Frequently Asked Questions

University of Nevada RenoGeneral Liability

Property Insurance

Automobile Insurance

Miscellaneous

GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE

What does general liability insurance cover?

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) is insured for their general liability through a self-insurance program funded by the State of Nevada.  The program is administered by the Nevada Attorney General's Office.  Claims are handled in accordance with Chapter 41 of the Nevada Revised Statutes.  The general liability program covers damage, loss, and injury not covered by other, more specific insurance programs. It extends to every campus department and to every employee doing University/College business. Among the more common claims under general liability are:

  • injuries to campus visitors
  • damage to property not owned by the University/College
  • employment actions

Claims are evaluated on their individual merits. Filing a claim does not mean it will be accepted or paid.

What is a Tort Claim?

A tort claim may be filed against the State of Nevada for an incident/accident in which a State employee or agency has caused damages to another party.  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 liability against the State for the damages claimed and if so, those damages will be paid per the guidelines established in NRS 41.

NRS 41.035 limits the amount of damages that can be awarded against an employee of the Nevada System of Higher Education to $75,000 per cause of action.  This cap applies to claims brought under Nevada in a Nevada Court.  It does not apply to claims brought in federal court or in another state.

Claims Manager, Office of the Attorney General

100 N Carson St
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 684-1263

What if an off-campus group wants to use a campus facility?

Before an off-campus group can hold its event, it must give your department a Certificate of Insurance naming the Board of Regents, Nevada System of Higher Education as an additional insured. The system's self-insurance programs do not cover on-campus events held by off-campus groups.

If the off-campus group does not have insurance, it may be able to purchase coverage through our office. We currently work with Diversified Risk Insurance Brokers to provide $1,000,000 in general liability coverage for certain events. Coverage must be paid for in advance.  Call us at (775) 784-6139 for a quote and payment options.

Special Event policies do not include automobile insurance, Workers' Compensation, or a number of other coverages. Some activities, including rock concerts and athletic events, are not covered.

When does an outside party need insurance?

When the outside party:

  • Provides a service for a campus
  • Performs work on campus property
  • Performs work on behalf of a campus
  • Uses campus property

Why require insurance from an outside party, such as a contractor or vendor?

Insurance is a mechanism to protect the interest of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) and all its institutions.  Specifically, insurance provides a mechanism for the system to recover for injury or damage that an outside party is legally obligated to pay.  Such obligations could occur if an outside party injures an employee or student, damages the property belonging to a campus, or damages personal property of an employee or student.

What if I want to hold a campus function at an off-campus facility?

If your department sponsors an event off-campus, the host facility will probably ask you to provide evidence of insurance or a Certificate of Insurance. Call or email the Risk Management Office to request the specific insurance certification.

Are students insured by the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE)?


Health

Health insurance is the students' responsibility. Registered students must either present evidence of private coverage or purchase coverage through Student Health Services. Call Student Health Services for more information.

Students who work for the campus and are injured in the line of duty are covered by Workers' Compensation. Call (775) 784-4394 for more information.

Activities

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) does not provide liability insurance for students or their activities.  This would include student organizations and clubs. The system's responsibility for damage, loss, or injury caused by students depends strictly on the extent of the system's involvement.

Students, while working within the course and scope of their duties as members of the student government body, will be defended and indemnified by the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).  

The system purchases Medical Malpractice and Allied Health Practices Malpractice insurance for students at the medical school or studying in the Allied Health areas.  These coverages are purchased because health care facilities will not let these students study or work on their premises without commercial insurance.

Any campus unit dealing with a student group and worried about liability should contact our office (775) 784-6139. Call the same number to inquire about coverage for field trips, internships, and other for-credit student activities.

PROPERTY INSURANCE

How do I insure department property?

All Real and Personal property owned by the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) is insured. This would include:

  • Real & Personal Property of Others in the Care, Custody or Control of the Univerisity/College
  • Business Interruption
  • Extra Expense
  • Contingent Business Interruption
  • Contingent Extra Expense
  • Rents
  • Rental Income
  • Leasehold Interest
  • Fine Arts
  • Valuable Papers & Records
  • Accounts Receivable
  • And, All Other Coverages as described in the Manuscript Policy Form

Insured perils include:  All risks of direct physical loss or damage including Flood, Earthquake, Boiler & Machinery and Terrorism.  (See the Manuscript Policy Form for Standard Coverage Exclusions).

All coverage is worldwide, meaning the property need not be on University/College grounds to be insured. Lost or damaged goods are replaced or repaired with property of like kind and quality. The department deductible (the amount you pay before insurance kicks in) is $2,000 for all perils.

How do I report stolen, lost, or damaged University/College property?

First, call the Police and have them make a report. Next, call us at (775) 784-6139. Tell us what, when, where, and how the property was lost or damaged. The information you provide will assist us in determining whether your loss is covered under the insurance program.

