COMPANY car parks are one of the most hazardous places for fleet cars to drive in, as most incidents occur while vehicles are either parked or trying to leave a space.

According to new research, more than 14% of repair claims identified damage while parked and more than 11% from 'colliding with fixtures' at low speed. Results of the investigation by Arval PHH Accident Management prompted the firm to call for risk management programmes to be tailored to the problems affecting drivers.

It added that any successful initiative to cut accidents could help fleets reduce their insurance premiums.

Its own experience reveals examples where drivers may persistently park close to corners where their vehicle is more likely to be struck by other cars.

Arval PHH Accident Management director Mike Breeze said: 'A major cause for concern is the fact that more than 11% of fleet claims come from 'collisions with fixtures' such as lampposts and bollards. This suggests that drivers are taking insufficient care and demonstrates the need for risk management measures such as driver education.

'Insurance costs for fleets are going up. Legislative changes and rising NHS and repair costs are pushing premiums even higher. In such an environment fleets must be able to control as much of the accident management process as possible.'

Breeze said it was vital fleets have an effective policy for tracking repairs and accident damage, as well as training drivers to avoid crashes.

Breeze said: 'Fleets must have an effective policy for tracking repairs and accident damage as well as discouraging driver neglect. It will have a significant impact on the price of a vehicle when it is returned at the end of a contract period or sold on, and that also affects the bottom line.'

The findings from the firm reflect a recent study published by Godfrey Davis Contract Hire which found that in 2003 twice as many companies had introduced penalties for drivers who crashed compared to 2002. Its Company Cars – The Driver's Perspective report found that 32% of fleets operated such a policy.

Top 10 insurance claims

Cause…% of fleet claims
1. Damage while parked…. 14%
2. Collision with fixtures…. 11%
3. Third party hit rear of driver…. 8%
4. Driver reversing/manoeuvring…. 6%
5. Driver hit rear of third party vehicle…. 6%
6. Third party cut across driver's path…. 5%
7. Theft from vehicle interior…. 4%
8. Vandalism…. 4%
9. Object hit vehicle…. 3%
10. Driver hit by third party reversing/manoeuvring…. 3%

  • Source: Arval PHH Accident Management