Risk Management administers a business automobile liability program that provides liability coverage for COUNTY EMPLOYEES DRIVING COUNTY VEHICLES WHILE OUTSIDE THE COURSE AND SCOPE OF EMPLOYMENT. This insurance provides a single combined limit of $300,000 for bodily injury and/or property damage per accident, as well as $2,500 personal injury protection. The insurance is voluntary and is paid by the employee via payroll deduction
Although election of coverage is voluntary, without this coverage (or similar endorsement on the employee’s personal auto policy), any non-certified peace officers driving a county vehicle outside the course and scope of employment could be subject to personal liability for claims and/or lawsuits brought by third parties.
Additionally, in the absence of this coverage, any peace officer (as defined in Article 2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure) driving a county vehicle outside the course and scope of employment would only be afforded minimum State liability limits of $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 bodily injury per accident (two or more persons) and $25,000 property damage per accident as outlined in Chapter 612.005 of the Texas Government Code. Coverage provided by 612.005 is applicable if the employee is authorized to use the vehicle and not committing a criminal offense.
Anyone who drives a county vehicle and is interested in signing up for the program or obtaining additional information should contact the Insurance & Recovery Manager at (713) 274-5523.