FLEET decision-makers depend on their own finance team rather than contract hire or leasing companies for advice on the most cost-effective fleet funding mechanism. More than half (53%) relied on their in-house finance specialists, while only 12% seek advice from contract hire companies, according to a survey of 3,100 senior managers by AT&T Automotive Services.

This found that the key influencing factors when choosing a supplier were price (36%) and service (26%). It also discovered that only 7% of fleets buy gap insurance, 11% use driver training, and 22% source accident management.

Colin Tourick, managing director of AT&T Automotive Services, said: 'These figures come as quite a shock. If they represent the total market (and we have no reason to suggest they do not) they show the majority of people we talked to are operating fleets without very important fleet management tools and services.' He found it disturbing that so many fleet decision-makers (35%) relied on nothing more substantial or scientific than a recommendation when picking a funding provider.