New research reveals that drivers often delay the reporting of road accidents and essential repairs, which Lex Autolease warns could come at a high price.

The UK’s largest company car and van provider reports that it takes over nine days, on average, for drivers or fleet managers to report an incident involving their vehicle – a delay which could translate into higher maintenance and repair costs as well as increased vehicle and driver downtime.

“Drivers and fleets are quick to report vehicle fire and theft – usually in less than five days - but that almost doubles when it comes to standard road traffic accidents, which account for over 90% of all incidents,” said Shaun Perks, customer proposition manager at Lex Autolease.

“Part of the problem may be employees’ busy work schedules, but in the long run it is counterproductive in terms of managing both time and cost.”

To help tackle the issue, Lex Autolease has developed a new mobile web service – Mobile LAi – which will give drivers the power to remotely book in repairs, new tyres and replacement windscreens, or report accidents using their mobile handset. The service can also be used to schedule an MOT or service as well as providing access to What Car? reviews.

Perks added: “Wherever you are in the world, company drivers can now book their car or van in for a vital repair or maintenance job, through their phone. This literally empowers drivers to deal with emergencies on the spot, while also relieving some of the duty of care burden on the fleet manager. Mobile LAi is great peace of mind tool for both parties, so there really is no excuse for putting off what can be done in an instant.

“And, unlike many apps, Mobile LAi is also available as a mobile website for Blackberrys and other smartphones currently available on the market. If the technology is there, why not use it?”

Lex Autolease says that LAi – its online fleet management platform – is the fastest growing method of interaction with fleet managers and their drivers. Taking the same service to mobile is seen as a natural next step offering customers enhanced speed, convenience and duty of care protection.

“We have over 16,000 regular users of our desktop version of LAi, so we know there is a growing appetite for remote access to our online booking and quotation service. The fact that the app also includes maps, a Kwik-Fit centre locator, useful ‘how to’ guides and car reviews only adds to the appeal,” said Perks.

“But the real power of technology is added speed and convenience. Drivers with iPhones needing to book an emergency repair or scheduled service will find that the forms are pre-populated with vehicle and driver information. That means no more slow typing, inputting passwords and hanging around.”
 

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