If we determine that your loss is covered, the paperwork begins. Within three days we need to receive a completed Property Loss Report. Not all sections of the Loss Report will apply; fill it out the best you can.

Within 60 days we need the following:

  • The police report
  • Proof the campus owned or took responsibility for what was stolen, lost, or damaged
  • Evidence of the original purchase price
  • Invoice itemizing repair or replacement cost
  • Depending on the circumstances, other documentation may also be needed.

Once all is in order, we'll fund the reimbursement (minus the applicable deductible) to the department account you designated in the Property Loss Report.  Warning: in no event will loss or damage be reimbursed if you report it more than 180 days from the date of occurrence.

If University/College property is damaged by an outside party, contact us at (775) 784-6139 as soon as possible. It is part of our job to assist departments in recovering payments from liable parties.

Is private property covered by the system's insurance if it is on campus or used for University/College purposes?

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) insures only the property it owns or leases.

There are exceptions. The system's insurance will cover property loaned or rented from a non-University/College owner provided there is a written agreement signed by authorized personnel. Contact us at (775) 784-6139 for more information.

It should be noted that on no occasion is the campus responsible for the loss of private property due to criminal acts. Sorry, but if your backpack or laptop is stolen on campus, the system's insurance will not cover it.

Is University/College property insured while in transit from one location to another?

University/College property is covered worldwide except for Loss or Damage Occurring in the Jurisdictions listed in the Manuscript Policy Form and Trade Relations are Unlawful as determined by the U.S. Government.

What if my department needs to insure unique or especially valuable property, such as works of art or rare books?

Although precious artwork and rare books are covered under the system's property insurance program, it may not cover every hazard (water damage, for instance).  If a painting is doused by rain through an open window, your department is stuck for the cost of damage -- unless you purchase special fine arts coverage.

If a campus is holding a Fine Art Exhibit, the Fine Art Exhibit Coverage Request Form (URM-010) will need to be completed and submitted to the Risk Management office at least 5 days prior to the requested effective date of coverage. 

What if my department needs to insure watercraft?

Liability protection for all University/College-owned watercraft is provided through the Attorney General's Office, as part of the self-funded tort claims liability program.  There is no separate premium charge for this coverage.  Watercraft, trailers and related equipment may be covered for physical damage (subject to a $300 per occurrence) department deductible.   This physical damage coverage is self-funded through the NSHE Risk Management office.  It is optional and must be elected by any department desiring coverage.  Contact us at (775) 784-6139 for more information.

AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE

How do I insure a University/College vehicle?

The Nevada System of Higher Education self-funds its automobile physical damage exposures – there is no insurance company involved.  Coverage for physical damage (comprehensive and collision) is not required, but is offered as an option.   All University/College owned vehicles are automatically covered for liability exposures through the self-insurance program funded by the State of Nevada.

The insurance covers:

  • damage to the vehicle
  • damage to other vehicles and property
  • injuries to others (injury to you is covered by Workers' Compensation)

The department deductible for damage to their vehicle is $300 per occurrence. There is no deductible for damage to other vehicles, property, or humans if the University/College is at fault.

IF YOU USE A UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE VEHICLE IMPROPERLY, COVERAGE MAY BE DENIED BY THE SYSTEM RISK MANAGER.

What constitutes improper use? Among other things: use for private purposes; use by a driver with a suspended license or no license at all; use by a driver under the influence of alcohol or narcotics; and any kind of reckless use, from double-parking to speeding to leaving the scene of an accident. Tickets received while operating a University/College-owned vehicle are the responsibility of the driver, not the University/College.

The system's automobile insurance also does not cover damage associated with the selling, repairing, servicing, road testing, parking, or storing of vehicles.

Rental vehicles and vehicles loaned to the University/College are not covered by the system's automobile insurance program.

What if I'm driving a University/College vehicle and it is damaged or I get into an accident?

Damage Only

Report the damage to us at (775) 784-6139. If you've discovered the damage before or after business hours, leave a voice-mail message. It's best to call within 24 hours of discovering the damage. In no event should you take longer than three business days.

The Risk Management Office will ask you to fill out a Vehicle Accident Report and submit it within three business days.  Before proceeding with repairs, obtain two estimates from contracted vendors. You can obtain a current list of vendors from Motor Pool.

If you have a camera, take pictures of the damage to the vehicle. If a camera is not available, ask the auto repair shop to take pictures of the damage and give you the photos.

Accidents

Your vehicle should have a Driver's Accident Reporting Packet in the glove compartment (it's in a yellow envelope). Follow the instructions on the Packet. If you don't have an Accident Reporting Packet, get the following:

  • the names of the other drivers involved;
  • the names of the owners of each vehicle (they may be different from the drivers);
  • the license number of each vehicle;
  • the name and address of the insurance company for each vehicle;
  • the names and addresses of any witnesses.

If you have a camera, take pictures of the accident scene and the damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle(s). If property has been damaged, find out as much as you can about it. If someone has been injured, learn as much as possible about the nature of the injury.

