Vehicle Accidents

Physical damage

Commonly referred to as comprehensive and collision (or, comp and collision) coverage, physical damage coverage is not provided by the State’s Office of Risk and Insurance Management (ORIM) for state vehicles, privately owned vehicles or rental cars used on state business. However, the employing state agency or department may reimburse damage for losses to privately owned vehicles.  Refer to SAM Section 0759.

Please refer to SAM Section 0759.5 and Department of Personnel Administration (DPA) Rule 599.630 for information regarding reimbursement of physical damage expenses for rental vehicles.

State vehicle repair

University-owned vehicles - The cost of repair to a damaged State-owned University vehicle is paid through the budget of the owning department. The SMVIA (State Motor Vehicle Insurance Account) provides for only third-party liability coverage.

Leased State vehicles - Vehicle damage repair expenses for leased State vehicles are included with the rental rate charged by the State Garage, Office of Fleet Administration. The cost of repair or replacement of all Department of General Services (DGS) pool cars is included in the daily, weekly and the monthly rental rate charged by the DGS Fleet Administration regardless of how or why the State Vehicle was damaged while in the employee’s custody.

Privately owned personal vehicles - When a private vehicle is damaged in an accident during official State business, your private auto insurance provides primary coverage for any damage or loss to your vehicle and the other party’s vehicle. Any insurance deductible payment is the employees' financial responsibility. The State Motor Vehicle Insurance Account (SMVIA) will pay for excess expenses not covered by your private vehicle liability insurance.

State vehicle damage recovery

When the driver of the other vehicle is at fault for damages to the State Vehicle, the Office of Risk and Insurance Management (ORIM) Vehicle Claims unit manages the recovery of vehicle damage repair costs from the other party's insurance carrier or other responsible party.

Refer all calls made by the other party, attorney, insurance company or other representatives to the State Office of Risk and Insurance Management (ORIM Claims Unit) phone number at (800) 900-3634 or (916) 376-5300. DO NOT agree to provide any written or recorded statements.

Repair of other party's vehicle

To expedite the repair of the other driver's vehicle, refer the person to the ORIM toll-free number (800) 900-3634 or (916) 376-5300.

Property damage claims

If there is only property damage and the other party's vehicle is operable, you may suggest to the other driver to give you one or two repair estimates so you may submit the STD 270 form with the estimates as a package to ORIM. Only one estimate is needed for repairs of $500 or less.

State employees

Employees injured in a vehicle accident while on University business may receive medical attention from SFSU's designated Workers' Compensation provider or their pre-designated physician or health care provider. Immediately contact Enterprise Risk Management (415) 405-3522.

Workers' compensation benefits

If you are an employee with San Francisco State University (staff, faculty, student assistant, college work study student, etc.), you may be eligible for Workers' Compensation benefits that will help pay medical expenses related to the vehicle accident. Call the campus Workers' Compensation Manager to obtain a claim form.

All other third-parties

All other parties involved in a State vehicle car accidents may receive treatment or medical attention at the nearest or preferred hospital or clinic. All third parties may file a liability claim to the State Office of Risk and Insurance Management (ORIM) and the State Board of Control for reasonable and documented medical expenses related to the accident. The Motor Vehicle Liability Self-Insurance Program (VELSIP) does not provide medical coverage for uninsured motorists. A third party's vehicle insurance or personal medical insurance is primary coverage for any immediate medical expense related to the accident.

Physical Damage

Commonly referred to as comprehensive and collision (or, comp and collision) coverage, physical damage coverage is not provided by the State’s Office of Risk and Insurance Management (ORIM) for state vehicles, privately owned vehicles or rental cars used on state business. However, the employing state agency or department may reimburse damage for losses to privately owned vehicles. Refer to SAM Section 0759.

Please refer to SAM Section 0759.5 and Department of Personnel Administration (DPA) Rule 599.630 for information regarding reimbursement of physical damage expenses for rental vehicles.

State Vehicle Repair

University-owned vehicles - The cost of repair to a damaged State-owned University vehicle is paid through the budget of the owning department. The SMVIA (State Motor Vehicle Insurance Account) provides for only third-party liability coverage.

Leased State vehicles - Vehicle damage repair expenses for leased State vehicles are included with the rental rate charged by the State Garage, Office of Fleet Administration. The cost of repair or replacement of all Department of General Services (DGS) pool cars is included in the daily, weekly and the monthly rental rate charged by the DGS Fleet Administration regardless of how or why the State Vehicle was damaged while in the employee’s custody.

Privately owned personal vehicles - When a private vehicle is damaged in an accident during official State business, your private auto insurance provides primary coverage for any damage or loss to your vehicle and the other party’s vehicle. Any insurance deductible payment is the employees' financial responsibility. The State Motor Vehicle Insurance Account (SMVIA) will pay for excess expenses not covered by your private vehicle liability insurance.

State Vehicle Damage Recovery

When the driver of the other vehicle is at fault for damages to the State Vehicle, the Office of Risk and Insurance Management (ORIM) Vehicle Claims unit manages the recovery of vehicle damage repair costs from the other party's insurance carrier or other responsible party.