Groupama rolls out fleet risk programme

Following an extensive review of its in-house fleet risk strategy, Groupama Insurances has launched a comprehensive fleet risk management.

The programme is being rolled out to the 230-plus Groupama employees driving for business. It not only forms part of Groupama’s legal responsibilities as a caring employer but supports its positioning as a growing fleet insurer for the SME sector that requires customers to commit to fleet risk management as part of their insurance policy.

Colin Silverman, corporate HR manager for Groupama comments, “As a significant motor insurer who places a strong emphasis on risk management, it is only right and proper that we adopt a policy in-house which reflects our concerns for the health and safety of our own employees and other road users. We have worked closely with our specialist fleet underwriters and risk management partners to develop this comprehensive programme adopting the ‘best in breed’ developments from the fleet risk management industry.”

The first element of the programme comprises a robust method of verifying driving licences for employees who drive on company related business – whether that’s in their own car, a company car, pool car or a rental vehicle. The Licence Bureau has been appointed to initiate checks on Groupama’s behalf.

Fifty per cent of drivers have already had their licences checked using the new system with the remainder to be completed by the end of 2007.

Following driving licence checking, Groupama employees will be the first to use the newly enhanced and updated version of ‘DriverMetrics’ - an online driver risk assessment programme based on a series of questions known as the ‘Fleet Driver Risk Index’. This has been developed by Peak Performance, the risk management specialists, in conjunction with Cranfield University.

A comprehensive analysis report then identifies staff required to attend a driver development workshop and/or a practical on the road driver training session. At the end of the training, employees will be de-briefed to confirm progress, achievement of objectives and areas requiring further development.

Groupama will also use the data to establish employees who have not had an eyesight test in the last 12 months enabling them to offer access to a free examination.

Silverman concludes: “We are acutely aware of the duty of care implications of having a robust fleet risk management programme in place, particularly with the corporate manslaughter laws coming into affect in 2008. By exploiting the wealth of expertise within our business we have developed a programme that supports the health and well being of our employees, demonstrates that we practice what we preach to our policyholders, reduces our claims costs and improves the overall quality of our fleet.

“In addition to this programme, we are also considering a number of other developments relating to vehicle selection and safety, including EuroNCAP safety ratings, security measures as well as the impact on our carbon footprint.”