Manheim launches “End-of-Life” damage recovery service

Manheim DeFleet Services has launched an innovative vehicle inspection and damage collection service to improve the recovery of end-of-contract damage and excess mileage liability costs from drivers. A new agreement with Close Credit Management (CCM) means that fleet managers can look forward to reduced administration costs and quicker recovery of money owed by drivers. Several leading finance, fleet, leasing and contract hire companies are trialling the service and GMAC has already signed-up.

Under this new service, when a vehicle reaches the end of its life on a fleet, a Manheim Inspection Services inspector will examine the car for damage with the driver present. Using the latest hand-held technology, damage outside Fair Wear and Tear and any missing components are instantly costed and signed for by the driver. The detailed electronic vehicle condition report is transmitted to CCM, enabling CCM to contact the customer within 24 to 48 hours to recover the damage and excess mileage liability detailed within the report, resulting in days and sometimes weeks being taken out of the credit control and collection process.

Richard Tatford, Head of Collections at GMAC said: “It is an uncomfortable fact of life that motor finance, fleet, leasing and contract hire companies are having to place a greater resource and time on collecting damage and mileage penalties. This innovative new partnership provides a solution to this problem.”

David Mercer, Managing Director of Manheim DeFleet Services added: “The speed and convenience of the process means we have seen a much higher recovery rate because drivers haven’t had a chance to forget about what they have signed for. The driver sees the cost at the time that the car is returned so knows how much needs to be paid. There are significant write-offs in the industry at the moment and this innovative service ensures that administration costs are reduced and money is recovered much more quickly.”