32 Vehicle Use
Additional liability issues arise around the use of personal vehicles by program personnel. Individuals will need to ensure that they have proper coverage for the use of their personal vehicle for work purposes (e.g., business coverage if used for driving to work experience sites, increased liability if driving students to interviews, etc.). Each institution will have guidelines around use of personal vehicles and it is prudent to check with the Risk Management Department for specific coverages. Generally speaking, according to BCUCIPP, employees should be aware that their personal insurance coverage is the primary coverage. Accidents and other claims (e.g. damage to personal property in the vehicle) will affect their personal insurance and driving records. UCIPP provides a bridging policy in case an employee is only carrying minimum liability insurance ($200,000 in BC) and using their vehicle while performing authorized duties. Some institutions discourage any transportation of students in personal vehicles by staff and faculty. It is usually stipulated that optional or voluntary activities are excluded from UCIPP coverage. If a vehicle is being used for a purpose other than what is declared for insurance purposes, or driven in violation of any section of the criminal code or motor vehicle regulation, coverage could be denied by both ICBC and UCIPP.
Students who drive, or who offer rides to other students should also ensure that their personal insurance covers their driving needs for travel to campus and work experience as well as sufficient liability coverage for transporting passengers.
FROM THE BCUCIPP WEBSITE
What does an employee or a volunteer need to know about driving their own or a borrowed vehicle for Institution activities?
When an employee or authorized volunteer driver has an accident while operating a licensed vehicle for an approved activity, the owner’s automobile liability is primary. However, UCIPP has in place a special ICBC coverage that bridges the gap that may exist between the owner’s automobile liability limit and $1,000,000.00. UCIPP provides coverage in excess of the $1,000,000.00 or the owner’s automobile liability limit.
There are two possible circumstances which will disqualify the driver and/or vehicle owner under UCIPP:
- Where the vehicle is used for a purpose other than what it is insured for under the owner’s primary insurance;
- When the vehicle is operated in violation of any motor vehicle regulation or section of the criminal code.
Refer to the article Automobile Liability for additional information.
Note: Personal belongings contained within a vehicle are not insured by either ICBC or UCIPP. The driver should look to their homeowners/tenants’ insurance for this coverage. UCIPP does not carry insurance for physical damage to employees’ or volunteers’ owned or borrowed vehicles. It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to insure physical damage directly with an insurer. (University, College and institute Protection Program, n.d.) [1]
- University, College and institute Protection Program. (n.b.). Employees' Handbook/Guide to UCIPP Coverage. University, College and institute Protection Program. https://www.bcucipp.org/sites/default/files/documents/pub_Employees_Handbook_08_2020.pdf ↵
