INSURANCE giant AGF has joined forces with broker C.E. Heath and driver training specialist NDI in a three-way collaboration aimed at driving fleet premiums down. The partners believe schemes like theirs have assumed an even greater importance following Chancellor Gordon Brown's remarks on recouping the cost of NHS accident treatment from at-fault drivers.

Called Heath FleetCare, the initiative was engineered by C.E. Heath and is designed to enable fleets to recoup the cost of driver training through lower premiums and the opportunity for a guaranteed renewal rate linked to loss ratio.

NDI will train the employees of participating fleets - focusing on improving drivers' complete mental approach to driving rather than honing their mechanical skills. The courses aim to establish a long-lasting safety culture by maintaining distances, identifying risks and communicating effectively with other road-users. s an additional incentive, fleets can spread the cost of the driver training along with the insurance premium over several months.

AGF commercial motor manager Geoff Moylan said: 'If the Law Commission's proposals to charge at-fault drivers for the cost of NHS treatment for their victims come to fruition, insurance premiums are set to rise dramatically. It's only going to be the fleets with low claims ratios which are going to be looked upon favourably by the insurance companies.'