10 Low-Cost Tips to Prevent Costly Losses this Winter at Your Dealership BY TODD SHEPARD, FOUNDER OF SHEPARD & SHEPARD INSURANCE SOLUTIONS As the year winds down the triple-digit days of summer have been replaced by cooler temperatures, rain, and eventually snow and ice. From a sales point of view the winter selling season can mean greater demand for all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and pickups. Shorter, colder days also tend to weed out tire-kickers often leaving serious buyers.
before it disappears from the shelf. The supply chain has run short on everything from toilet paper to new car computer chips. I guarantee by the time that first snowflake falls consumers will panic and grab up every bag available. Clearing your parking lot and sidewalks will help make it safer, easier, and more attractive for your customers to shop.
The colder season also brings unique challenges by way of loss prevention. A good rule of thumb in preparing your business for fall and winter is to focus on your property, your people, and your profits!
TIP #4 - After you get done stocking up on the ice melt, make some calls to coordinate a snowplow service before the snow falls. Landscapers and snow removal companies keep a list of clients who contact them before the weather hits. Get yourself on the short list now so you can focus on selling rather than looking for someone to fit you in.
The definition of prevention is the action of stopping something from happening before it happens. Here are 10 simple actions you can take now to greatly increase your chances of a loss-free fall and winter selling season. TIP #1 - Establish a foul weather test drive route with right hand-only turns in a low traffic area. An established, safe route lowers the exposure to your vehicles and helps put your prospects at ease. This is especially important during heavy rains or wintery conditions. TIP #2 - Prevent auto theft when warming up lot cars. Leaving a car to warm up unattended is one of the most common thefts reported this time of year. Best practice is to lock the door and keep the keys with you if you must leave a running vehicle unattended. It’s never a good idea to trust your prospect to watch a running car unless you have secured proof positive identification. That friendly, eager shopper may be waiting for an opportunity to steal your car right from under your nose when you step in to grab a demo plate. TIP #3 - Prevent slip and fall losses by stocking up on ice melt early in the season 4 | THE FRONT ROW | WSIADA.COM Nov/Dec 2021
TIP #5 - Take advantage of mild early fall weather to assess exposed pipes and vents in your building. Add caulking and insulation at all exterior wall locations, cracks, and repair damaged siding and window frames. Consider adding a wireless sensor to monitor the main water line. TIP #6 - Consider purchasing a back-up power supply/generator large enough to run a space heater, emergency lighting, and your computers. Generators are plentiful and affordable early in the fall season in the box stores. You can even find a decent used one online. Once the power goes out its probably too late to go shopping. The ability to continue operations during an unexpected power outage can make all the difference. One small sale will easily offset the investment. TIP #7 - Get your roof inspected before the snow falls. An inspection usually costs only a couple hundred dollars and can prevent costly, dangerous losses to property and injury. Many roofers offer a snow removal service for your roof in the
event of substantial snowfall. The service is quite affordable and can prevent expensive damage caused by ice dams or collapse. TIP #8 - Make sure you have winter windshield washer fluid and check the anti-freeze levels in your used vehicles. A clear windshield reduces the chance of an accident and proper anti-freeze levels will prevent a costly break-down. Also check the fluid levels in your automotive batteries. Having to jump-start a car before a test drive will cost your gross or even kill a deal. TIP #9 - Awareness. One of the best strategies you can implement to prevent losses is to simply set the expectation for your staff and your customers verbally and with proper signage. Offer a gentle reminder that road conditions can be slick and dangerous before anyone gets behind the wheel. Encourage them to use caution, give plenty of space to brake, pay attention to other drivers, and turn off cell phones when operating your vehicles. Nobody will be offended when you offer safety suggestions. Add a bright colored caution sign or safety cones near steps or other slip and fall exposures. TIP #10 - Make sure your dealer insurance policy is up to date and active. Ask your agent to ensure you have coverage for liability losses due to slips and falls, property damage, and damage you might cause to your customers autos as well as damage to or theft of your lot vehicles. Be aware that these are not automatic coverages with a dealer policy, they are optional. Remember: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. n Todd Shepard is the founder of Shepard & Shepard Insurance Solutions and a regular contributor to the Front Row. For more information and an affordable dealer insurance quote visit shepquote.com.
