Vehicle Protection Planner

Tony Scotti

If you are considering or shopping for vehicle protection this questionnaire may help define your needs and point you in the right direction. The following is a part of the process we use with our clients to insure covering all the bases and prevent misconceptions. If your needs concern Mexico, Central or South America, we have extensive current experience which is of significant cost and time benefit if you’re considering a purchase.

A.WHAT DO YOU REALLY NEED?

1. Is the intended use within the US? Go to Section 1
2. What country is being considered? Go to Section 2

B.WHAT IS BUSINESS APPROPRIATE?

• Company guidelines?
• Dealing with image
• Supporting your protection suggestions with the executive and the CFO

C.HOW AND WHERE DO YOU 'SHOP' ?

• Detailed specifications
• International Standards
• Filtering fact from fiction
• Do’s and Don’ts

D.AGREEMENTS

• Updating your legal department
• Timed payments to performance and inspections
• Warranty and service
• Vehicle Protection Planner

Section 1- US Vehicle use

1. What are the specific needs/threats?

• random violence
• urban gangs
• cargo protection
• unsecured parking/storage

2. Will "safety car" modifications meet your needs?

• Anti-penetration glass
• Run-flat tires inserts
• Satellite tracking service

3. If commercial vehicle, will safety car options plus the following meet your needs?

• Removable signage
• Single-access, changeable code locks for 100% accountability
• Cell and satellite communications
• Remote access to cargo data (weight, temperature, door openings,etc.)

4. Will you be buying a new vehicle or modifying an existing vehicle?

Section 2- Foreign use

1.Do you have a current threat assessment for the country?

• Urban use only
• Urban and rural use (determines protection levels to recommend)
• Historical problems detailed
• Any specific threat incidents detailed

2.Do you know the duties and taxes imposed on US imports?

3.Is this country a member of a trade pact or have any unilateral treaties for imports?

4.Are special permits required for protected/armored vehicles?

5.Is this a new purchase or an existing vehicle to modify?

B. Business Appropriate

• Do you have operable guidelines for business appropriate vehicles?
• Dealing with image: executive and corporate
• Supporting the protection recommendations internally

C. How and Where do you shop?

If you’ve decided on the vehicle and the level of protection you need, you now have to refine your Request for Bid to very strict standards. Why? Because we can detail case after case where customers do not get what they pay for. Where you do business is almost as important as who you use.

A few Do's and Don'ts:

1.Ask for materials list- what type of armor (steel, Twaron, Spectrashield, combinations) and ballistic glass will be used

2.Ask specific performance questions: how much weight will be added net, how does this affect the GVW/payload & tires ratings, what is their warranty and service policy (full parts and labor replacement), etc.

3.Define all standard equipment they offer and get their options listed with pricing (make sure both front windows are operable to a minimum drop of 10”, is the roof included, the floor, etc.)

There are many more to review depending on your specs and location(s).

Agreements

Be as detailed as possible and schedule progress payments withholding at least 40% until final inspection. Who performs what service where and what local dealer will honor the OEM warranty with these modifications?

SUMMARY:

• Mistakes can be lethal at worst and embarrassing at best.
• Research and due diligence have no substitute
• Be ‘hands-on’ at all stages
• Product is far more important than price

Information Provided courtesy of Far West Consulting Group