Ogilvie Fleet has launched a smartphone app designed to help fleet managers and drivers overcome often contentious end-of-contract damage charges on company vehicles.

Called Appraisal by Ogilvie Fleet, the new app, which has been developed in partnership with automotive data provider Cap HPI, allows fleet managers and drivers to fully assess a vehicle prior to its return at the end of a lease.

It allows drivers to report on all areas of their vehicle - exterior and interior - and record walk-round tour video footage or photographs to highlight damage or wear and tear and record comments.

The video or photographs along with any comments can then be submitted to Ogilvie Fleet for assessment ahead of defleet.

Karl Ward, remarketing manager at Ogilvie Fleet, said: “Ogilvie Fleet will be sharing the submissions with clients and advising the best course of action in each case where damage is identified - whether to return the vehicle in current condition or arrange for damage to be repaired before defleet.

"This gives fleet managers complete visibility of remotely operated vehicles and enables time before the collection to make the choice of action required, if any.

"Appraisal was designed specifically to give customers more visibility and more choice in respect of damage-related decisions.”

The app also features a reminder checklist of key items that are commonly forgotten on the return of a vehicle such as spare keys, locking wheel nuts, electric vehicle power cables, satellite navigation disc/SD card, handbook pack, spare wheel, parcel shelf and service documentation.

Appraisal by Ogilvie Fleet is available on Android and iOS devices. It can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play.