Any employee or volunteer of the parish operating a parish or private vehicle in the pursuit of church or school business is provided coverage. If the vehicle is parish-owned, the Protected Self-Insurance Program's coverage is primary. In the event the vehicle is non-parish owned, the parish's coverage would be excess (secondary) to the vehicle owner's coverage.

Transportation of Students

• The school shall provide transportation by bus to and from school-sponsored events during the school day for those students required to attend any events, such as field trips, picnics, etc.

• The school shall provide transportation for teams, clubs, and other groups required to participate in activities that take place outside the metropolitan area during non-school hours. In instances where activities take place in the city or the surrounding area, parents may provide transportation for their children.

• Parents have the option of allowing a son/daughter to transport himself/herself to a scheduled event, or the parent may choose to transport his/her child. The school assumes no liability at any time for students driving other students to and from scheduled and unscheduled events.

• Parents must be alerted to the liability they assume in providing transportation for students other than their own.

• Vehicles used for parish/school/agency business must be insured for the following limits: $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident. The parish insurance program provides excess liability coverage for employees and/or volunteers who use their vehicles for parish business. However, this excess coverage will not trigger unless the employee and/or volunteer has the above minimum limits on their vehicle.

• No parish/school/agency may own or operate, through borrowing, leasing, or rental, a 10-15 passenger van for the transportation of children or adults. The only exception to this policy is that a 10-15 passenger van may be used for the transportation of cargo. In this circumstance, in addition to the driver, an adult passenger may be seated and belted in the front passenger seat.

• The vehicle must have a valid, current registration and a valid and current license plate. The vehicle must be in good operating condition and have all safety equipment as required by law.

• Drivers must be 23 years of age or older, unless aged 21-22 and approved by Catholic Mutual Group

• Drivers must have a valid, non-probationary driver’s license and no physical disability that could in any way impair their ability to drive the vehicle safely.

• The parish/school/agency should submit the name and driver’s license number of any new driver to Catholic Mutual Group using the Request for Driver's Record Check. Catholic Mutual will check the driving record through the state and communicate the results to the parish. The Employee/Volunteer Driver Information Sheet should be completed for each driver and kept in the parish files. This requirement is essential for anyone transporting youth. Repeat drivers need to follow the steps for approval every three years.

• Drivers must complete the online video, “Be Smart – Drive Safe,” found on the Catholic Mutual home page at http://www.catholicmutual.org. This requirement applies to new drivers and drivers engaging in the three-year re-approval process.

• Administrators or volunteers responsible for programs that require driving must view the Catholic Mutual video, Church Transportation – Is It Necessary, and Ministry-Based.

• Vehicles rented by parish/school/agency must be reported to Catholic Mutual to secure automobile liability insurance.

• Passengers must be belted and/or in booster seats as prescribed by law.

• Drivers transporting children must meet Safe Environment protocols.