RISK MANAGEMENT

Ed Godwin, Director
(951) 222-8127

The Risk Management Department provides a number of services for staff, students and visitors. These services include:

• Management of the District's liability, property and workers' compensation insurance programs (Excluding health benefits and 403b Plan)
• Assisting with District Cal/OSHA compliance activities and acting as a resource for District safety programs.
• Verifying district driver insurability.
• Management of the Districts property damages/losses.

Contacts:
Ed Godwin, Director
Administrative Services
(951) 222-8127

Veronica Sharaf Eldeen, Risk Management Technician
(951) 222-8677

Employee Use of Personal Automobile for District Use
According to Board Policy 6900 (XIII): "The College District assumes no liability for the mechanical condition of a privately owned vehicle, the manner in which it is operated, or the insurance coverage of the vehicle, operator or occupants."

FAQs

1. What happens if I have an auto accident while driving my personal auto on District business? Will the District be responsible?

The employee's personal auto liability insurance will respond in the event of an auto accident. Vehicle Code 17150 stipulates that the owner of the vehicle is responsible for an auto accident. As indicated above, Board Policy 7011 states that the District does not assume liability. Vehicle Code 17001 does require that a public agency is liable for an accident involving a public employee on public business. The result of the interplay of these two Vehicle Code sections and the Board Policy is as follows:

a. The employee's personal auto liability is responsible up to the limits of the employee's insurance.
b. If the employee's personal auto insurance limits are insufficient, the District's will cover the cost of the liability claim if the employee was in the course and scope of his/her employment at the time of the accident..
c. If the employee does not carry auto insurance that covers the use of a personal auto on business, the employee may be personally responsible for the minimum financial limits as required by the Vehicle Code ($15,000/$30,000).

2. How do I know if my insurance will cover me while driving my auto on District business?

Check with your insurance agent. Most auto insurance policies cover personal autos which are driven for business purposes on an occasional basis. However, many auto insurance policies require prior notice before covering personal autos which are REGULARLY driven on business. If you have any doubts, CHECK WITH YOUR INSURANCE AGENT!

3. Will the District pay for damage to my car if I have an accident while driving my personal auto on District business?

No (see Board Policy 7011).

4. Will I be covered by workers' compensation if I have an accident while driving on District business?

Yes. If you are in the course and scope of your employment at the time of the accident you will be covered by workers' compensation. However, if you take a significant deviation from the direct route while driving on District business, you may not be covered for workers' compensation (If, while driving from Moreno Valley to Riverside City Campus, you decide to go to Big Bear for lunch and have an accident. You won't be entitled to workers' compensation).

5. If I drive my car off campus for lunch am I covered by the District?

No.

6. Am I covered for uninsured motorist with the District if I have an auto accident while driving a personal vehicle on District business?

No. The District does not carry uninsured motorist coverage. Employees who want that protection while driving their personal vehicles on District business SHOULD speak to their insurance agent to make sure they have the coverage.

If you have further questions, please contact Ed Godwin at 222-8127. REMEMBER! CHECK WITH YOUR INSURANCE AGENT FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL AUTO INSURANCE POLICY!!