6 ways to improve driver performance and reduce fleet insurance costs

Improving driver behaviour is an important consideration for Fleet Managers. Fleet Managers are consistently targeted on reducing overall fleet costs and driver behaviour directly affects key vehicle costs including; fuel consumption, maintenance and fleet insurance costs.

Discover 6 clear ways to improve your fleet driver performance and drive down fleet insurance costs:

1. Provide clear and consistent communication

Providing clear and consistent information on performance expectations and driver policies is by far the most important element in improving driver behaviour. Driver’s need to be consistently aware of the reasoning behind policies, such as reducing fuel consumption and fleet insurance premiums, and implications of failure to comply. Expectations that are consistently communicated are not forgotten and form part of a team’s overall behaviour.

2. Listen to driver feedback

Drivers are an essential feature in the running of your fleet and therefore their input and feedback is vital. In order for the drivers of your fleet to remain motivated and on board they need to feel involved and part of the decision making. Feedback on policies and procedures will therefore be essential in establishing an efficient fleet with policies closely embedded into the company culture.

3. Provide an established support network

Providing guidance and training on safe and efficient driving skills is key to improving driver behaviour. There is no point in incentivising a team to perform if they do not already possess the skills they need to achieve. Continued training and guidance on safe driving as well as efficient fuel consumption will not only improve driver behaviour but will also have a positive effect on fuel consumption, maintenance and fleet insurance costs.

4. Implement tracking systems

Telematics systems can be utilised to track your fleet vehicles to understand how they are being driven. You can measure distance travelled, if drivers are speeding, harsh braking, aggressive driving techniques, idling, over revving, etc… To improve the efficiency of your fleet instant feedback is given to the driver on their behaviour encouraging greater awareness. This data can then also be shared with your specialist insurance broker in order to drive down fleet insurance premiums and prove efficiencies in driving behaviour and reduced risk.

5. Incentive schemes and rewards

Rewards and incentives should not be used alone, but as part of an overall well thought out strategy they can help to enhance overall behaviour. Incentive schemes often work best when aimed at groups with a clear focus on their skills and process rather than outcomes. In many cases incentives work better when they are targeted at teams, rather than individual behaviour by working to exploit the advantages of peer pressure. Leader boards in this sense can help to motivate and encourage competitive behaviour and support for the overall policy.

In some instances an incentive scheme can give you the platform to discuss an individual’s ranking status and what they can do to improve their skills. Financial rewards should be considered carefully as they are hard to remove once established.

6. A combination of carrot and stick works best

It is important to ensure drivers take some responsibility for their own driving and those that are involved in repeat at-fault accidents can be asked to contribute towards the damage and repair of the vehicle, therefore discouraging future incidents. Avoiding a personal penalty can be a strong motivator and avoids a flippant attitude to driving.

Clearly too much of the ‘stick’ approach can demotivate and cause a reduction in communication and admission to accident fault. However, use of telematics or in-vehicle cameras can also be utilised to establish fault or to track driver behaviour. 

By utilising some level of contribution towards damage you will successfully improve driver behaviour and be able to show improvements which can help to drive down your fleet insurance costs.