Employer's Responsibility?

by Chad
(Columbus, OH)

If I am not considered an independent contractor while delivering products for my employer, and they require me to use my own vehicle for the purpose of delivering said goods, is there any legal precedence that they are required to provide coverage of my vehicle if it is wrecked in the course of my job duties?

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ANSWER for "Employer's Responsibility?":

Chad (Columbus, OH):

In a word - No. The State of Ohio does not require an employer to pay for or reimburse the cost of property damage insurance for an employee's vehicle, even if the employee's vehicle is "wrecked" while in the course of the employee's job duties.

This is not the case though when there is a written agreement between the employer and employee wherein the employer agrees to pay for or reimburse their employee for the cost of property insurance.

In the State of Ohio the minimum limits of vehicle insurance are 12,500/25,000/7,500. That means the liability of the driver for injuries sustained by the driver of another vehicle is $12,500. For more than one injured party the maximum rises to $25,000. And finally for the personal effects in the other driver's vehicle the amount is $7,500.

Because the cost of liability insurance is normally not very high for a driver with a relatively clean record, we might suggest you sit down with your employer and ask her if she would consider either paying the amount, or reimbursing you for it.

Since laws change frequently and across jurisdictions you should get a personalized case evaluation from an attorney licensed in your state (if you haven't already). Find an experienced local attorney to give you a FREE personalized case review here.


Best of luck,

Law Guy