Specialist coach, bus and minibus insurance broker and risk manager, Gauntlet, is advising operators that the livery they proudly sport when transporting passengers, can become their worst enemy should an accident, investigation or incident occur.
Gauntlet MD Roger Gaunt says: “We live in a world of news-on-demand, with immediate reporting via social media and instantaneous photo sharing of situations that could prove immensely damaging.”
To help operators, Gauntlet has published a free ‘Crisis PR Checklist’ and it is also offering a comprehensive legal expenses policy, that includes up to £10,000 of cover for crisis communications, should a professional media handling service become necessary.
Additionally, the policy – specifically designed for passenger operators – provides cover for employee and contractual disputes, compensation awards, HMRC inspections, property damage, repossessing land or property from third parties, legal defence, protection against claims resulting from data protection breaches, debt recovery and infringements of restrictive covenants.
Adds Mr Gaunt: “No operator can trade in a bubble, or think that reputational damage won’t affect them.
“Underestimating how much media negativity can affect a brand or business is a big mistake.
“We would urge all operators to download our tips and also consider our legal expenses cover that can bring experts in to micro-manage the crisis, once the initial notification and immediate response has been made.”
