Auto coverage may respond to damage done to a member-owned vehicle when it is in a crash or collision.
With approximately 9,000 vehicles covered by MCIT, as well as employees operating personal vehicles for work purposes, it is important for members to understand MCIT auto coverage, risk management techniques and safety measures.
MCIT AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY COVERAGE
MCIT auto coverage includes liability protection that covers the member for bodily injury and property damage claims resulting from the use of a covered automobile. If a member’s vehicle is involved in an at-fault accident, MCIT’s automobile liability coverage would defend and indemnify the member for covered claims.
Also under automobile liability coverage, MCIT provides:
- Hired and nonowned automobile liability coverage
- Personal injury protection
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
PHYSICAL DAMAGE COVERAGE
Most vehicles on a member’s schedule include physical damage coverage; however, unlike liability coverage, it is optional. Physical damage auto coverage includes comprehensive and collision coverage intended to repair damages caused to a member’s automobile/vehicle.
GARAGEKEEPERS COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE
Garagekeepers coverage applies if a member must legally pay for damages to autos left in its care while attending, parking or storing an automobile. This coverage may apply when law enforcement acquires a vehicle by confiscation, forfeiture or involvement with a criminal activity and stores it in a county lot or storage facility. Another example is when members offer vacant space to the public to store personal property such as boats, trailers and campers.
The Importance of Auto Schedules
A significant factor in ensuring that auto coverage will respond when a member experiences a loss is having an up-to-date auto schedule. All members with automobile coverage have an auto schedule on file with MCIT. The schedule details:
- The vehicles the entity has covered
- The lines of coverage that apply
- The per occurrence deductible
MCIT recommends that each member designate a general gatekeeper for notifying MCIT of changes that need to be made to the all auto schedules. Changes can be made easily at any time by submitting a change notification through the online member portal.
Risk Management for Automobiles
Members can access several resources to help clarify coverage, its application and exclusions, and learn tips for managing the risks involved with vehicles:
- Essentials of Risk Management for Motor Vehicles
- Resource Library
- Video Library
- Defensive Driving Training
- Coverage Review webinars
- Risk Management consultants
DEVELOP AND ENFORCE AUTOMOBILE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
MCIT recommends that members develop policies and procedures for the use of automobiles according to each entity’s needs. Successful policies and procedures should be reviewed and approved by the member’s governing board. This serves to send a message to employees that vehicle safety is important, establishes accountability and creates uniform standards throughout the organization.