The aftermath of an automobile accident can be extremely costly for a company, both in terms of monetary costs and lost time.  An accident means lost work hours for employees who have an accident on the road, and hunting down reasonable repair-work estimates.

ARI Assist, a fleet accident and damage management service offered through ARI, Inc., a vehicle leasing and fleet management company based in Mt. Laurel, NJ, provides fleets with a comprehensive program for handling the frustrations surrounding vehicle collisions, damage done to parked vehicles, vandalism, and theft, ARI Assist takes control of the process from the moment the driver reports the accident to ARI.  According to ARI, it was the first leasing company to offer this type of accident management program, which it began marketing in 1983.

"The program is very 'driver friendly,'" says Ed Kemps, ARI's manager of insurance services.  "We're taking the burden from the driver and the fleet department."

Fleet drivers can call a toll free number and report the accident to an ARI insurance administrator.  The insurance administrator makes arrangements for any necessary towing and storage of the vehicle, as well as arranging for the driver a rental car if one should be needed.

This part of the ARI Assist program is designed to get the driver back on the road with a minimum of hassle and lost work time.

ARI provides an independent appraise to assess the damage and obtain an agreed upon repair price.  The damaged vehicle is taken to a local repair shop participating the ARI Assist program.  Currently, there are more than 6,000 pre-approved repair shops nationwide participating in the program.  The appraisal, agreement on price, and repair authorization can usually be accomplished within 48 hours.  This aspect of the ARI Assist program saves drivers time since they don't have to seek out two or more repair estimates, or negotiate repair items or costs.

The ARI insurance administrator arranges for repairs, issues a purchase order, and works to expedite repairs.  The repair is closely monitored to assure completion of the authorized work in the shortest period of time.

Fleet managers receive monthly accident summary report from ARI.  The report provides detailed information on each accident: the number of accidents, which vehicles and drivers were involved in accidents, the type of accidents, location of the accidents, and the amount of money paid out to repairs, and other pertinent information.  ARI Assist also issues quarterly reports summarizing all accidents, repairs, and subrogation recoveries.

If a company driver is involved in an accident and the driver or owner of the other vehicle has negligently caused damage to the vehicle, ARI will immediately file a subrogation claim notice on behalf of the company with the other party or their insurance carrier.  The ARI subrogation specialist then investigates the claim, presents substantiation of the damages, and attempts to negotiate a fair settlement.  If necessary, ARI will initiate legal action against the other party.  Claims against uninsured motorists can be pursued by ARI directly through a state's motor vehicle financial responsibility laws.