TWO major Government departments have outsourced accident management on their combined 3,200-vehicle fleet in what is believed to be one of the largest contracts of its type awarded in the industry. The Departments of Social Security and Health have chosen Lease Plan to handle their combined fleet.

The three-year contract will see Lease Plan control all aspects of accident management, including driver contact, designating repairs from Lease Plan's own approved network and liaison with insurance companies. While the contract initially covers cars operated by the two departments, it will be commended to other Government departments such as the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food, which could increase the vehicles on the scheme to almost 4,000.

Lease Plan fleet services manager James Daly said: 'Company car drivers have more accidents than the average motorist. By incorporating accident management into overall business strategy, organisations can make savings and spend less time liaising with body shops, insurance companies, third party insurers and so forth.'