Official cars + students = are you covered by AU's insurance?
As a student you can book official cars in Foulum. Therefore, it is important to know if and how you are covered if you get involved in an accident. Special rules are valid for students.
Students driving official cars for study-related tasks
It is crucial to know that AU has not taken out an insurance which covers students – which as a rule also applies when students drive in official cars during study-related tasks. The official car is, of course, still covered by the mandatory liability insurance so damage on other people and their things will be covered. But the student is NOT covered in case of personal injury imposed on her/him.
Students driving official cars while performing tasks for AU
If you as a student are asked to perform a task for AU, you will in accordance with the Consolidated Worker’s Compensation Act be regarded as an employee regardless a written agreement has been signed or not. This means you are covered by the Consolidated Worker’s Compensation Act if you, as a student, are involved in an accident while carrying out the task for AU – this also includes transportation in official cars. (A thesis project is not regarded as carrying out a task for AU).
Students in official cars as passengers
Most importantly, it’s necessary to establish what the student’s purpose is for being in the car. If the student is there to help carrying out a task, then the student is covered as described above by the Consolidated Worker’s Compensation Act. But if the student is simply getting a lift home, then the student is not covered by AU insurance. Official cars must never be used for private purposes. If a student is not helping with carrying out a task, it might be considered as private law circumstances. (Student trips are NOT considered as carrying out a task for AU).
Often posed insurance questions – please check them out here.
If you are in doubt about how you are covered, you are welcome to contact AU’s personnel legal consultant here.