Property and Casualty Insurance
1. Liability Insurance
2. SDSU Research Foundation Vehicle Insurance
3. Crime Insurance
4. Wrongful Acts
5. Premium Recharges
6. Certificates of Insurance/Additional Insured
7. Vendor / Subcontractor Minimum Insurance Requirements
8. Ground Transportation Vendor / Subcontractor Minimum Insurance Requirements
9. Leased, Rented, Loaned or Borrowed Equipment and Vehicles
10. Property Control
11. Borrowed Property
1. Liability Insurance
SDSU Research Foundation (SDSURF) purchases property and casualty insurance to protect its' assets against losses or damages resulting from its' business operations. One component of this insurance is a Commercial General Liability policy. This insurance may not provide coverage for activities which are not considered in the scope and course of employment.
- Commercial General Liability
This policy generally should pay for damages that SDSU Research Foundation is legally obligated to pay due to negligence, which results in personal injury and/or property damage to others, subject to policy exclusions.
In the event of an accident, an investigation will be conducted by the risk management department. No admissions of responsibility or commitment to pay for damages should be made by any other person. - Contractual Liability
Provides for payment of damages SDSU Research Foundation is legally obligated to pay as a result of an insured contract. - Product Liability
Provides coverage for damages SDSU Research Foundation is legally obligated to pay as a result of loss involving a product designed, manufactured, or distributed by SDSU Research Foundation. Exclusions do apply. - How to Submit a Claim
All incidents involving personal injury, potential injury or property damage must be reported to SDSU Research Foundation's Risk Management Department immediately.
2. SDSU Research Foundation Vehicle Insurance
Includes Auto liability and Physical damage coverage.
Physical Damage coverage includes a) Comprehensive and b) Collision protection for SDSURF owned, leased or rented vehicles.
- Comprehensive
Comprehensive damages are; theft of vehicle or damages caused by fire or water. Damage to a vehicle's windshield is also covered under comprehensive coverage.
No coverage is provided for personal effects or other property of the insured or others carried in or on the vehicle. Comprehensive coverage pays for the repair or replacement with like kind and quality for physical damage other than collision. A deductible may be charged to the department or project. - Collision
Collision damages include collision with another vehicle, fixed object or vehicle overturns.
Collision coverage pays for the repair or replacement with like kind and quality. A deductible may be charged to the department or project.
Automobile Liability
Automobile Liability is provided for all SDSU Research Foundation-owned, leased or rented vehicles used to conduct SDSURF business. This insurance program should pay for damages that SDSU Research Foundation is legally obligated to pay to third parties. Please note that required insurance coverage may not be automatic. The risk management department must be notified when vehicles are acquired.
- Personal Vehicle Usage
The vehicle owner must be aware that his/her personal automobile insurance will be primary in the event of an accident. SDSU Research Foundation's insurance coverage is only applicable if the claim exceeds his/her Personal Liability insurance coverage and a claim is made against the Research Foundation as a result of the accident. Insurance carriers normally allow the occasional use of privately owned vehicles for business trips without an increase in premium rates. If a private vehicle is regularly used on SDSU Research Foundation business, an employee should notify his/her insurance carrier. - How to Submit a Claim
All accidents involving SDSU Research Foundation-owned or -leased vehicles, and private vehicles being operated on SDSU Research Foundation business, must be reported to the risk management department. SDSU Research Foundation's risk manager must be contacted immediately if the accident results in a personal injury or property damage. A Vehicle Accident Report along with all other documentation (estimates, police reports, etc.) should be forwarded to the risk management department.
3. Crime Insurance
- Fidelity
Coverage extends to the loss of SDSU Research Foundation cash, securities, bonds and money as a result of employee dishonesty. Deductibles and exclusions do apply. Coverage may not be provided for the loss of personal property. - Forgery and Alteration
Forgery and Alteration insurance provides coverage for altered or forged documents. - Money and Securities coverage
Money and Securities coverage extends to the loss of SDSU Research Foundation cash, securities, bonds and money. Deductibles and exclusions do apply. Coverage may not be provided for the loss of personal property. - Money Order Coverage
Money Order Coverage protects against theft of money orders. - Computer Fraud
Computer Fraud protects against financial losses resulting from computer theft. - How to Submit a Claim
All incidents and losses should be reported to the risk management department. Proof of loss and documentation supporting the amount claimed should also be forwarded.
