The State of Illinois recently advised that non-employee passengers are prohibited from riding in a privately owned vehicle (POV) with a state employee while conducting official business. We understand this has created some confusion and further understand that there are many unique cases when a university official may need to utilize their POV for official university business.
Considering those factors, the University of Illinois System is not prohibiting non-employee passengers while utilizing a POV for official business. However, we must remind employees that their personal liability insurance will be responsible for any accidents or damage, and it is likely the state’s motor vehicle liability plan will not be available when a POV is used.
Prior to choosing a privately owned vehicle for university business travel, consider the following. These factors are pursuant to the State of Illinois Self-Insured Motor Vehicle Liability Plan.
- In the event an employee is involved in an accident while driving their privately owned vehicle (POV) on university business, the traveler’s personal auto-liability coverage will be the primary policy to cover any damage to 3rd parties. The State of Illinois Self-Insured Motor Vehicle Liability Plan will cover excess damage to 3rd parties that exceed the traveler’s coverage amount, up to $2 million. The State of Illinois plan excludes non-employee passengers.
- Any damage to POVs incurred while on university business will always be the responsibility of the employee and must be processed through the employee’s personal insurance coverage first.
- If an employee is injured in an accident while on official travel, they may be eligible for coverage through the State of Illinois Workers’ Compensation program.
Recommended Alternatives
When a U of I System vehicle is chosen for official travel and an accident occurs, the State of Illinois Self-Insured Motor Vehicle Liability Plan is primary and the university employee’s personal auto insurance is secondary.
When the System’s car rental agreement with Enterprise Holdings, Inc. is chosen for business use and an accident occurs, damage waiver and liability are included in the discounted rates, and the rental insurance is primary. The State of Illinois Self-Insured Motor Vehicle Liability Plan is secondary. If the State Plan denies coverage for any reason, the employee’s personal auto insurance would apply.
Additional information is located under Business & Finance Policies & Procedures Section 15: How Personal Insurance Becomes Involved in a Claim and Motor Vehicle Accidents.
Contact
If you have questions, please submit a Service Request Form to University Payables.
