Auto Insurance
Coverage Description
University Owned Vehicles
For liability: The University carries automobile insurance to cover University owned vehicles driven by University drivers. The policy covers indemnity only (damage to other vehicles, persons or property). Our insurance carrier is The Hartford.
For physical damage: The University is self-insured for claims involving physical damage (damage to our owned automobiles) and is subject to a $250 deductible.
Personal Vehicles and Rental Vehicles
Personal autos used on University Business: Refer to the Financial Services UChicago Travel web page which covers the provisions for use of personal vehicles including reimbursement and collision damage waiver information.
Rental Vehicles: The University is contracted with local Enterprise and nationwide with National. Please refer to the Financial Services Insurance for Rental Vehicles web page which provides information on coverage.
If a vehicle is rented from another company, a collision damage waiver must be signed. Any physical damage is covered under the University’s self-insurance program for coverage and are subject to a $500 deductible.
Claim Reporting
The following processes should be followed in the event of an automobile accident. Risk Management must be notified no later than the next business day.
CONTACT the following in order:
- Police having jurisdiction (immediately if the accident involves injury) (911 in most areas)
- Personal insurance company if a personal vehicle
- University of Chicago Risk Management if a University owned vehicle
- Rental Car Company if a rented vehicle
- Your department supervisor or director
EXCHANGE information with the other driver and witnesses. Tell the other party(s) you will report the information to our insurance carrier. The insurance company will make all determinations regarding the accident.
PHONE Risk Management. Page us if the accident involves injury. Drivers must contact Risk Management to provide all information needed to report an accident to our insurance carrier and to establish a claim for physical damage to a University owned or rented automobile.
INVESTIGATION is coordinated by Risk Management by gathering information from the driver, police, insurance company and other sources as necessary. Drivers must comply when asked to provide further information to our insurance carrier or any state agency.
Vehicle Loss Control Program:
The Risk Management Department has developed a program in conjunction with our insurance carrier to assist in loss prevention. The Employee Vehicle Loss Control Program is an outline of best practices for ensuring safe and effective operation of our fleet. Drivers should be familiar with the guidelines and follow the program as part of our commitment to supporting safe driving practices.
Approved Drivers:
Employees: Drivers of University owned vehicles must undergo a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) inquiry prior to operating a University owned vehicle when driving is an essential function of your job. The determination of whether driving is an essential job function is made by your Department Director and Human Resource Services. You must complete a Vehicle Use Acknowledgment Form and follow the instructions provided. Your request will be entered into a database to review your vehicle record and check any violations against Section VI.A.1. of the Employee Vehicle Loss Control Program. As stated in the form, you are required to report any moving violations whether personal or business related to your supervisor as this may affect your eligibility to drive.
Students: Students must also complete the Vehicle Use Acknowledgment Form and follow the instructions. Your request will be entered into a database to review your vehicle record and check any violations against Section VI.A.1. of the Student Vehicle Use Program. Please note that any violation found on your motor vehicle record makes you ineligible to drive on University business. If you know of moving violations on your record you must advise your program coordinator before we run an inquiry. You are not required to provide any details related to violations that may be on your record, but even a minor violation disqualifies you from operating a University owned vehicle.If you are using a personal vehicle for University business, you will also be required to complete the Student Personal Vehicle Use Agreement Form and the Student Vehicle Inspection Form to comply with safe use of personal vehicles. Contact Information
Candy Walters
Risk Management Analyst
773-702-1951
cwalters@uchicago.edu
pager:773/652-0007