The University, along with its employees and students, are all generally protected by comprehensive liability insurance, including contractural liability, from the consequences of negligence in the performance of official duties.
In addition, an employee or agent will be indemnified by the University against expenses, judgments, and fines reasonably incurred as a result of any lawful actions taken in good faith and not opposed to the best interests of the University. This includes errors and missions of a professional nature. A copy of the complete Indemnification Policy is contained in Chapter 3 of the Trustee Bylaws.
The University maintains automobile liability insurance that applies to University owned vehicles and will automatically cover the liability of any employee, student, or other person while driving or using these vehicles on authorized University business.
With respect to liability for accidents involving other vehicles (such as those personally owned or leased by employees, students, or parents) on official University business, the University's insurance provides excess coverage. This coverage would apply only to the claims which exceed the vehicle owner's insurance (which is considered primary insurance for the owner, driver, and the University) and the driver's insurance (which is secondary if the driver is other than the owner). All persons using private vehicles on University business or in University-supported activities should be advised of the need to carry adequate automobile liability coverage under their own insurance policies. Limits of at least $500,000 per person, per occurrence for bodily injury and $250,000 per occurrence for property damage are suggested. In the event an employee is in the practice of regularly using his or her personal vehicle for University business, it must be declared on any application or information solicitation from the insurance carrier.
The University has been asked by the State Insurance Commissioner to remind all drivers of State insured vehicles (which includes those owned by the University) that use of the vehicle for other than official business could be termed unauthorized, which would result in no insurance coverage under the State policy for the person operating the vehicle.
The University assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to personal property. Employees are urged to carry personal property insurance to cover items of value. This coverage is often included in Homeowner's Policies.
Personally owned or leased aircraft may not be used on University business without the specific prior written approval of the Provost. A certificate of Aircraft Liability Insurance should be submitted and approved by the Associate Treasurer for Finance prior to use of the aircraft.
