George Mason University and the Commonwealth of Virginia provide insurance coverage, hereinafter referred to as the PLAN, for authorized persons operating a State-owned, rented or leased vehicle used for official university business. The PLAN provides $2,000,000 per occurrence of automobile liability coverage. All drivers operating vehicles for university business must be in compliance with University Policy 1411, Vehicle Use.
Rental Insurance (CDW):
Domestic Vehicle Rentals: DO NOT purchase the insurance plan from the car rental agency, the PLAN provides the needed insurance. Costs associated with adding the additional coverage from the rental agency will not be reimbursed.
International Vehicle Rentals: When leasing vehicles in another country it is advisable to purchase liability and physical damage insurance at the time the vehicle is rented. The vehicle insurance cost will be reimbursable when leasing vehicles in foreign countries.
Vehicles Use Not Covered by the PLAN:
Personal Vehicles: Personal vehicles used for official University business or for approved activities are not covered by the PLAN. The rationale for this State policy is that mileage reimbursement is sufficient to cover the cost of the owner’s insurance. In the event of an accident, the Commonwealth of Virginia may accept liability for judgments in excess of the owner’s insurance coverage up to $2,000. Further, University employees who are injured in the accident are usually covered by Workers’ Compensation. Other parties involved must recover damages from the vehicle’s owner. Persons driving their own vehicles on University business who are involved in an accident are requested to keep the Office of Risk Management apprised of the situation; Mason may be able to assist in the resolution of the matter.
Reporting Accidents: