Introduction

Action Ideas That Work

Volunteer Driver Training Program
    Welcome / Introduction
    Who Are We Serving,
    Who Are We
    Challenges for Caregivers in
    Regards to Transportation
    Potential Challenges for
    Volunteer Drivers
     - Listening
     - Communication
     - Sensitivity
     - Preventing Agitation
     - Dealing with Agitation
     - Providing Physical Assistance
     - Boundaries
     - Safety Considerations for
       Volunteer Drivers
     - Emergency Procedures
   Transportation Specifics
   for Leaders
     - Risk Management
     - Insurance for Volunteers
     - Insurance and Liability
       Concerns
    Materials Needed to Teach
    Conclusion

Resource Sheets

Resources / Links

Insurance and Liability Concerns

Individuals who volunteer for a nonprofit may express concern about their exposure to personal liability resulting from their volunteer service. Volunteer transportation programs should be prepared to address these concerns and direct volunteers to resource material for additional guidance. With respect to liability stemming from automobile accidents, volunteer drivers should understand that when they drive their personal vehicle on the organization’s behalf, the insurance on that vehicle (ie, usually the volunteer’s personal auto insurance) will respond first in the event of an at-fault accident. The insurance industry expression for this is “the coverage follows the car”. Transportation Coordinators need to be aware that the organization should purchase an excess policy (non-owned auto insurance) as a source of recovery for those accidents where and property costs exceed the limit of the driver’s personal policy. The organization, however, can provide training and assistance to the volunteer driver in order to reduce the likelihood of an accident (ie. Guidance on driving with passengers, establishing passenger responsibilities).

With respect to other (non-auto) liability claims, a volunteer transportation program should urge its volunteers to review information on the state’s volunteer protection law as well as the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997. These laws provide a defense for volunteers acting within the scope of their responsibilities for a nonprofit. This protection varies from one state to the next, but is generally limited to instances when the volunteer has been “simply negligent” (fails to do something a reasonable person would do under the circumstances or does something a reasonable person would not do under the circumstances) versus gross negligent (outrageous or intentional conduct that contravenes community standards).

A free resource that describes and compares the various state laws as well as the federal law is available at: Nonprofit Risk Management Center The publication is titled: “State Liability Laws for Charitable Organizations and Volunteers.”)

Questions about any of the materials in this section may be directed to the Nonprofit Risk Management Center. The Center is a nonprofit resource center that provides free technical assistance to nonprofit staff members, volunteers and leaders on a wide range of risk management, liability and insurance topics. The Center also offers risk management software, practical publications on safety, insurance and liability topics, and numerous training opportunities. To access the Center's technical assistance programs, visit the Advice section at Nonprofit Risk Management Center or call (202)785-3891.