Before starting the ignition, consider loading up your employees' phones with the following apps:
RepairPal
This all-in-one app (and free, to boot) will guide you through the steps necessary to jump a dead battery, check on fluid leaks, or change a flat tire. What sets it apart from similar apps is the ability to punch in your car's info and the type of problem you're having (Not sure what that is? Use the diagnostic tool), and get estimates for the job needed to fix it. Finally, it shows you the closest repair shops and towing services to your location, so you can literally call and price the market with an estimate in hand.
MotorSafe
What are you supposed to do immediately after an accident? If nobody is injured, the first instinct is to call the police, and then most of us will call a friend, a family member, or in the case of a company vehicle, the boss. Taking the time to accurately document the wreck will make a big difference in securing your insurance claim, however, especially if the other party argues that you were at fault.
Remembering to carefully record the details of a wreck can be difficult during the chaos that follows. This app walks you through the process, following a checklist that includes taking photographs of the damage before the cars are moved, including time and GPS stamping on each. It also prompts for written and audio notes.iTalk
No matter how friendly and apologetic another party involved in an accident may be at the scene, they may later try to prove that they were not at fault. It's a smart idea to record any and all conversations regarding a wreck. This free app is a simple voice recorder, and it works while you use other apps as well. Press record and keep evidence of your conversation with police and other parties in the wreck, in case you need it in an insurance claim battle. Check on local laws in your state about recording conversations. While it's legal in most places, you may need to reveal that you're recording in some states.
An Insurance AppIf you insure your company vehicles with one of the major providers, including Hartford, Progressive, Nationwide, Geico, and State Farm, it's worth keeping their own proprietary app saved on yours and employees' phones. In some states, proof of insurance can now be shown via these apps during traffic stops. Some of the apps include quick access to their roadside assistance programs, while all of them will easily walk you through the process and documentation of filing a claim.
Gas Buddy
Although it's not an emergency, there's no point in letting your employees fill up on costly gas when a cheaper option is nearby. This exit shows you the nearest stations with comparative prices, and includes a point system for reporting per gallon costs that can add up and be used for free gas.
There's no way to completely remove the risk of a wreck occurring in a business vehicle, but proper know-how and preparation can make the follow-up process run far more smoothly.Author Bio
John Egan is managing editor of the website Insurance Quotes, which assists consumers in increasing their knowledge about auto insurance, as well as health and life insurance.
It is true - best to be prepared for the worst case scenario. I that the company car has a little notebook of all the numbers that might be needed including: police, fire dept, traffic updates and towing in Surrey.