The Accident Reporting Packet includes index-sized cards for witnesses to complete. If you don't have a Packet, try to obtain brief written statements about what the witnesses saw. Then draw a diagram of the accident.

Do not discuss the accident with anyone except the police, your supervisor, and the office of Risk Management. DO NOT admit liability or offer to pay for damages. Do everything you can to protect the University/College vehicle from further damage.

Once you're back from the accident scene, notify us (775) 784-6139. You'll be asked to fill out a Vehicle Accident Report (a copy is included in the Driver's Accident Reporting Packet).  DO NOT talk to claims adjusters representing other parties without explicit permission from us.

So long as you were properly using the University/College vehicle at the time of the accident, the system's automobile insurance program will pay all costs except the deductible. Your department will be charged directly for the deductible. The Risk Management Office will deal with the other parties involved in the accident.  If you are injured in the accident, notify your supervisor. Then call Workers Compensation at (775) 784-4394.

If the accident was the other driver's fault, we will assist your department in filing a claim against the other driver. It is part of our role to assist campus departments in recovering payments from liable parties.

What If I'm driving my own vehicle on University/College business, how am I insured?

  • If you damage your car: The Nevada System of Higher Education does not have insurance coverage on personal vehicles.  When a personal vehicle is used on University/College business, the personal vehicle's insurance is primary.
  • If you hurt yourself: Because you injured yourself in the line of duty, you're covered by Workers Compensation. Call 775-784-4394 for further instructions.
  • If you damage someone else's vehicle or property: Your private insurer is the first source of insurance coverage, even when you're using your vehicle on campus business.
  • If you injure someone while you're driving: Again, your private insurer is the first source of coverage.

What if my vehicle is damaged while on University/College property?

If the University/College is responsible for the damage, you can file a Claim Against the State of Nevada through the Attorney General’s office.  Contact the Risk Management office at (775) 784-6139 for additional information.  Claims are evaluated on their individual merits. Filing a claim does not mean it will be accepted or paid.

If it isn't clear the University/College was responsible for the damage, the insurance program will not compensate you. For instance, if your car is scratched on a campus parking lot but nobody took responsibility for the damage or saw who caused it, the University/College will not pay.

MISCELLANEOUS

How do I make my department more secure from theft?

Aside from continually reminding everyone to take commonsense precautions, you can ask the campus Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit to conduct a security survey.

Usually the Police Department makes the following recommendations:

  • That your department complies more closely with the inventory procedures outlined under Equipment Inventory on the Purchasing Department website.
  • That your department complies more closely with the campus Key Control Policy.
  • That vulnerable equipment, such as computers, either be attached to a permanent work station or moved to a room with an alarm system.
  • That department equipment be engraved with the name of your University/College (i.e. "Property of NSHE") in prominent letters or labeled with an inventory tag.
  • That your department otherwise improve its "security awareness" to protect the property of your campus.

The Risk Management Department is not responsible for any expenses connected with improving security.

What should I know about insurance before I sign a contract with an outside entity?

Insurance requirements in a contract guarantee that the organization you are contracting with will have adequate assets available in the event of a loss arising out of the work performed for your agency.

For purchase orders and procurement contracts, boilerplate language specifies the kind of insurance the vendor is to supply, so queries should be directed to the Purchasing Department.

For leases or other contracts involving the use of outside property, consult the Real Estate/Rental Properties Office.

For Independent Contractor Agreements and Affiliation Agreements, consult the Risk Management Department.

What is a Certificate of Insurance?

Proof of the required insurance is evidenced by a Certificate of Insurance on an Acord 25 form provided by the contractor's insurance agent or broker and must be in the possession of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) before the work or activity starts. The Certificate of Insurance must be filed with the contract so that it can be found in the event of a claim. See sample Certificate of Insurance.

What does Additional Insured mean?

When the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) is listed as an additional insured, it means that our interests are protected under the insurance policies purchased by the outside party in regard to the work performed, service provided, product provided, etc. by the outside party.  Essentially, it allows us to use the insurance provided by the outside party.

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) should always be listed as an additional insured on all general liability, excess liability or umbrella policies purchased by outside parties.

What types/limits of insurance should be requested?

See Contractor Insurance Requirements.

What if there is a hazardous waste spill in my department?

  • Call Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) immediately.
  • Call the police (If after hours, call the police first)

If you don't have a crisis but you learn of conditions that can lead to one, call EH&S immediately.  They handle problems concerning::

  • air, water, and land pollutants
  • asbestos and other carcinogens
  • excessive noise
  • fire hazards

EH&S also provides information and training in workplace safety, illness prevention, and fire prevention.

What if an employee is injured on the job?

Call the Workers' Compensation office at (775) 784-4394.

Any Workers' Comp-related forms, including Volunteer Forms, should be directed to the Workers' Comp office at Mail Stop 241. Reports of Non-Employee injuries should be sent to Risk Management.