Reading Room Document

Liability and Insurance Coverage for Government Employees Who Use Automobiles in Connection With the Official Travel of the President and Vice President

This document addresses liability and insurance coverage for Government employees and other individuals using automobiles in connection with the official travel of the President and Vice President. The conclusions reached in the document are that the United States assumes liability for the negligence of an employee operating any motor vehicle in the course of official duties, and the status of an individual as full time, part time, paid, or unpaid does not determine whether they are considered an "employee" of the Government. The document presents seven questions for review, including the liability coverage provided by the Government for its employees, which staff are covered by such protection, and the Government's responsibility if a person for whom liability coverage is provided uses the vehicle for a personal frolic and an accident occurs.

June 23, 1978