Coachline says online system makes serious accident reporting easier
Coach and bus operators involved in serious accidents are being promised an easier way to handle reporting with a new online system, according to Coachline Insurance.
Michelle Williams, from Coachline Insurance Services in Stafford, said all companies responsible for running public transport vehicles were required by law to supply information about serious incidents initially to their insurers, and then to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.
The government, in collaboration with the sector, has set up a new online form that is available on computer, tablet or smartphone.
“This move is great news for the industry as it’s a far simpler way to communicate with the DVSA, and it should encourage more operators to report incidents as soon as possible after they happen,” says Williams.
“We are one of only a handful of brokers to specialise in bus, coach and minibus insurance, and our Coachline team works closely with the industry to ensure our clients receive the very latest advice.
“Through the new online reporting service, operators will receive confirmation that their report has been submitted and the DVSA will aim to contact them within two working days.
“Operators must remember too that if they fail to inform the DVSA of a serious incident, they could face legal action – and any vehicle involved in an accident should not be used or repaired before their insurer or the DVSA responds to the report.”
Under the rules, operators need to report incidents where any vehicle failure or damage may affect the safety of passengers or other road users.
“The law requires transport companies to report any incident where there are fatalities, serious injuries or serious damage,” adds Williams.
“But other incidents including a system failure such as brake failure or wheel loss, a fire (including arson attacks) or a suspected serious safety defect must also be logged.”
The Coachline Services division is part of Bayliss & Cooke – which has joined forces with the Henshalls Group in Newport to create one of the region’s largest independent insurance brokers – based in Stafford.