Courtesy car specialist Circle Leasing has launched its new vehicle hire app, which includes functionalities such as the digital appraisal of vehicles, the redirection of fines, vehicle damage charges and other costs incurred by policyholders.

The app, which is available for Android devices, is an add-on to Circle Leasing’s vehicle hire system which aims to help bodyshops to convert their courtesy car fleets from an expense into a potential source of income, and remotely assigns jobs to drivers and provides all the detail required for deliveries and collections.

Upon arrival at the job, drivers use the app as a digital appraisal tool, ensuring all vehicle inspections for condition, mileage and fuel level, are carried out thoroughly and efficiently.

Policyholders agree to accept liability (for fines, fixed penalties and damage) and sign the Circle Leasing hire agreement electronically, on location, using the app.

By improving the quality of appraisals and improving policyholder understanding of their obligations, Circle can easily notify and re-charge policyholders who incur fines, fixed penalties or vehicle damage; saving bodyshops a huge amount of money.

Aidan Minogue, managing director of Circle Leasing said: “We received great feedback on MyFleet Vehicle Hire and could see an opportunity to extend the capabilities of the system.”

David Turner, managing director of WBC Automotive, added: "This is game-changing technology which is already making a difference to our business. 

“After some initial concerns about replacing our familiar forms with Circle’s vehicle hire app, we have fully embraced the new technology and are now enjoying the benefits.

"These include no more time-consuming paperwork and unrecovered costs incurred by policy holders, which are notoriously difficult to recover.”

“We like the transparency too – everyone has a clear record of when and where they need to be.”