For companies that rely on a mobile workforce, managing vehicle reimbursement is a fundamental operational challenge. Balancing fairness for employees with fiscal responsibility for the company is no small task, and for many organizations, traditional one-size-fits-all reimbursement models often fall short. What’s needed is not just a system, but a thoughtful approach—one that respects employees’ personal vehicle choices while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and cost control for the business.

Recognized among the ‘Innovators of the Year 2025’, AutoReimbursement.com (ARC) continues to lead the industry with its IRS-compliant Fixed and Variable Rate (FAVR) vehicle reimbursement programs, delivering tax-efficient solutions for companies with mobile employees. With decades of combined expertise and access to its proprietary Real Cost Database^℠, housing over 40 million cost combinations, AutoReimbursement.com delivers tailored plans that reflect real-world expenses rather than estimates. Their process goes beyond numbers: from “Preflight” policy and compliance planning to hands-on employee onboarding and change management, they guide organizations through every step.

At the center of their solution is the ARC RPM^℠ platform, which gives both employees and administrators real-time, mobile-friendly mileage tracking, reporting, and reimbursement management. Whether a business has 20 drivers or 10,000, AutoReimbursement.com has built its reputation on designing scalable plans that reduce risk, contain costs, and keep employees supported.

CIO Bulletin had the privilege of interviewing Jim Doherty, Founder & CEO of AutoReimbursement.com. Doherty shared valuable insights on how his company is focused not merely on reducing costs, but on building a thoughtful and efficient program that empowers employees to drive vehicles suited to their lives, while providing businesses with the clarity and compliance they need.

Revolutionizing Employee Vehicle Reimbursement

Employee travel programs often rank as the second-largest expense for most companies, right after compensation. Yet, these costs can vary drastically based on geography—what’s reasonable in one city may be far from sufficient in another. This inconsistency often creates challenges in ensuring fairness and maintaining employee satisfaction.

Jim Doherty, Founder & CEO of ARC, recognized this gap and set out to create a system that balances both business efficiency and employee well-being. “Our reimbursement plan is similar to a BYOD program, where we allow employees to utilize their vehicles for both personal and professional use,” he shares.

Through its IRS-approved Fixed and Variable Rate (FAVR) programs, ARC enables companies to reimburse employees accurately based on real-world costs. By separating fixed expenses like depreciation, insurance, and registration, from variable per-mile costs such as fuel and maintenance, ARC helps businesses control spending without compromising employee choice.

Harnessing Data for Precision and Flexibility

At the heart of ARC’s solution lies its expansive Real Cost Database^℠, covering over 44,000 zip codes and hundreds of vehicles updated annually. This enables companies to set clear budget benchmarks while letting employees choose vehicles that suit their lifestyle.

ARC’s model ensures reimbursements reflect the cost of a company-selected benchmark vehicle adjusted to each employee’s local zip code. This creates consistency, controls costs, and supports retention—giving employees the freedom to drive what they prefer while ensuring the company pays a fair, location-sensitive amount.

Streamlining Operations with Cutting-Edge Technology

To make mileage tracking effortless, ARC integrates a highly rated mileage tracking app, into its mobile-friendly FAVR programs. Each month, reimbursements are calculated using benchmarks from ARC’s Real Cost Database, ensuring accuracy and eliminating reporting errors.

The company’s Reimbursement Plan Management system (ARC RPM℠) sets an industry benchmark with its real-time, customizable reporting tools. Unlike static reports, ARC RPM gives administrators the flexibility to build, adjust, and export tailored reports while offering drivers monthly statements that clearly explain their benefits.

Leveraging Tailored Solutions for Every Scale

ARC serves companies of all sizes—from small businesses to enterprises with over 10,000 drivers—while ensuring each plan aligns with the client’s culture, budget, and operational needs. The platform simplifies administration by eliminating W-2 reporting and reducing manual paperwork, putting non-taxable funds directly into employees’ pockets.

Compliance remains central to ARC’s approach. ARC RPM℠ automatically tracks key compliance elements like vehicle age, insurance, license validity, and mileage—helping companies stay aligned with IRS guidelines and build strong risk management policies.

“Our goal is to make these programs feel effortless—for both companies and their drivers,” Concludes Jim Doherty. This commitment to continuous improvement and client-centric service has earned ARC a remarkable 99% client retention rate, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted leader in FAVR vehicle reimbursement programs.

The Visionary Leader Upfront

Jim Doherty is the Founder & CEO of AutoReimbursement.com. He has developed FAVR plans with many highly visible companies, large and small, and has routinely documented significant program savings, heightened driver acceptance and satisfaction, and reduced fleet liability with greater control and administrative efficiency. Prior to AutoReimbursement.com, he was a Business Development Consultant at Runzheimer International.

Mr. Doherty holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science and business from Western Illinois University.

“Our reimbursement plan is similar to a BYOD program, where we allow employees to utilize their vehicles for both personal and professional use.”