What is an MVR?

An MVR isn’t just a report; it’s a comprehensive profile that offers insights into an individual’s driving history, revealing details such as license status, traffic violations, and accident reports. More importantly, this data can reveal trends in unsafe driving behavior before it impacts an organization negatively. For this reason, the MVR is a critical tool that is essential for organizations that depend on drivers or require employees to operate vehicles for business purposes.

Why Prioritize MVR?

Risk Management and Safety: Ensuring that only competent and safe drivers are behind the wheel is not just a precaution鈥攊t’s a necessity. The supports that drivers with clean records significantly the risk of accidents, promoting a safer operational environment. Studies have also that the risk of motor vehicle accidents increases by up to 113% when a driver has a history of moving violations or accidents on their MVR. Choosing drivers with a safe driving history lowers an organization鈥檚 risk.

Legal Compliance and Liability: The highlights the legal ramifications of negligent entrustment, where organizations can be held if accidents occur due to employing drivers with poor records. This extends to both company-owned and personal vehicles used for business tasks.

Organizations should also consider the evolution of nuclear verdicts in the commercial auto space, which have implications in liability claims outcomes. According to the , auto accidents accounted for 22.8% of nuclear verdicts between 2010 and 2019 with a mean verdict award of $33.8 million. The cost of nuclear verdict outcomes continues to rise. Additionally, the outlines the of maintaining accurate and updated MVRs to avoid compliance pitfalls and safety hazards for DOT regulated fleets.

Hiring Decisions: Integrating MVR checks into the hiring process is not just about compliance; it’s about smart hiring practices. Hiring employees who exhibit the ideals of an organization鈥檚 safety culture promotes a mutual safe workplace environment and is a factor in employee retention. According to , screening out unsafe drivers is important since they are more likely to cause problems for an organization in the future.

Optimal Timing for MVR Checks

Pre-Employment: MVR checks can help in making and avoiding potential hires that could pose risks. Ensure prospective employees have a clean driving slate before joining your team.

Annually: The also recommends to ensure continuous compliance and safety standards are met.

Continuous Monitoring: Stay ahead of potential risks with on driving records, enhancing your response time to any new violations. A robust MVR monitoring program can decrease motor vehicle crashes by up to .

Strategic Implementation of MVR Checks

Crafting Clear MVR Policies: Develop a robust MVR policy that violations and outlines criteria for evaluation, ensuring it aligns with state-specific regulations provided by the .

Actionable Grading System: Implement a to classify driving records and determine suitable corrective actions, from training to potential termination, ensuring these measures are clear and enforceable. Utilize reputable services for conducting these checks, ensuring comprehensive and accurate reporting.

Integration with Employment Protocols: Seamlessly integrate the outcomes of MVR checks into both hiring processes and ongoing employment evaluations, maintaining a high standard of safety and compliance.

Looking Ahead

For detailed strategies on implementing effective risk management practices in your organization or to learn more about MVR best practices and vendor solutions, visit our Risk Management page, or contact an Agent.

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.  We recommend consulting with an employment attorney to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and to receive legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

Now situated in Olive Branch, Mississippi, with a workforce exceeding 200 and a fleet of over 70 vehicles on the road every day, Michael Hatcher & Associates is deeply invested in maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency.

91黑料网鈥檚 partnership and safety journey with agency, , started with Michael Hatcher & Associates in 2010. Initially, the service delivery was focused on improving the overall safety culture and safety procedures for their employees. After making great strides in reducing the frequency and severity of worker鈥檚 compensation claims, the next step switched to improving key leading indicators in their fleet safety program.

In 2020, a strategic initiative was launched in collaboration with Josh Wilder, Safety Manager at Michael Hatcher & Associates. This initiative aimed to fortify driver selection procedures and leverage cutting-edge fleet technology solutions. Measures included the implementation of annual Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) reviews and the integration of advanced telematics controls.

Wilder expressed the impact of the partnership:

Working with the 91黑料网 and Insight team has been great. By implementing both MVR & telematics, we have been able to get in front of potential driver issues. Anytime I need help, they are quick to respond and provide feedback too. Our team has bought into the process, and we are reaping the benefits.

A critical aspect of this improvement strategy was the introduction of a third-party vendor, iiX, recommended by 91黑料网. This partnership allowed for comprehensive MVR checks on all company drivers, benefiting from preferred pricing arrangements with iiX. In 2021, Michael Hatcher & Associates fully institutionalized an annual MVR check for all company drivers, adhering to meticulously defined criteria to ensure the safest drivers were operating company vehicles. 

Building on this foundation, 91黑料网 Risk Management teams collaborated with Michael Hatcher & Associates to enhance the utilization of existing telematics systems. This involved monitoring driver speed, aggressive driving behaviors (such as hard braking, turning, and acceleration), and seatbelt usage. The resulting data facilitated the creation of weekly driver reports by Wilder, enabling company managers to instill accountability and find opportunities to address at-risk behaviors by immediately coaching the driver.

Pat Siano, agency producer and Insight Risk Management Vice President, highlighted the longstanding commitment to safety:

Michael Hatcher & Associates has been a long-time 91黑料网 policyholder, and their commitment to safety is second to none. They are proactive in their relationship with their 91黑料网 Risk Management Consultant, Jeremy Biggs, whether it is including him in safety discussions or putting in place any recommendations that he makes to help them improve their safety culture.

The outcomes of these strategic enhancements are more than noteworthy. Michael Hatcher & Associates has achieved an average annual reduction of 95% in the cost of auto claims, coupled with an 87% reduction in the frequency of auto claims. This success underscores their unwavering commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, positioning them as a benchmark in the industry.

If you are interested in implementing an MVR program or utilizing telematics to improve your company鈥檚 overall fleet risk, please contact your 91黑料网 Risk Management consultant. If you are interested in coverage and our risk management services, find an agency here and one of our partners will assist you.

Vehicle theft protection is of paramount importance for commercial fleets, as it can significantly impact operational continuity, employee safety, valuable company assets, and financial bottom lines. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that a motor vehicle was stolen every 32 seconds in 2022, resulting in a loss of $8 billion countrywide.

For policyholders with commercial fleets, the vulnerability of leaving vehicles parked outside heightens the risk of theft. Read on for some tips to assist in reducing the likelihood of vehicle theft and protecting valuable commercial assets.

Protecting Your Commercial Fleets

• : Encourage employees to park vehicles in well-lit, secure areas, preferably equipped with surveillance cameras. Utilize fenced lots or parking garages whenever possible to deter thieves.
• : Install GPS tracking systems in commercial fleet vehicles. These systems can help locate stolen vehicles quickly, increasing the chances of recovery.
• Key Management: Implement strict protocols for key management, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to vehicle keys. Store keys securely and consider using key control systems.
• : Install reliable alarm systems and immobilizers in commercial fleet vehicles. These security measures can deter thieves and prevent unauthorized access.
• Employee Training: Educate employees about vehicle theft prevention measures, such as the importance of locking doors, closing windows, and never leaving the engine running while unattended.

It鈥檚 always good to look for valuable opportunities to prioritize the safety and security of your vehicles. By implementing effective prevention strategies such as key management, vehicle tracking systems, and employee training, you can significantly reduce the risk of vehicle theft. Contact our risk management team anytime for an array of customized and innovative solutions to help ensure your vehicle鈥攁nd company remains a safe and successful workplace.