Risk Management
Vehicle Insurance
Policies
Information about the university’s vehicle insurance coverage is provided as follows:
- University/State Vehicles
- Privately Owned Vehicles
- Rental/Leased Vehicles
- Auto Insurance Requirement for Travel in Mexico
University/State Vehicles
Vehicles owned and leased by SDSU are protected for liability by the California State University’s participation in the State of California Vehicle Liability and Self-Insurance Program (VELSIP) 
. This program is administered by the State Office of Risk and Insurance Management. University-owned vehicles are not protected for comprehensive or collision risk (damage to the vehicle).
Effective January 1, 2004, when a non-salaried driver is involved in a motor vehicle accident while on university/state business, the program’s coverage will be limited to $1 million per accident, regardless of ownership of the vehicle. The driver’s employing department/agency will be financially responsible for the payment of any claims, settlements, judgments, or verdicts in excess of $1 million.
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Privately Owned Vehicles
Privately-owned vehicles, in accordance with the California Vehicle Code, are the responsibility of the vehicle’s owner. Accordingly, the owner’s private automobile liability insurance is primary; this is true, even when driving on university/state business.
Employees authorized to operate their private vehicle on official university/state business may claim the standard mileage reimbursement for the cost of operating their vehicle on university/state business. This reimbursement is all inclusive, including fuel, maintenance, repairs, and both liability and comprehensive insurance.
Note: see specific insurance requirements, for a private vehicle, that is to be operated on university/state as stated on form, Authorization to use Privately Owned Vehicles on State Business STD. 261 (REV. 3-95).
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Rental/Leased Vehicles
Vehicles rented/leased for university business are the personal responsibility of the renter, unless the renter uses a state-contracted car rental firm with the appropriate method of payment. For car rental guidelines, please refer to the SDSU Accounts Payable Travel Manual, Section 5.14.0 — Transportation: Private, State, and Commercial Vehicle. If you do not abide by these guidelines, you risk personal, financial responsibilities, should an accident occur.
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Auto Insurance Requirement for Travel in Mexico
When traveling to Mexico on university/state business, Mexican automobile insurance must be purchased. This insurance is to be coordinated through Risk Management, 619-594-4664. See AP Travel Manual, Section 5.14.8 Mexican/Foreign Travel Automobile Insurance for details.
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