Driving Success: Why Checking MVRs is Crucial When Hiring
Hiring the right employees is a critical aspect of running a successful business, especially when their job involves driving on behalf of your company. Whether it’s a delivery driver, sales representative, or any other role that requires access to company vehicles, it’s essential to prioritize safety and minimize risks. One effective way to achieve this is by conducting Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) checks as part of your hiring process.
The MVR Check: What Is It?
A Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) is an official document issued by a state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. It provides a comprehensive history of an individual’s driving behavior, including their driving history, violations, accidents, and license status. MVR checks are used by employers to assess a candidate’s driving history before making hiring decisions.
Why MVR Checks Are Crucial:
1. Risk Mitigation: Checking MVRs helps you assess a candidate’s risk level on the road. Individuals with a history of accidents or traffic violations might be more likely to cause accidents in the future, potentially exposing your business to liability.
2. Compliance with Regulations: Depending on your industry and location, there may be legal requirements for checking the driving records of employees who operate company vehicles. Compliance helps you avoid fines and legal complications.
3. Lower Insurance Costs: By hiring employees with clean driving records, you may be eligible for reduced insurance premiums. A history of safe driving reflects positively on your business in the eyes of insurance providers.
4. Protecting Your Reputation: Accidents involving employees on company time can damage your brand’s reputation. Ensuring that your drivers have clean records can minimize the risk of incidents that could tarnish your image.
Incorporating MVR Checks into Your Hiring Process:
1. Include in Job Descriptions: Clearly state in job descriptions that a clean driving record is a requirement for the position. This will encourage candidates to self-screen before applying.
2. Conduct Pre-Employment Screening: Request permission from candidates to obtain their MVR reports. Ensure compliance with all applicable privacy laws.
3. Review MVR Reports: Analyze the MVR reports for any red flags, such as multiple accidents, DUI convictions, or a history of reckless driving. In the current insurance market, we are advising our clients to only hire drivers with a spotless record whenever possible to keep commercial insurance premium low.
4. Set Clear Standards: Define the criteria that candidates must meet concerning their driving records. This can include the number and type of violations or accidents that are acceptable.
5. Combine with Background Checks: MVR checks should complement other background checks, including reference checks and criminal background checks, to provide a comprehensive view of a candidate’s history and character.
6. Follow Legal Guidelines: Ensure that your MVR checks adhere to local and federal laws, including those governing consumer reporting and hiring practices.
In Conclusion: A Safer, More Secure Workforce
Checking MVRs is a crucial aspect of hiring employees who will operate company vehicles. It’s an essential step in minimizing risks, ensuring compliance with legal regulations, lowering insurance costs, and safeguarding your company’s reputation. By integrating MVR checks into your hiring process, you can build a safer, more secure workforce that contributes to the success of your business.
White Slate Insurance is happy to offer MVR reports to clients for prospective employees being considered for hire. Call today if you need assistance 817-809-4522
