Risk Management, Insurance, and Compliance

The primary mission of the department of risk management and insurance is to minimize the adverse effects of losses due to accidents or other fortuitous events that may be inflicted upon the physical and human assets of the University.

To achieve adequate protection against loss, the department is responsible for the:

Identification and analysis of risk and assessment of loss potential.
Development and implementation of loss funding and risk financing mechanisms, including: assumption of risk through self-insurance or captive programs or the purchase of insurance coverage from commercial insurers.
Elimination or reduction of risk through: the development and maintenance of loss prevention and safety programs, risk avoidance, or the transfer of risk to other parties.
Claims control and litigation management.

The following is general information on insurance coverage and services provided by risk management and insurance. The descriptions of the insurance coverage afforded by the policies in force are complex and often can be interpreted only with reference to specific circumstances. Contact the risk manager at 487-2229 for additional information.

University Insurance Coverage

The following is an overview of the insurance programs maintained by the University to manage risk and protect the institution, its employees, students, and approved activities. The University carries a wide range of insurance coverages designed to safeguard both individuals and the institution from potential financial loss arising out of day-to-day operations. The summaries provided are for informational purposes only and do not amend, interpret, or replace the terms and conditions of any insurance policy. While this overview highlights policies that may affect or be of interest to you, it does not include every policy maintained by the University. Additional information about specific coverages and claims procedures can be obtained by contacting Risk Management by emailing risk@mtu.edu.

Automobile Liability and Physical Damage

The University maintains automobile liability coverage for University-owned vehicles. This policy provides protection to the University and authorized drivers for liability arising from accidents resulting from the use of a University-owned vehicle. The insurer will pay sums the University or authorized driver becomes legally obligated to pay, up to the applicable policy limits. Coverage may be denied in cases involving gross negligence.

More information regarding Car Rental coverage can be found on the Financial Services and Operations Travel - Ground Transportation webpage.

Educators Legal Liability

Educators’ Legal Liability (ELL) provides protection for the University, its employees, and board members against claims arising from alleged errors, omissions, or negligent acts in the performance of their professional duties. This coverage typically addresses legal defense costs, settlements, or judgments related to issues such as employment practices, discrimination, or other decisions made in the course of educational or administrative responsibilities. It is designed to safeguard both the institution and individual employees from the financial impact of legal claims connected to their professional roles.

Foreign Travel Liability

Coverage provides protection to University employees traveling outside the United States on authorized University business only. This coverage is designed to address liability claims arising from acts or incidents occurring abroad, including bodily injury or property damage to third parties.

Business Travel Accident (BTA)

The University maintains a Business Travel Accident (BTA) policy that provides coverage for individuals traveling on authorized University business outside the United States and Canada. The policy includes Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) benefits for covered travelers.

In addition to AD&D coverage, the policy provides access to travel assistance services to support travelers experiencing medical emergencies, security concerns, or other travel disruptions while abroad.

For more information, please visit the Financial Services and Operations Travel – International Travel webpage.

General Liability

The University maintains General Liability coverage to protect against claims arising from bodily injury, property damage, or personal and advertising injury to third parties caused by the alleged negligence of the University.

Coverage extends to the University, the Board of Trustees, employees, and authorized volunteers acting within the scope of their duties or while performing services on behalf of or under the direction of the University.

Important: All incidents that may give rise to a claim should be reported promptly to Risk Management. A claims investigation will be conducted, and no admissions of fault, liability, or commitment to pay damages should be made without prior coordination with Risk Management.

Property

The University maintains property insurance for University-owned buildings, equipment, and contents against loss resulting from sudden and accidental events such as fire (including smoke and water damage), weather-related events, explosion, vandalism, theft, and similar perils. Coverage is generally provided on a replacement cost basis.

Personal property owned by employees is not covered under the University’s property insurance.

Special Services

Bloodborne Pathogens

A bloodborne pathogens program has been established to protect the "potentially at risk" employees against Hepatitis B. Various supervisors select the individuals eligible for the vaccinations series which is administered by the Portage Health System.

Certification of Insurance

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) may be issued to provide evidence of the University’s insurance coverage when required by contract or agreement.

To request a certificate, submit a written request to Risk Management by emailing risk@mtu.edu and include a copy of the contract or agreement (if applicable). Please provide the following information:

Name and address of the entity requesting the certificate
University department, group, or individual involved
Name of the responsible University representative
Description of the event, activity, or services (including purpose, location, and dates)
Type(s) of insurance coverage being requested

Requests should be submitted as early as possible to allow adequate processing time.

Drug and Alcohol Substance Abuse

A drug and alcohol substance abuse program has been established to comply with Federal Highway Administration's Alcohol and Controlled Substances Testing regulations. The regulations mandate testing and other action for University employees who are required to possess a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

In-Service Training

Special Training sessions and/or evaluations are available upon request.