As a field oriented department, you may have the necessity to lead laboratory exercises into the field, away from Clark Hall. Therefore, transportation insurance and liability issues become important.
In general:

• If you take your own car, your insurance is the primary coverer. The University's insurance may pick up additional costs over and beyond your own insurance if the General Counsels Office agrees that the accident occurred while official university business was being conducted.

• The University is self-insured and has liability insurance for vehicles. The insurance will only cover accidents if they occur while official university business is being conducted.

• Passengers in the state vehicle are covered by the university's policy.

• Only state employees (TAs, RAs, workstudy, or hourly) or responsible students who are on official university business should be driving department vehicles.

If you are driving to a field site and a wreck occurs on the interstate which is the fault of driver of the state vehicle, then the state policy will cover everything.

If you are driving and are involved in an accident which is not your fault, then the other driver's insurance will pay for the damage and any other related costs. The university does have uninsured coverage and the policy will act as a secondary coverage.

If you are driving a class to the Eastern Shore and you decide to stop off by your parents' house to get laundry, which is on the way, you are not covered. State vehicles must only be used for state business.

If you are driving a class to the Eastern Shore and you decide to head in to West Point to eat at a really great restaurant, you are also not covered. State vehicles must only be used for official state business (Point A to Point B).

If you are driving a class to the Eastern Shore and you decide to stop at a restaurant along the road you are covered.

In case of an automobile accident to any Dept, rental, or personnal vehicle being used for state use, you must:

• Notify IMMEDIATELY the State Police and if not available the local police and your supervisor.

• Within 48 hours of the accident the driver must notify:

  • Crawford & Company Insurance [1 (866) 219-6120]

  • The Office of Risk and Insurance Management [924-3055]

  • Complete the required automobile loss notice form.

• Vehicle accidents occurring in a foreign country (excluding Canada) shall follow the local procedures for reporting accidents of this type and within 48 hours do the following:

  • Notify their supervisor

  • Notify the Office of Risk Management for additional advice or directions.

  • Complete the required automobile loss notice form.

For more information relating to the use of state vehicles, use of rental and personal vehicles on state business, what to do in case of an auto accident, forms to fill out, and other insurance and liability questions, please refer to UVA's Office of Risk Management.

Last Modified: 9/07/01