Sheriff warns Rock County insurance may not cover responders’ personal vehicles

Sheriff Ben Shelbourn, Chief Deputy Derek White and ambulance representative Trenton Gurnsey raised concerns Dec. 2 that county insurance might not cover personal vehicles when responders use them on calls. They asked the Rock County Board of Commissioners for clarification about coverage.

A NIRMA representative, A. Grant, met with the board to discuss insurance policies and safety committee updates. Commissioners noted the City had not turned in claims for earlier damage to the ambulance barn (December 2022 and February 2024) despite county officials visiting the City in April 2024 to request that claims be filed.

After discussion with the insurer representative and staff, the commissioners were told that, under the county's insurance framework, coverage follows the vehicle rather than the individual driver. The board did not take a formal vote or adopt a new policy at the meeting; commissioners directed that the issue be discussed with relevant parties and that departments verify that their vehicles have appropriate coverage.

The exchange underscored a practical concern for responders who sometimes use personal vehicles to reach calls: if an employee's personal vehicle is involved in a response, coverage may depend on the vehicle's policy rather than a blanket county policy for responders. The board did not announce any immediate changes to policy or additional county-provided coverage during the meeting.

The matter will likely require follow-up between department leaders, the county clerk's office and the insurer to clarify gaps and options for protecting personnel and county liability.