Obviously the primary reason for loss control is because an Employer cares about the health and well being of their Employees. However, for this post, since claims experience can have such a significant impact on an Employer's premium, I will discuss more in terms of business and not so much the human element.
It can't be emphasized enough to your drivers, the importance of maintaining adequate distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them - especially if they are driving a service van or truck with a significant amount of equipment and project materials weighing down the vehicle.
It comes off as a "Captain Obvious" statement but so many accidents can be avoided with proper distance.
When they do happen, the Employer is not only facing a Business Auto claim, but also a Workers' Compensation Claim. The Insurance company will likely be paying for:
- Damage to your vehicle.
- Damage to the other driver's vehicle - possibly a total loss
- Bodily injury to the other driver - plus a possible significant settlement if they miss work or are severely injured and
- a Workers' Compensation Claim for your driver
Claims like this are typically quite large. After they happen, it is a good time to talk to all drivers about the incident and how it can be avoided (with proper distance) in the future. Good Loss Control can have a very positive affect on your premium.
Posted by dan@hebbeln-ins.com