Vehicle Insurance Coverage
University Vehicles Coverage
Primary Liability (University Vehicles)
Iowa State University participates with other Iowa Board of Regents Institutions in the Iowa Regents Motor Vehicle Self-Insurance Program for liability on motor vehicles. The program responds to liability claims for property damage or bodily injury arising from an accident involving University vehicles where the University driver was more than 50% negligent. Claims are processed pursuant to the Iowa Tort Claims Act, Chapter 669 of the Code of Iowa.
Physical Damage Coverage
The Iowa Regents Motor Vehicle Self-Insurance Program includes coverage for comprehensive and collision damage to University vehicles, subject to a $500 deductible per loss. The deductible will be assessed to the department.Other Motor Vehicles Coverage
Excess Liability (Non-Owned, Borrowed, Personal Vehicles)
For non-owned vehicles (including rentals, personal, or borrowed), the Iowa Regents Motor Vehicle Self-Insurance Program will apply only as an excess liability coverage. Faculty and staff using their own vehicles on official university business are required to carry auto liability insurance with minimum limits as required by the State of Iowa and that coverage is considered primary. The University's travel reimbursement program incorporates insurance expenses in the mileage rate calculation for personal vehicle use. In an accident, the non-owned vehicle owner must use their own automobile insurance coverage as the primary insurance. This same policy applies to employees using their own vehicle only on occasion for business as well as those required to use their personal vehicle as a condition of employment.The University's excess liability coverage will apply when the driver was 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, or other private owner, or their insurer for any deductible or liability claim paid by their personal auto insurance policy, or for any damage to the vehicle.
If any personal property is damaged or stolen as a result of being transported or stored in a vehicle, the property is not covered by the university. Employees should consult with their personal lines insurance provider to determine if coverage for property in vehicles is included in their homeowners insurance policy.
Rental Vehicles Coverage
The Board of Regents State of Iowa Motor Vehicle Self-Insurance Program provides liability coverage for approved non-university owned vehicles and vehicles rented for University related business. The Regents Program will cover collision or comprehensive claims for rental vehicles, subject to a $500 deductible. The deductible will be assessed to the department.
ISU has a formalized agreement for vehicle rental with National Car Rental and departments/employees are encouraged to use this company since National includes CDW/LDW in the rental rate.
A Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is an option offered by vehicle rental agencies to provide protection for physical damage to their vehicle. ISU employees should not purchase the optional CDW/LDW coverage unless approved by Risk Management in advance. If an employee chooses to rent a vehicle from a company other than National, the CDW/LDW coverage should be declined. If there is physical damage to the rental vehicle, the Regents coverage will be used to reimburse the company for repairs if warranted.
Guidelines for insuring a rental vehicle
When renting from companies other than National Car Rental while on University business, follow these guidelines:- If no liability coverage is provided, the University recommends the University employee buy the minimum amount of liability coverage available.
- DO NOT PURCHASE the optional CDW/LDW (collision damage waiver or loss damage waiver) on rental vehicles.
- Rent the vehicle "to Iowa State University,by ... (your name)."
A motor vehicle insurance card is available as proof of insurance to rental car companies. Cards may be requested by contacting the Office of Risk Management (294-7711) or ISU Purchasing (294-7040).
Vehicle Rental Outside the United States
Employees renting vehicles in countries other than the United States should purchase the liability and/or property insurance coverage offered by the rental car company. Reimbursement will be authorized for insurance costs associated with international rentals.Trailer Coverage
The use of trailers borrowed or leased with ISU vehicles must be approved in advance by Transportation Services. The Regents coverage would apply for any liability associated with the trailer. However, there is no coverage for property damage to the trailer or contents. The option to purchase commercial physical damage only coverage is available to departments by contacting the Office of Risk Management at 294-7711.
Vehicle Use on Field Trips Coverage
The Office of Risk Management recommends faculty and staff use ISU vehicles for field trips or other related academic activities requiring travel. The use of ISU vehicles ensures that any transportation liability issues associated with the field trip or activity will be the responsibility of the University.
Faculty and staff may use their own personal automobiles to transport students; however, the same policies apply that pertain to the use of personal vehicles for University-related business. (See Other Motor Vehicles link).
It is not necessary to purchase travel accident insurance for students or faculty and staff for University sponsored events. However, any unusual program or circumstances should be discussed with the Office of Risk Management to determine if any special arrangements are necessary.
For detailed information on field trips and the transportation of students, see Field Trips -- Faculty and Staff Guide to Liability, Insurance and Risk Management Issues.
Reporting Vehicle Accidents
Office of Risk Management
3618 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011
(515) 294-7711
E-Mail:
