Risk Control Strategies for Automobile Negligent Entrustment

This document is a guide addressing the issue of automobile negligent entrustment, focusing on the responsibilities of employers regarding employees who drive company-owned or personal vehicles for business purposes. It outlines the five elements necessary to establish a company's liability in cases of negligent entrustment, including the requirement for the company to have entrusted the vehicle to the driver and the necessity for the driver to be competent and licensed. The document further details the criteria that may render a driver incompetent, such as lacking a valid driver's license or having a poor motor vehicle record. It also references provincial and federal regulations that can be used as benchmarks for driver qualifications. Recommendations for reducing exposure to negligent entrustment are provided, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive fleet management program that includes driver selection procedures, ongoing training, and monitoring of motor vehicle records. The guide concludes with a brief mention of educational courses offered by CNA to enhance fleet risk management.