From an international charity, such as the Red Cross delivering food aid parcels to Gaza civilians, to a UK-based charity such as Scope transporting volunteers and disabled service users to activities – voluntary organisations rely heavily on vehicles. In fact, for UK charities who provide special needs transport, rescue services or aid, vehicles are an integral part of their charitable work.
Unfortunately, road accidents for charities are increasing. The total number of incidents we have seen has increased by almost 20% from 2012–14. Statistics show that drivers in the charity sector are six times more likely to hit a parked vehicle or property than hitting third parties in the rear. The following steps can help to ensure damage to service users, vehicles, volunteers and staff are lessened in the event of a motor accident.
1) Plan for when things go wrong
Often charity vehicles have highly specialised requirements, such as equipment for disabled service users, rescue vehicles, multiple passengers and volunteers – charities must plan in advance and make sure their insurance cover meets their specific needs.
Organisations must ensure their policy cover includes volunteers, and if they use specialised vehicles, they must ask about the availability of a replacement if things go wrong.
This is equally important for smaller charities. Local social and voluntary organisations need to check with an adviser exactly what is covered to make sure it fits their specific requirements.
2) In the event of an incident, first make sure everyone involved is safe
The most important task following a collision is to stop and make sure all parties involved in the motor accident are safe. If the vehicle was transporting disabled people or children during the collision, take extra precautions as the injuries may be less obvious. In this instance, experts from Zurich advise charities to call the emergency services so healthcare professionals can double check everyone involved in the accident is safe.
If the social or voluntary organisation was carrying out a rescue service or delivering urgent food aid before the incident, it is important to make sure alternative transport is on hand to complete the task as soon as possible. This will help limit any disruption to charitable work.
3) Check to see if your vehicle is safe to drive
Once everyone involved in the accident is safe, checks on their vehicle should be made and any damage noted down. It is essential to note down as much information as possible and gather evidence, such as photographs, at the time of the incident. Although in the short-term this can be time consuming it can be key for future claims purposes and will help to ease the process in the long-term.
4) Report the accident as soon as possible
This is particularly important if the charity has specific transport requirements – such as a van for transporting aid, or a minibus specially adapted for high-care service users.
5) Note down the details
When contacting the insurer, it’s key to report the accident quickly and relay the facts. Before contacting an insurance company consider – the accident scene, the staff, volunteers and vehicles involved in the accident, and the injuries or damage done to people or vehicles respectively.
With regards to the accident scene, you should note down the: date, time, location, weather conditions, and traffic conditions of the accident. Employees involved will need to take the contact details of passengers, pedestrians and other witnesses, along with a contact for any police officers spoken to. Finally, be sure to note down a description - with photographs if necessary - of the damage to vehicles and property involved in the accident, along with the injuries of any persons.
Vehicles are essential to charities large and small. International charities – such as the Red Cross, Save The Children and Christian Aid – use vehicles to deliver vital aid, while national charities – such as the Fire Fighters charity, Charity Choice and Scope – need reliable vehicles to provide rescue services and community transport.
For the third sector in general, vehicles can literally be the driving force behind their activities, so it is essential that charities protect themselves by planning ahead for potential collisions and – crucially – following these expert tips when incidents occur.
For more information on insurance and risk management visit Zurich’s charity and community webpage.
Content on this page is paid for and provided by Zurich Insurance sponsor of the Guardian Voluntary Sector Network’s Charity Leadership hub.
