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½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï maintains auto liability and physical damage coverage for University-owned vehicles operated by authorized drivers acting within the scope of University business.

Coverage includes:

• Liability protection for authorized drivers acting within the scope of University business
• Physical damage to the University vehicle

SCU is self-insured up to $350,000 and excess insurance applies beyond that amount.

Certificate of Self-Insurance

SCU’s Certificate of Self-Insurance serves as official proof of financial responsibility and replaces a traditional insurance card.

• A copy must be kept in the glove compartment of all University-owned vehicles.
• It should be presented during traffic stops or following an accident.

Certificate of Self-Insurance

U.S. & Canada

Authorized faculty and staff may rent vehicles for approved University business. Students age 21 or older may operate rental vehicles within the United States and Canada, subject to the rental company’s eligibility requirements, age restrictions, and rental terms. Additional restrictions may apply depending on the vehicle type or class.

For Domestic Rentals:

• Decline the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW)
• Decline supplemental liability insurance
• SCU’s auto coverage applies to authorized rentals in the U.S. and Canada.

Additional Guidelines:

• Do not rent vehicles valued over $30,000
• Inspect the vehicle before leaving the lot and document existing damage
• Students may drive rentals only within the U.S. and Canada

International Rentals

• Faculty and staff must purchase the full insurance package (liability and physical damage) directly from the rental agency.
• Students are not permitted to drive rental vehicles outside the U.S. and Canada.

If you drive your personal vehicle for authorized University purposes:

• Your personal auto insurance is primary
• SCU’s coverage applies on an excess basis, consistent with policy terms
• The University does not issue insurance cards for personal vehicles

Insurance follows the vehicle. Drivers must maintain personal auto insurance that meets California's minimum requirements.

Auto insurance follows the vehicle, meaning your personal policy serves as the primary coverage for any trip in your own car, whether for personal or university business. SCU’s insurance covers university-owned vehicles and general institutional liability, but it does not replace your individual policy. For authorized business travel, SCU provides excess liability protection only after your personal insurance limits are reached, a standard practice among large employers and universities nationwide.

For large groups, field trips, athletics travel, or community engagement activities, SCU strongly recommends the use of a licensed charter bus company with a professional driver.

SCU generally prohibits the rental or use of 12- or 15-passenger vans due to rollover risk and safety concerns.

Approved vendors include:

If you would like to use a different charter bus company, reach out to risk@scu.edu to help you conduct a risk assessment for approval. Ensure that the charter bus company has a prior to contacting the Risk Office.

Policy:

• Set minimum driver qualifications: only authorized employees, contractors, or students to use the carts. Conduct motor vehicle record (MVR) checks through an annual pull of each driver or a random sample of frequent drivers. 
• Deny golf cart access if the check shows someone has driven under the influence, committed a felony with a vehicle, or left an accident scene. 
• Include state and local regulations on usage: Consult with legal counsel to identify local regulations governing golf cart usage. 
• Require drivers to complete a golf cart driving test that includes written and practical components

Operating Rules: 

• Prohibit personal use of carts 
• List routes or a map on campus where carts are allowed 
• Mandate that pedestrians have the right of way on sidewalks 
• Establish a speed limit 
• Establish rules for usage at night, during severe weather, and over rough terrain
• Require removal of keys from unattended carts 
• Require drivers to review a safety checklist before use 

Driver training: 

• Provide golf cart training 

Conduct Routine Safety inspections: 

• A timeline for periodic inspections 
• State inspection requirements 
• Documentation procedures for all inspections and maintenance 
• A list of people or departments that conducts inspections and maintenance

Safe Charging and Storage Practices: 

• Charge the battery using the manufacturer-provided charging equipment, not equipment intended for another device or any improvised charging device 
• Charge batteries in accordance with manufacturer instructions
• Avoid charging devices near flammable items 
• Don’t charge batteries overnight 
• Unplug batteries once they’re fully charged
• Store batteries in a dry environment at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and fire hazards
• Don’t store batteries touching each other 
• Consider using fireproof bags for storage

Stop using a battery and call for help: 

• Odors or smoke from the battery
• Hissing, popping, or other odd noises 
• Swelling or changes in shape 
• Leaking
• Overheating
• Visible corrosion or damage to the battery

Common Misconceptions

• “It’s just a cart” → Still requires authorization
• “I only drive on campus” → Still subject to safety and training requirements
• “I drive once a year” → Authorization is still required before driving

These requirements exist to ensure safety, reduce injuries, and protect both the driver and the University.

Here is the link to Map of EV/Cart routes