F&I Management & Training

Venson calls for change in the ‘replace over repair' culture for fleet windscreens.

www.venson.com

Venson Automotive Solutions, a leading independent fleet management specialist, is warning that fleets  are incurring unnecessary costs by replacing windscreens instead of repairing them.  The cost of repair is on average less than 15% of the replacement cost, yet many companies still choose replacement as the automatic option. Venson is calling for a rethink in the way businesses deal with damage to windscreens to save fleet managers thousands of pounds.

Venson statistics show that on average 32% of the vehicles it covers have their windscreen repaired when damaged - a figure that is well above the industry average.  However, many fleet operators are still opting for the far more expensive option of simply having them replaced - which can cost more than 5 times the price of repair.

Carl Stephens, Commercial Director of Venson Automotive Solutions, explains: "The windscreen is one of the most vulnerable areas on a vehicle to be damaged, so with the extended cold period we have experienced this year, together with the increasing danger of potholes, small chips and cracks have become worse almost instantly.  Not surprisingly, windscreen damage has been at a record high." 

Venson has operated a ‘Repair First' policy over the 11,000 Light Commercial Vehicles and cars covered by its fleet and accident management services.  This approach saved its clients over £18,000 in 2012.

Stephens concludes, "As part of our Customer First approach, we are fully committed to identifying areas in which Clients can save and improve efficiency. Whilst we recognise that the majority of Fleet Managers understand the benefits of repairing over replacement of a windscreen, we would urge that this message is conveyed - with the help of a fleet management specialist - to drivers.

"Our fantastic record of reducing the financial impact of windscreen damage comes as a result of one thing - education. We ensure that our client management teams, fleet managers and ultimately, the drivers know how to spot stone chip damage early and book a repair. Not all cracks mean a windscreen needs replacing.  The message is simple when it comes to windscreens - think repair first, not replace."

DATED: 15.05.13

FEED: HA