OVER half of company car drivers think it is their employer’s responsibility to get the car serviced at the appropriate times, even though the employee is actually accountable, the latest survey from Venson reveals.

The research exposes widespread confusion among employees when it comes to reporting company car damage and maintenance issues with the independent fleet management specialist now urging fleet managers to ensure their drivers know exactly what needs reporting and where responsibilities lie, in order to stay in control of costs.

Key findings

• 58% see car servicing as their employer’s responsibility
• 17.5% wouldn’t report minor damage to their employer
• 28%  of drivers – almost one in three – ignore dashboard warning lights
• Only 52% top up water coolants if they drive a company car
• Only 53% check oil levels
• Only 66% check tyre pressures and inflate if necessary

Gil Kelly, operations director at Venson said;

“Only 42% of the company car drivers we surveyed see maintenance as their responsibility, which could see fleet managers facing hefty charges at the end of the vehicle’s lease. This could be avoided if fleet managers, with the support of their fleet provider, communicate about service and maintenance responsibilities, not only at the time of handing over the keys of the car to an employee, but throughout the term of the lease to reduce wear and tear costs.

“In addition, by encouraging regular maintenance checks, businesses can identify issues early. This should include pre-collection inspections, prior to the end of a contract, to allow any damage to be identified and rectified.