Sponsored content: Lauren Vincent, corporate sales director at Europcar Mobility Group UK, discusses the crucial role of vehicle supply as insurers and the garage network supporting insurance claims face the usual winter peak
Motor insurance providers know only too well that the darker nights and slippery roads of winter bring a significant increase in claims.
It was reported by Covea Insurance that, in 2024, policyholders were up to 33% more likely to make a claim on their motor insurance during the winter months, while the ABI reported that the final quarter of the year saw the average claim hit a record high of £5.3k.
However, it’s not just dangerous road conditions in poor weather.
Separate research from Fleet World highlighted that professional drivers see the highest number of vehicle thefts and breakdowns, as well as collisions, during December.
Not only does this highlight the financial impact claims payouts have on insurers in winter months, it also shows the need for efficient and flexible access to replacement vehicles while owners’ vehicles are off the road.
As insurers and vehicle repair networks plan ahead and review their supply chain for the winter rush, they should consider partnering with a vehicle rental company that has the flexibility to meet fluctuating demand.
A chosen provider must be fit for purpose. It must be transparent when it comes to costs and have a wide range of vehicles to meet like-for-like requirements of the Consumer Duty, all maintained in good condition.
Nationwide coverage
To ensure fast provision of replacement vehicles that meet customers’ needs, including out of office hours, a rental provider that offers a nationwide delivery and collection service and can provide 24/7 cover is critical. The ability to process and deliver replacement vehicles as quickly as possible, especially in response to the increase in undriveable vehicles, is vital.
Bodyshops supporting the insurance market should also look for a provider that can offer a flexible mid-term solution for three to six months. This is particularly important to meet peak season demand.
Plus, to manage a fleet as efficiently as possible, a rental provider that has invested in the latest connected technology will give insurers and bodyshops certainty of supply. Knowing exactly where a vehicle is at the end of the rental and optimising internal processes such as fleet inventory management and vehicle maintenance, ensure that unscheduled downtime can be avoided.
A service fit for insurers
Doing things differently for a better customer outcome is also paramount. With a clear focus on the specific needs of the insurance sector, Europcar is continually optimising service enhancements to provide a smooth customer journey, including eNol and API integration.
And continued access to the entire Europcar UK fleet of around 40,000 cars and vans, including a growing proportion of electric and hybrid vehicles, supports like-for-like provision aligned to the expectations of Consumer Duty, as well as customer demand.
- For more information, visit Europcar UK here
