A collaborative approach could help fleets contain increasing vehicle repair costs and tackle the rising issue of electric vehicle write-offs, a meeting of the Association of Fleet Professionals’ (AFP) Megafleets Committee heard this week.

David Bartlett, head of AA Accident Management, was invited to present to the Megafleets Committee due to growing concerns around repair costs.

In particular, AFP members raised the issue of insurers being more likely to declare electric vehicles a total write-off because of the shortage of technician skills and concerns around battery handling.

Bartlett advised car and van operators to tackle rising repair costs by aiming for greater cooperation between all parties with a stake in repair processes, including bodyshops, insurers, brokers, vehicle leasing companies, accident management providers and more.

While he warned of a lengthy list of cost pressures that includes global factors such as tariffs and local impacts including rising labour costs, Bartlett added that steps can be taken to create a higher level of control over costs – and stressed that working collaboratively was probably the most important.

“If everyone involved in the repair process has a better understanding of mutual needs and challenges, opportunities can be identified to introduce cost control, as well as to increase service standards. It’s all about dialogue,” he stated.

Bartlett also said such an approach could help fleets with the growing issue of EV write-offs.

“Part of the collaborative approach is to push back if you are unhappy with what the insurer is doing. If you believe an EV write-off is unfair or inappropriate, gather information and talk to your insurer and broker to see if another, hopefully lower-cost, solution can be identified. After all, you are the customer.

“When it comes to EVs, an important point can be to consult your partners about the vehicles you are acquiring. There are quite large differences when it comes to parts accessibility and the availability of repair skills, and these can have an impact on not just repair costs but lead times, and the days or weeks spent in the bodyshop.”

Technology was another potential solution to controlling repair costs, he added, through the adoption of both well-established and cutting-edge products.

“Dashcams and telematics aid understanding of accidents and fleets that aren’t using them should doubtless consider doing so but you can also use artificial intelligence to gather information from drivers. Instead of a standard online incident form, a more advanced approach means each subsequent question builds on the driver’s previous response. It makes effective gathering of appropriate data easier and allows us to triage the repair.”

Paul Hollick, chair at the AFP, said: “The Megafleets Committee represents our very largest operators and several of them have been highlighting the issue of rising repair costs in recent months. It’s an area of fleet where expenditure seemed to start to rise following the pandemic and, while increases have slowed, has not really plateaued since.

“Hearing guidance from experts such as David provides new ideas on controlling these costs, and the committee is an important forum for AFP members to share ideas that are proving effective. As ever, being part of our association allows fleet managers to access the latest, most innovative thinking in all areas of our industry.”