Risk Management FAQs

I have been asked for a certificate of insurance. What is that and how do I get it?
A certificate of insurance is proof of insurance. It is a document that we provide to an outside party we are contracting with in some manner, to show we have the insurance coverage they require of us. It can be obtained by requesting it from Gabby Reissland at reissland.1@osu.edu. Her telephone # is 247-8840. For information needed, please see the Certificate of Insurance Section.
Building
I had a computer stolen. Do we have insurance for that?
The University is self insured for first $1 million for most property losses. The General Fund underwrites the exposure so that a department will pay no more than $10,000 per any occurrence. If your loss exceeds $10,000 in value, you should submit a Claim Form. Please see the Loss Reimbursement Policy before you submit a claim.
We had damage to our space due to a flood, fire, lightning, or other disaster. Is that covered ?
The University has insurance for qualifying perils that damage property. There must be damage to a structure or its contents caused by the qualifying peril. Damage from fire, high winds, lightning, and some floods qualify as a peril. There may be other causes of significant damage to property. Contact insurance to determine whether you have a qualifying event. Anytime you believe that you may have an event that qualifies for insurance, you should take pictures and document the event. You should contact Facilities or your property manager for clean up and repair. You must keep track of the costs of repairs and associated expenses. You will not be reimbursed for your time or labor. (2009)
We are negotiating with an outside party and they are requiring us to have various types and limits of insurance. Is that something we can agree to ?
You should have a representative from Legal Affairs review your agreement. If they have any questions regarding the terms for insurance, they will consult with Risk Management.
Our department is considering a risky activity and I am worried about the liability. Do we have insurance to cover that?
The answer depends on the activity and the individuals involved. The University does have an general liability policy covering the institution, its boards, employees, and its qualifying volunteers. However, we have a $5 million deductible that is the responsibility of the department. The General Fund does not have a similar policy to property whereby the department's exposure is limited to a sum certain. There is a process where the department can apply for relief through the Legal Reserve Fund. Please see Risk Management Policy for a full discussion. When undertaking a new initiative, a department or unit should first perform a risk assessment to help identify threats to the initiative’s success. See the Risk Assessment area of this website for help in performing a risk assessment.
Does the University have automobile insurance?
All street legal, University owned, leased, or rented vehicles are covered by the University's insurance program. Similar to the property program, each accident will result in no more than a $10,000 loss to a department. The General Fund underwrites the remainder of the exposure.
What do I do if I have an automobile accident?
Call the police and have a report taken at the scene. Obtain the other driver's name, address, phone #, insurance information, and the make, model and license # of the other vehicle. At first chance, call Bonnie Long at Transportation and Parking at 292-6122 to report the accident. (2009)
If I have an accident while driving my personal car for University business, will the University cover the loss?
No, your personal insurance will respond. Part of the mileage reimbursement rate is to cover your cost of automobile insurance.
If I rent a vehicle while traveling should I obtain the insurance from the rental agency?
Yes, you should obtain the rental insurance. This way you will not be subject to the $10,000 department deductible, and claims handling is done through the rental agency. Otherwise it can be very difficult for the University to settle a claim for an out of state accident.