To help fleet managers minimize their fleet operating costs and reduce crashes, Zurich announced a new program in the U.S. that combines its in-depth understanding of fleet insurance, operations and risk engineering to create Zurich Fleet Intelligence (ZFI).

"Zurich Fleet Intelligence allows fleet managers to understand the behaviors of their drivers, while also giving them access to a Zurich risk engineering specialist who can work with them to help improve their drivers' performance, in turn helping them reduce their fleets' operating costs and run a safer fleet," says Paul Horgan, chief underwriting officer for Zurich Global Corporate in North America. "It really takes the benefits of telematics data to the next level."

ZFI works by combining data from telematics providers with Zurich's analytical tools to turn the data into meaningful insights that can help fleet managers reduce their fleet operating costs, as well as:

• Optimize vehicle journey planning and deployment;
• Reduce vehicle running costs;
• Achieve increased fuel economy;
• Reduce the occurrence of vehicle crashes through defensive driving training;
• Influence future insurance premiums;
• Improve employees' driving skills and knowledge;
• Reduce stress and fatigue amongst drivers through coaching and development;
• Improve their fleet's impact on the environment.

Zurich does not receive any fees or commission from vendors when a customer selects their telematics services. "We are here to help our customers identify their business needs and then help them choose the most appropriate vendor to help them reach their business goals," says Horgan.