Claim Information
What Should be Done in the Event of an Accident?
All claims must be reported promplty. Take whatever steps are immediately necessary to render emergency medical care, salvage property, or reduce the further extent of the loss. If possible, do not disturb the evidence or hazard which caused the claim until the area can be inspected, pictures taken, and conditions recorded. Obtain the names and addresses of parties involved, witnesses, etc. Under no circumstances should one admit liability; to do so could jeopardize the insurance coverage. As soon as possible, record the details of the accident while it is still fresh in your mind and call the BCN Risk Management Office.
How May a Claim be Processed?
Liability (Tort) Claims
A tort claim may be filed against the State of Nevada for an incident/accident in which a NSHE employee or agency has caused injury or damages to another party due to a wrongful or negligent act. To file a tort claim against the State of Nevada, a tort claim form must be completed, signed by the party claiming damages and notarized.
This form is to be sent to the tort claims manager at the Office of the Attorney General. Once a claim has been filed against the State, the claim will be investigated to determine if there is any liability against the State for the damages claimed and if so, those damages will be paid as appropriate.
You can download the tort claims form Claim Against the State of Nevada from this website; however, you must submit the form via U.S. Mail or hand-delivered to the Office of the Attorney General, with an original signature that is notarized.
Potential Liability Claims
If a student or non-employee has an incident while on the NSHE's property which might lead to a liability claim, the individual will need to complete the URM-001 (Potential Liability Incident Report). This form will need to be submitted to the BCN Risk Management Office and the Office of the Attorney General.
If the student or non employee wishes to file a formal claim against the State of Nevada, a claim will need to be filed in addition to this report. (See explanation under Tort/Liability Claims).
- Do not use this form to report injuries to NSHE employees. A Workers' Compensation injury report must be filed in those instances.
- Do not use this form for Automobile Accidents which must be reported on the URM-002 (Vehicle Accident Report) form.
Property Claims
The department/institution must contact the BCN Risk Management Office at (775) 784-6139 immediately in the event of a loss expected to exceed $50,000. Other property losses should be reported as soon as possible using the URM-003 (Property Loss Report). If the loss is not reported to the BCN Risk Management Office within 180 days from the date of loss or discovery; the claim may be denied. Once our office is contacted and we receive the Property Loss Report, we will open a claim file and begin the investigation. The department deductible is $2,000.
Theft and Vandalism
The Police Department must be notified immediately. Only the police are authorized to conduct an investigation or take action regarding criminal acts such as theft or vandalism. Submit a URM-003 (Property Loss Report) to the BCN Risk Management Office. There must be visible signs of forced entry; "mysterious disappearance" is not a covered cause of loss.
Vehicle Claims
Accidents involving NSHE owned vehicles
All accidents involving another party must be reported to the BCN Risk Management Office and to the Tort Claims Manager in the Attorney General's Office as soon as possible. Details of the accident should be reported on the URM-002 (Vehicle Accident Report).
Claims for damages to NSHE owned vehicles with APD coverage should be reported to the BCN Risk Management Office as soon as possible. Reports should be made utilizing the URM-002 (Vehicle Accident Report) form and filled out as completely as possible. The department is responsible for obtaining three repair estimates. Reimbursement will be made based on the lowest estimate. There is a $300.00 department deductible.
If a third party is responsible for the damage to a NSHE vehicle, the BCN Risk Management Office will subrogate against the the third party’s insurer for the repair or replacement of the damaged vehicle. If the third party has no insurance or is not able to otherwise pay for the damages; the cost of repairs will be reimbursed through the BCN Risk Management Office if there is APD coverage on the vehicle. The $300.00 deductible will be applied.
Accidents involving rental vehicles
Damages to rental cars should be reported to the rental agency and the BCN Risk Management Office as soon as possible.
Accidents involving personal/privately owned vehicles
The NSHE does not have insurance coverage on the personal vehicle of an employee. Persons using personal vehicles for official business must obtain necessary insurance from their insurance agent. In the event of an accident, the personal vehicle insurance is primary.
Glass Repairs
If the damage is such that a repair, rather than replacement, will take care of the damaged glass, departments are encouraged to make the repair. These repairs usually cost between $30 and $50 and are 100% reimbursable. Multiple estimates are not required for glass repairs and the usual $300 comprehensive deductible is waived.
Glass Replacement
The NSHE Risk Management Office uses the contracts awarded by the State of Nevada. Departments utilizing these vendors will not be required to obtain competitive bids for automobile glass replacement. The URM-007 (Windshield/Glass Loss Report) form should be completed and submitted to the BCN Risk Management Office with a check for the $300 deductible. Attach the original invoice if you wish BCN Risk Management to pay the vendor directly. Go to the Windshield Repair Vendors form for a list of authorized vendors. Departments unwilling to utilize preferred glass replacement vendors must obtain three (3) estimates for vehicle glass replacement and have the glass replaced for the lowest available cost. Exceptions to this rule may be made on a case-by-case basis in rural areas where there are not three available vendors. Because of the nature of glass replacement claims, agencies may obtain telephone estimates for windshield and other vehicle glass replacements. However, these estimates should still be documented for the file. Reimbursement of claims not utilizing contracted vendors must also be made using the URM-007 (Windshield/Glass Loss Report) form which also helps to document telephone estimates.
Automobile Accident Packet
The BCN Risk Management Office has packets of information available that detail what to do if you are involved in an auto accident while on university business. The packet contains an accident report form, telephone numbers for various State Police divisions, witness cards and a self-insurance information card.
These packets should already be in any NSHE vehicle. If you find the packet is missing or if you would like to keep a supply of packets on hand, please contact the BCN Risk Management Office.
Crime and Fidelity Claims
Employee Dishonesty
- Report losses immediately to the Police, Internal Audit and Human Resources Department.
- Notify the BCN Risk Management Office as soon as possible.
- Complete the URM-013 (Crime and Fidelity Loss Report) form. The BCN Risk Management Office will contact the department with further instructions on filing a claim.
Discovery of Loss
When you first become aware of facts which would cause a reasonable person to assume that a loss has been or will be incurred; even though the exact amount or details of the loss may not then be known. Failure to report the loss or a situation that may result in a loss, in a timely manner, may result in the claim being denied.
Conditions
Once a loss due to the dishonesty of an employee becomes known, the insurance company will not pay for any future losses caused by such employee.
Loss Control
There is a duty to report claims promptly and take action to prevent or reduce further loss.
Addresses
Attorney General's Office |
BCN Risk Management Office |
100 N. Carson Street |
Mail Stop 241 |
Lisbet SherwoodProgram Officer |
Lisa SchallerRisk Management Specialist |
Stan MillerTort Claims Manager |
VacantRisk Manager |