Insurance

The Office of Risk Management (ORM) administers commercial insurance and self-insurance programs for the university. Staff are available to evaluate potential loss and purchase insurance on behalf of Iowa State University departments and units.

Certificates of Insurance
Vehicles and Trailers
Liability
Property
Computers (EDP)
Employee Theft

Certificates of Insurance

A certificate of insurance (COI) provides verification of insurance coverage and usually contains additional details such as the type and amount of coverage, the named insured, and policy effective and expiration dates.

All outside organization requesting to use university-owned space must complete a Facility Use Agreement and submit with the required COI. Consult Risk Management for assistance in evaluating insurance requirements.

ISU Certificate of Self-Insurance: Iowa State University is an agency of the State of Iowa, and is covered by the Iowa Tort Claims Act (Iowa Code § 669) for tort liability (wrongful death, personal injury, or property damage). When required to provide proof of insurance for contracts, use of facilities or equipment, vehicle rentals, or other circumstances, ISU departments or units may provide the ISU Certificate of Self-Insurance. Please contact us for additional information or questions about this coverage.

Recognized student organizations: A recognized student organization may provide a certificate of self-insurance for an event that has been approved through the University Event Authorization System, and at which an ISU employee acting within the scope of their employment will be present.
 

Vehicles and Trailers

Any accident that occurs while conducting university business (university, rental, non-owned or personal vehicle) must be reported by the university driver within 24 hours using the ISU Incident Portal.

University Vehicles

The university participates in the Iowa Regents Motor Vehicle Self-Insurance Program. The program provides comprehensive, collision, and liability coverage. Collision and comprehensive damage claims are subject to a $500 deductible per loss. Liability claims are processed according to the provisions of the Iowa Tort Claims Act (Iowa Code § 669).


Non-University Vehicles - Excess Liability

For non-university vehicles (including rental, personal, or borrowed), the Iowa Regents Motor Vehicle Self-Insurance Program provides excess liability coverage if the driver is an authorized university employee on university business at the time of the loss and the vehicle owner's policy has been exhausted.

The University will not reimburse an employee, other private owner, or their insurer for any deductible or liability claim paid by their personal auto insurance policy, or for any damage to their vehicle.


Rental Vehicles

The university has contracts with Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National Car Rental for both business and personal travel. Please contact Procurement Services for more information on reservations, current rental vehicle agreements and insurance coverage.

University business travel - departments should use the contracted vendors whenever possible, as insurance coverage is included in the rental rate for travel within the continental United States if the vehicle is operated consistent with the terms of the rental agreement. For coverage to apply, the driver must be listed as an authorized driver on the rental agreement and be age 21 or older.

If you rent from Enterprise Rent-A-Car or National Car Rental under another contract ID/account number, or you choose another rental company, you MUST purchase the minimum amount of liability coverage available AND purchase the optional collision damage waiver or loss damage waiver (CDW/LDW). The cost of this insurance is a reimbursable University travel expense.

Outside the United States - employees renting vehicles internationally should purchase the liability and/or property insurance coverage offered by the rental car company. The cost of insurance is an allowable business travel expense.
 

Trailers

Commercial coverage for physical damage to the trailer only (not contents) may be purchased through ORM. Transportation Services must approve all use of trailers with ISU vehicles.
 

Liability

As an agent of the State of Iowa, Iowa State University is subject to the Iowa Tort Claims Act (Iowa Code § 669) . The State of Iowa provides defense and protection from liability in claims related to wrongful death, personal injury, or property damage caused by an employee's negligent or wrongful act or omission. This protection against personal liability only applies if the employee is acting within the scope of their employment, and does not apply if the employee's actions constitute willful and wanton misconduct.

In general, ISU does not purchase commercial liability insurance. The university may purchase liability insurance for professional liability, motor vehicle liability, or other liability if required by statute, contract or special circumstances. Purchases must be made through ORM.
 

Property

Building and Contents

The university purchases commercial catastrophic property insurance that covers academic/general-funded facilities with a single incident deductible of $2,000,000 per occurrence. In the event of a catastrophic loss, the deductible will be shared among the departments or units that occupy the properties sustaining loss.


Self-Supporting, Auxiliary Operations and Facilities

The University maintains commercial property insurance on self-supporting, revenue-producing, and auxiliary facilities, including residence halls, Iowa State Center, utility systems, Memorial Union, athletic facilities, and other auxiliary operations. Commercial property insurance generally covers loss by fire, lightning, theft, explosion, wind, and hail. Deductible levels vary.


Miscellaneous Property

ORM may purchase commercial insurance for property owned or leased by, or on loan to a university department, organization or unit. Examples include golf carts, mobile radios, various rental or scientific equipment. Coverage is subject to standard commercial policy exclusions. Purchases must be made through ORM.
 

Personal Property

ISU does not assume responsibility for personal or non-university owned property kept or stored in university facilities. Payment for loss or replacement of personal property is generally the responsibility of the individual.

Claims involving personal property damage or loss are processed as claims against the State of Iowa under the Iowa Tort Claims Act (Iowa Code § 669). Contact us for additional information and to request a copy of the State Appeal Board Claim Form and Affidavit.


Computers (EDP)

ORM administers the EDP (electronic data processing) insurance program for ISU-owned or leased computers and peripherals. Coverage includes repair or replacement cost for physical loss due to theft, fire, water, accidental damage, etc.


Employee Theft

ISU is insured under the State of Iowa's blanket fidelity bond, which provides coverage for theft of state property by a state employee. ISU also maintains a self-insured program for robbery and theft of money. Departments must pay a deductible.

All theft of ISU property on campus must be reported immediately to the ISU Police non-emergency number (515 294-4428). Theft of ISU property off-campus should be reported to the appropriate local law enforcement agency. All theft of ISU property also must be reported within 24 hours using the ISU Incident Portal.