FAQ'S

Who are Bowker?

Bowker Vehicle Contracts are a specialist contract hire and vehicle management
company. As we’re not tied to one bank or financial institution or motor
manufacturer, we can offer genuinely independent advice while securing some
of the best deals on the market. Our head office is in Blackburn,
Lancashire, but our services are delivered nationwide through dedicated
sales operations based across the UK.

Why should I consider Bowker?

Our customers tell us it is our unstinting dedication to customer service
and our focus on them as an individual, with individual requirements that
sets us apart.

That’s great news because that’s what we think is important too.

That’s why you’ll always find a knowledgeable, friendly and interested
person on the end of the phone.

FAQS ABOUT TAX DISCS


I haven't received my tax disc yet, what should I do?
Your vehicle will have been delivered with valid tax for one year. Subsequent tax discs will be forwarded to you as applicable. If you have any queries concerning the renewal of tax discs, please contact the maintenance department on 01254 244166.

How do I replace a tax disc if it's been lost or misplaced?
Contact our maintenance department on 01254 244166.

FAQS ABOUT MOTs


Will my vehicle require an MOT certificate from Bowker?
MOT certificates are only required for vehicles of three years and older, excluding Eire.

Will Bowker inform me in advance of when my vehicle is due for an MOT?
Yes. The maintenance department will send out an MOT reminder to your fleet contact approximately two months prior to the MOT expiry date.

Do I have to arrange an MOT or does Bowker do that for me?
You will need to make arrangements to take your vehicle into an approved MOT testing centre to ensure that a valid certificate is obtained.

What do I do with the MOT certificate once I have received it?
You must send your MOT certificate to Bowker’s maintenance department at least two weeks prior to the expiry date. It is here that all the vehicles documentation is kept.

FAQS ABOUT INSURANCE

Is anyone else allowed to drive my car?
Please speak to your fleet manager for details of your specific car policy.

What do I do about my insurance certificate?
Again, please speak to your fleet manager.

FAQS ABOUT TRAFFIC OFFENCES

What do I do if I get a parking fine?
You must pay for all fines you incur immediately. This will eliminate additional charges being made by the issuing Authority. In the event of Bowker having to pay any fine on your behalf, an administration fee will be charged (as detailed within your company’s contract with Bowker).

What do I do if I get caught by a speed camera?
As Bowker are the registered keeper/owner of your vehicle, the local authority will send notification of the fine directly to us. We will then send details of your company to the authority concerned so they can contact you directly. Contact our maintenance department for further assistance on 01254 244166.

What should I do if the police require any vehicle documentation from me?
If you are required to produce vehicle documentation for the police contact our maintenance department on 01254 244166 and they will be pleased to assist.

FAQS ABOUT P11D VALUES

How can I find out the P11D value of my car?
It may be necessary for a driver to know the P11D value of their car for taxation purposes. This can be obtained by contacting your company's fleet manager, or from the Bowker sales department on 01254 244111.

FAQS ABOUT YOUR CAR

Am I allowed to fit accessories to my vehicle?
Permission must be obtained prior to any accessory being fitted. Contact your fleet manager and the Bowker maintenance department prior to any installation.

I’ve had a puncture and changed the wheel, what do I do now?
If your car is an Bowker vehicle, call the Bowker Tyreline on 0870 050 2350 and a replacement tyre will be arranged. Otherwise contact your fleet manager for help on tyre replacements.

FAQS ABOUT FAIR WEAR AND TEAR

What does Fair Wear and Tear mean?
Bowker comply with the guidelines on wear and tear as laid down by the BVRLA.

Taking into account a vehicle's age, mileage and covering overall condition, from the mechanics and the electronics through to the bodywork and the upholstery, fair wear and tear summarises the degree of deterioration judged to be reasonable when a fleet vehicle is returned at the end of a contract period, or is to be sold on.

Lack of attention to detail, abuse or neglect are the main reasons fleet vehicles suffer from excessive wear and tear.

Fleet operators can expect to incur refurbishment charges from Bowker if a vehicle is returned with an unreasonable level of wear and tear at the end of a contract period.

The top causes of unreasonable wear and tear in a fleet vehicle are:

• Lack of regular checks by the vehicle user and/or fleet manager, leading to faults and damage going undetected and unrepaired
• Not adhering to the vehicle manufacurer's recommended maintenance and servicing schedule
• Drivers not taking responsibility for the day to day care and maintenance of the vehicle
• Poor quality of body repairs, leading to general neglect

FAQS ABOUT OVERSEAS TRAVEL

Can I use my vehicle abroad?
Yes. Overseas travel is administered for Bowker drivers by RAC Overseas Travel, providing you with RAC European cover. Contact our maintenance department on 01254 244166 a minimum of 4 weeks prior to your departure. They will send you an Bowker overseas travel pack, containing all relevant information and the required VE103 document which will then be valid for one year.

Drivers must ensure that the vehicle is adequately insured prior to taking the vehicle overseas – please refer to your fleet manager for details of your specific car policy.