Reporting accidents and damage

DES Fleet Operations is covered under the State Agency Self-Insurance Liability Program. Just like a personal vehicle, state leased vehicles must go through the same process of reporting when a vehicle is in an accident or is damaged outside of normal wear and tear.‍

If you're in an accident:

• Take steps to prevent further harm like driving the vehicle to the shoulder if it can be done safely.
• Call 911 if you feel you are in an unsafe situation or need medical attention.
• Do not admit fault. This is for the authorities to determine.
• Collect information from the other driver(s) and/or witnesses, including their name and contact information.
• Call CEI/Element at 1-877-443-5777, option 4, to begin the accident claim, arrange towing if needed, and to get direction on next steps.
  

If the vehicle needs to be towed:

• Collect the towing company's contact information.
• Ask where the vehicle is being towed.
• Provide other parties with instructions for filing a tort claim (in the glove box packet).
• Contact DES Fleet Maintenance to report accidents at 800-542-6840 or mpmaint@des.wa.gov.‍
• Contact your Agency Transportation Officer if you need a car to use while your permanently assigned vehicle is being repaired.
  

Damage/vandalism reporting:

• Call 911 if you feel you are in an unsafe situation or need to file a police report.
• Call CEI/Element at 1-877-443-5777, option 4, to begin the repair claim, arrange towing if needed, and get direction on next steps.
• Avoid
  
  • Calling CEI/Element for damage to windows or tires. Call the DES Vendor Maintenance office at 1-800-542-6840 to find a vendor near you.
  • Calling roadside assistance. Only call roadside assistance if the vehicle is undriveable (breakdowns, jump starts, lock-outs). If you're in an accident, call CEI/Element.
  • Note: DES Fleet Operations works with Element/CEI, Washington’s contracted accident management company, to attempt recovery for damages to our vehicles. If we are unable to recover the damages through third-party insurance, the driver’s agency is charged for the damages.

Examples of agency charge-backs include:

• Uninsured drivers.
• Damage due to a collision with an animal or stationary object.
• Unknown cause of damage.
• For questions regarding accidents, damage to a vehicle and/or vandalism, contact DES Fleet Maintenance at 800-542-6840 or mpmaint@des.wa.gov.

Key terms:

• Self-insured: Washington state agencies are "self-insured" meaning each agency assumes the financial risk for its own liabilities rather than paying a traditional insurance carrier for coverage. Instead of premiums, the agency directly pays out claims from a designated fund overseen by DES Risk Management
• CEI/Element: The state-contracted accident management service. Their services include managing towing, coordinating repairs with a network of repair providers, automating driver communications, and assisting with cost recovery.
• Tort claim: A tort claim is a legal process for members of the public to seek damages for harm or losses caused by the negligent actions of the state or its employees. The state is liable for damages arising from its conduct, similar to a private individual or corporation.

Helpful links:

Understanding Insurance Coverage

Vehicle Users Quick Reference Guide

Proof of Insurance‍

Filing a tort claim