Fleet insurer 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.

"Zurich Fleet Intelligence is unique because it 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," said 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 extensive 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.

In the U.S., Zurich has signed on to offer its customers ZFI with telematics providers DriveCam, GreenRoad, IVOX, SmartDrive, and Trimble.

Zurich does not receive any fees or commission from these vendors when a customer selects their telematics services.

"Zurich's findings as well as findings from a recent study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration show significant safety benefits and a reduction in a variety of at-risk driver behaviors when fleets use in-vehicle monitoring devices," said Jim Breitkreitz, head of Corporate Client Risk Engineering Services in North America for Zurich Services Corporation.

Specifically, studies have shown that using driver behavior monitoring systems can help fleet managers to:

* improve driver safety by reducing collisions by up to 20 percent

* improve efficiency by reducing costs by up to 10 percent

* improve CO2 emissions by reducing fuel consumption by up to 11 percent.

According to Horgan, the question on fleet managers' minds is if they will receive a better price on their insurance premium if they use telematics to reduce at-risk behaviors.

Horgan said, "As chief underwriting officer, I can attest to the importance, during our underwriting process, of establishing a total risk profile that is applicable for each business. We then respond by setting a price that will help achieve the right balance between covering the costs of the risks and having the ability to deliver when it matters. By utilizing Zurich Fleet Intelligence, we'll recognize our customers' commitment to improving the risk profile of their fleet and view them as a better risk today than they were yesterday."

More info: www.zurichfleetintelligence.com.