Personal Vehicles Used on Business

There are times that employees of the New Jersey State Colleges and Universities may utilize personal vehicles for personal business.  Any such employee business travel is to be approved as may be required by the employee’s college/university.

The state travel reimbursement rate includes reimbursement for the employee’s auto insurance cost.  The employee is responsible for obtaining and maintaining auto liability insurance as required by law at all times.

The employee’s individual auto insurance is primary for any claims arising out of the employee’s use of their personal auto on college/university business. Subject to the conditions of the NJ Tort Claims Act, the state auto liability program may potentially provide coverage in excess of the other insurance.

If the employee elects to not insure their vehicle for collision loss and their vehicle is damaged while being used on college/university business they may not be entitled to any reimbursement over the normal travel allowance.  The same also applies to any deductibles the employee may have selected.  Employees should review any such considerations with the college/university for which they are performing the business travel.

Reporting Accidents Involving Personal Vehicles Used For Business:

College/University Employees who are in vehicle accidents involving personal vehicles used for business are to:

    1. Report the accident to the local authority having jurisdiction.  This may be the municipal police, state police, sheriff, or other law enforcement agency.  Obtain a copy of the report number. Once available, obtain a copy of the report.
    2. Report the accident to their personal auto liability insurance company, as required by their personal policy.
    3. Report the accident to their supervisor.
    4. Report the accident to their institution’s public safety or campus police department
    5. Follow any local instructions for reporting to their respective college/university.
    6. Within 24 hours or 1 business day of the accident, notify the state by completing an online RM1 form submission.  The online form and instructions for completing the form can be found at: https://www.nj.gov/treasury/riskmgt/rm1-instructions.shtml