A GPS system equipped with an accident notification sensor can be highly beneficial for subprime lenders and BHPH Dealers, especially when lending to borrowers with higher credit risk. Here's
how it can help:
1. Asset Protection
- Real-time
Tracking: GPS technology allows the lender to monitor the location of
the vehicle in real-time in cases where the borrower defaults on payments. This enables quicker repossession and helps secure the asset.
- Accident
Alerts: If the vehicle is involved in an accident, the GPS device
which is equipped with an accelerometer sends instant notifications to the
lender. This early information allows the lender to react more quickly in
terms of assessing the vehicle's condition and initiating insurance
claims.
2. Insurance and Recovery
- Claim
Assistance: In the case of an accident, the GPS system can help
provide accurate information regarding the time, location, and severity of
the incident. This data can assist in expediting insurance claims and
protecting the lender's financial interest in the vehicle.
- Loss
Prevention: By having immediate access to accident notifications, the
lender can quickly determine if the vehicle is totaled or needs repairs,
minimizing delays in recovering or resolving the situation with insurance
companies.
- Storage fees: knowing if the vehicle has been towed to an impound yard, can
save the lender hundreds of Dollars in storage fees.
3. Borrower Risk Management (optional feature)
- Monitoring
Driver Behavior: Some GPS systems can monitor driver behavior, such as
speeding, harsh braking, and rapid acceleration. If borrowers are engaged
in risky driving, the lender can use this information to better assess the
risk of damage to the vehicle and adjust their lending practices
accordingly (e.g., requiring higher down payments or rates for risky
drivers).
- Loan
Terms Optimization: The lender can use the data collected from the GPS
to improve their decision-making when structuring loan terms. For example,
high-risk borrowers with poor driving habits may receive tighter terms or
mandatory insurance policies to mitigate the risk.
4. Improved Customer Communication
- Accident
Response Support: If the borrower is involved in an accident, the
lender can offer immediate support by informing insurance providers or
providing guidance on the next steps. This can strengthen the relationship
between lender and borrower, potentially leading to better loan
performance.
- Payment
Flexibility in Emergencies: If an accident renders the vehicle
unusable, the lender may have the option to temporarily adjust payment
schedules or offer payment deferrals, which could prevent default and
improve borrower retention.
6. Fraud Detection
- Accident
Verification: In case of fraudulent claims where a borrower might
report an accident that didn’t occur, the GPS data can be used to verify
the legitimacy of the accident. The system can provide exact details on
the accident’s location and severity, reducing the chances of false claims
and saving costs.
In summary, a GPS system equipped with accident notification
can protect a subprime lender's assets, reduce losses, and optimize loan
management by providing better data on borrower risk and vehicle status. This
helps both in protecting the lender's investment and improving borrower relations.
Efrat Bogoslavsky
VP Revenue & Service
Ituran USA
954-328-8404
ebogo@ituranusa.com