Crossing Borders: Driving State Insured Vehicles Out of State

One of the most common questions we receive at State Risk Management is about traveling out of Utah in a Risk-insured vehicle. Can we do it? Should we do it? Certain school districts and state agencies must travel briefly out of state to access other parts of Utah on a regular basis. These are covered trips and not a concern.

The bigger concern is when a covered vehicle is used to travel out of Utah for business or a school activity. The primary concern with these trips is that government immunity tort caps are NOT enforceable outside of the state. This means that if found liable, a claimant could sue your school or agency for any amount. This increases the risk to your agency or school and to the State Risk Fund. Here are some tips to reduce that risk and travel safely with adequate insurance:

Tips:

• Use a rental vehicle- the state has a contract with Enterprise Rent-A-Car that includes an additional $1 million in primary liability coverage.
• Charter buses for group travel whenever possible; this is the safest option and transfers the insurance risk to the charter company.
• If a charter bus is not feasible, use SUVs with proper seating and seatbelts.
• Do NOT use large passenger vans for students (See Large Capacity Van Rules linked below).

Reminders:

• Department directors, school superintendents, or university/college vice presidents must approve out-of-state use of state-owned vehicles.
• Drivers must complete Risk’s Defensive Driving Course every two years.

Resources: