so traditional insurance may not be in their best interests when a pay-as-you-go insurance option is available instead. This calculates premiums according to vehicle usage. The premium can be solely based on vehicles’ time on the road and how they are used, or it can have a fixed element plus usage-only part.

This type of insurance cover’s beauty lies in transparency and avoidance of over-insurance. Time spent behind the wheel and driver behaviours detected by the fitted technology, determines the premium, unlike traditional policies focusing on driver profile, driving record and postcode area.

Analysing on-the-road performance is also the premise behind other technologies, often utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI). Driving efficiency and safety are being driven by in-vehicle technology that analyses aspects of driving such as gear selection, engine load and payload and helps drivers to mostly drive within the ‘sweet spot’ – where maximum efficiency and safety lie – whilst still accelerating and reacting when necessary.

Technology can reduce the overheads

With many behaviours analysed by this type of technology influencing the driver’s risk and fuel consumption, there is every opportunity to use such technology to reduce fleet overheads. Drivers are also empowered and can strive to achieve better performance because the technology is constantly measuring their behaviour and can contribute towards potentially lower premiums because of the driver’s good practice.

The payback for fleet managers comes from mile-per-gallon gains, dramatically reduced accident rates and less vehicle downtime.

Discouraging idling means fewer emissions – contributing to the battle against climate change. With this type of technology also alerting EV vehicle users when an electric vehicle charging is required, ‘forgetfulness’, a fleet ‘fear’ of 67% of fleet managers with regard to electrification, is removed.

What suits your fleet depends on your operation; we are always happy to steer you towards the best option.