
If you are a car owner, hire purchase investor or hire purchase company, finding you will likely be faced with finding reliable drivers to hand over our vehicle to. A trustworthy driver can make the difference between running a successful hire purchase business and experiencing constant losses due to defaults, negligence, or misuse of the vehicle.
In this post, we’ll explore 4 practical and effective ways to find reliable drivers for hire purchase cars, whether you are an investor, car owner, or a hire purchase company managing a fleet.
How to find reliable drivers
1. By Trusted Referrals
One of the most effective ways to find reliable drivers is through personal recommendations. Recommendations can come from family, friends, colleagues, or existing drivers if they know anyone with a good track record. Drivers recommended by people you trust are more likely to be dependable because they come with a form of social guarantee.
2. Local Transport Unions
In cities like Benin, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, most commercial drivers are affiliated with transport unions or associations. Partnering with these unions can help you connect with drivers who have already been vetted and registered. Since unions often keep records of their members, it becomes easier to track and hold drivers accountable if issues arise.
3. Driver Recruitment Agencies
There are some agencies that specialize in providing professional drivers to individuals and companies. These agencies usually run background checks, drug tests, and driving assessments before connecting drivers with clients. Though this may cost more, it increases the likelihood of getting a responsible driver. Some of these agencies includes driversng, edoproperty, autovest, pukena and many more.
4. Advertise Through Verified Platforms
You may want to get drivers yourself rather than relying on random word-of-mouth, you can advertise your need for drivers through:
- Local transport associations.
- Community boards in motor parks.
- Online job boards and social media groups dedicated to drivers.
Handling your car to a driver
Having found a driver through an of the method listed above, before handling your vehicle to him here are some things you should know.
1. Conduct Background Checks
Before handing over a car on hire purchase, it is important to verify the driver’s history. This can include:
- Checking previous driving records.
- Speaking to former employers or vehicle owners.
- Confirming home address and guarantors.
2. Request for Guarantors
Guarantors are crucial in hire purchase arrangements. Ensure a driver provides at least two credible guarantors before handling your vehicle to him. These guarantors should be people with stable jobs, businesses, or strong community ties. This reduces the risk of default, as guarantors act as a form of accountability and security.
3. Test Before Trust
Never hand over a hire purchase car to a driver without a trial period. You can monitor how they handle a rented car for a week or two before finalizing the hire purchase agreement. This way, you observe their discipline, communication, and ability to meet financial commitments.
4. Provide Clear Terms and Contracts
A reliable driver is not just found; they are also created through proper agreements. Ensure all terms of the hire purchase deal are well-documented and signed by both parties, including guarantors. When expectations are clear, there is less room for misunderstanding.
5. Continuous Monitoring and Communication
Even after finding a reliable driver, investors and car owners must keep communication open. Use GPS trackers to monitor car movement, request regular updates, and maintain a cordial relationship with the driver. Drivers are more likely to stay reliable when they feel respected and valued.
You can also read Hire Purchase Car Company in Benin City