August 31, 2016
From time to time, your church or ministry may need to borrow or lease a vehicle for a special event. Before using a vehicle that you don’t own, you need to consider a number of factors.
Vehicle owners are primarily responsible for damage to their vehicles
State laws mandate that vehicle owners (including owners of rental vehicles) be responsible for damage that their vehicles cause. However, if the owner does not have adequate insurance, the driver’s auto policy may come into play. Consider this:
Know what coverage is included before signing a lease agreement
If you plan to rent or leased a vehicle, you should be understand several factors before you enter into a lease agreement.
Understand what your auto policy covers
Most churches and ministries purchase non-owned auto liability coverage as part of their insurance program. This coverage works on an excess basis, meaning that it comes into play after the vehicle owner and driver have filed a claim with their insurance company. If the vehicle owner and driver do not have adequate coverage, your excess or "back-up" coverage will protect your ministry. However, be aware that it offers no protection for the vehicle owner or for the driver of a borrowed vehicle.