Many employees drive regularly as part of our roles at UWM, while others drive occasionally or rarely for the university. We are sharing a reminder on driver authorization requirements.
UWM officers, employees and agents (including authorized students) are provided liability protection while acting within the scope of their employment or agency through the State Self-Funded Liability Program, our version of automobile insurance, which acts similarly to personal and commercial auto insurance.
Driver authorization is mandatory for UWM officers, employees or agents who are required to drive on UWM business and who are using a university vehicle (see definitions below), including personally owned vehicles when driven on university business.
Driver authorization requires the driver to have a completed and approved Vehicle Use Agreement (VUA) on file with UWM. A current and valid VUA is required for travel reimbursements.
Substantial or unreasonable personal use of a university vehicle while on university business may result in a decision that a driver was operating outside of their scope of employment or agency. If an employee or agent has an accident outside of the scope of their employment or agency, the state’s insurance program could determine the accident was not covered by insurance.
If you are required to drive on university business or you will be seeking mileage reimbursement, apply for a VUA at this webpage. If you have any questions, please email riskmgt@uwm.edu.
Definitions
- Authorized driver: University officers, employees and agents who have a Vehicle Use Agreement on file, meet the university’s minimum driving standards and are approved to perform UWM business.
- Agents: Students and volunteers who have been approved by UWM to drive on university business.
- University vehicle: A university-owned, -rented or -leased vehicle or any state fleet vehicle.
Related Documents
UWS Policy 615: Vehicle Use and Driver Authorization
UWS Policy 615A: Driver Authorization Process and Requirements
UWM Policy No. SAAP 10-9: Student and Volunteer Use of State-Owned Vehicles
