Driver’s Education for your Nonprofit’s Vehicles and Volunteers

If your nonprofit operates like most, you have volunteers driving around fulfilling the mission of your nonprofit either in their personal vehicles or one owned, leased, or rented by your organization. Have you considered whether your nonprofit auto insurance policy covers those drivers or those that may be injured by a vehicle driven by one of your volunteers? Or do you even need a nonprofit auto insurance policy? Do you have safety measures in place that ensure everyone is covered and there will be minimal downtime in your organization should someone get hurt while operating an organization’s vehicle or while using a personal car for the organization’s mission? 

What insurance applies when volunteers drive a nonprofit’s vehicles? 

Insurance companies and brokers are often asked, “Who can drive my organization’s vehicles?” Generally, with permission, anyone can drive a nonprofit’s vehicles. No matter who is driving – employee or volunteer – the organization’s commercial auto insurance policy applies to all vehicles  owned  by the organization (so long as that driver is not specifically excluded). You should confirm this with your nonprofit insurance agent as some nonprofit auto insurance policies only cover drivers who are listed on the policy. You’ll want to review your policy to ensure it includes liability, physical damage on the vehicle (comprehensive and collision coverage), and medical payments for any injuries incurred by occupants on the nonprofit’s vehicle. You can also look into whether your policy covers ‘non-owned and hired vehicles’ – such as those that may be leased or rented or personal vehicles driven on the nonprofit’s behalf – like a volunteer’s private vehicle. 

W hat insurance applies when a volunteer drives their own cars?

Volunteers using their own vehicles will be covered under their personal auto insurance in the event of an accident. However, in the case of a serious injury occurring to someone, like a passenger or pedestrian, damages may exceed their personal insurance limits. These types of accidents can make your organization vulnerable to being named in a lawsuit. In this case, non-owned auto insurance can also cover the nonprofit if the volunteer driver’s personal coverage has lapsed or has been canceled. It would be best if you considered regularly conducting a motor vehicle record check – especially for employees and volunteers that will be driving regularly for your organization. Also, it’s a best practice to confirm that any volunteers using their personal vehicle.

What does non-owned auto liability insurance cover?   
This type of insurance covers liability for accidents caused by an employee or volunteer while using their vehicle on behalf of a nonprofit. This coverage helps protect the nonprofit organization, NOT the employee or volunteer. Non-owned liability coverage applies above the liability limits of the vehicle owner’s personal auto policy. This coverage is vital for any nonprofit that uses volunteer drivers that drive their own cars, or nonprofits that expect employees to use their own vehicles for work-related driving. 

Are you interested in learning more about  nonprofit insurance ? Contact local insurance agent  Sandi Purinton  with The Insurance Connection regarding your nonprofit auto insurance needs. The Insurance Connections helps nonprofits all over Georgia. We have offices located conveniently to the Metro Atlanta area (Acworth, GA) and Middle Georgia area (Eastman, GA).

Disclaimer: This material is for information only. This post does not provide legal or professional advice. Consult with your attorney or other expert consultants for a professional opinion specific to your situation. The Insurance Connection welcomes all applications, without regard to religion, race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or familial status.