4. Wrongful Acts
- Employer's Legal Liability
Covers amounts SDSU Research Foundation is legally obligated to pay for the legal defense and damages incurred as a result of a claim against SDSU Research Foundation, staff member, managers, officers, directors, or named insured. Coverage includes any alleged error, misstatement, misleading statement, act, omission, neglect or breach of duty arising while acting in good faith during the performance of their assigned duties. - Employment Practice Liability
Covers damages that the SDSU Research Foundation is legally obligated to pay for claims arising out of wrongful termination, sexual harassment and employment discrimination - How to Submit a Claim
Any notice of a complaint of alleged wrongdoing must be reported to the risk management department. - Workers' Compensation/Special Services
Under Cal/OSHA regulations, all employers are required to log designated work-related injuries and illnesses. The risk management department compiles and maintains this log based on information from injury reports submitted. Any requests for viewing this log by Cal/OSHA representatives should be directed to the risk management department.
An OSHA 300 summary of departmental injuries is compiled and distributed by the risk management to all departments. This summary must be posted during the entire month of February. - Loss Prevention
The risk management department attempts to identify loss potential and coordinate preventive measures to correct areas of concern. Expert assistance such as external consultants, work-site assessments and safety engineers can be arranged. In addition, risk management works with environmental health and safety, facilities management, and the human resources department, to provide education, training and assessment of areas at risk. Employees, interns, volunteers and visitors are encouraged to bring dangerous situations to the attention of one of these departments.
5. Premium Recharges
Premium allocations/deductibles for various types of insurance coverage or claims may be allocated to SDSU Research Foundation departments or projects. The allocation method is based upon the insurance exposures within each department.
6. Certificates of Insurance/Additional Insured
SDSU Research Foundation is involved in numerous activities and business ventures with various contractors, subcontractors and business entities. Therefore it is necessary to ensure that SDSU Research Foundation is adequately protected against losses or claims arising out of the activities of contractors, subcontractors and business entities. Therefore, if SDSU Research Foundation determines that an activity warrants additional protection against certain risks, it may request that the organization it is conducting business with provide a certificate of insurance (Word Format, 82KB). This certificate should have an attached "additional insured endorsement" stipulating that San Diego State University Research Foundation is an additional insured under the contractors, subcontractors or vendors insurance policy. The certificate is to be sent to the department seeking the services of the contractor or supplier and to the legal affairs and risk management department.
If an organization requests a certificate of insurance from SDSURF, that request must be submitted to SDSU Research Foundation's risk management department. The information required for completing a certificate of insurance request is:
- Requesting persons' name, department, telephone/fax number and e-address;
- Certificate holder, to whom the certificate is to be issued;
- Certificate holders' contact persons' name, address, and phone/fax number and e-address;
- A description of the activity for which the certificate is needed, including purpose, location and time period;
- Items to be insured if property coverage is requested;
- The type and limits of insurance for which proof is required;
- Time frame of when a certificate is needed and who should receive copies;
- Whether or not the original is requested back to the requestor (i.e., to be included with contract).
Note: Contracts or lease pages, outlining requirements, are typically helpful and in some instances, may be required for additional insured requests.
7. Vendor / Subcontractor Minimum Insurance Requirements
- Commercial General Liability
Each subcontractor shall supply a Certificate of Insurance showing evidence of commercial general liability coverage with a limit of at least $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence, or higher as required by SDSU Research Foundation. The certificate must have an endorsement attached which (1) names SDSURF as an additional insured; (2) provides that such insurance is primary and any other insurance of SDSURF is excess; and (3) waiving any subrogation rights or claims against SDSURF. The additional insured endorsement must be attached to the certificate. Endorsements that limit or exclude coverage are to be attached to the certificate. - Umbrella or Excess Liability
Each subcontractor shall supply a Certificate of Insurance showing evidence of umbrella or excess liability coverage in an amount not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence. Endorsements that limit or exclude coverage are to be attached to the certificate. - Worker's Compensation and Employer's Liability
Each subcontractor shall supply a Certificate of Insurance providing evidence of worker's compensation and employer's liability coverage. The employers' liability limits shall be at least $1,000,000 for each occurrence. A waiver of subrogation shall be attached in favor of SDSURF. - Automobile Liability
Each subcontractor shall supply a Certificate of Insurance showing commercial automobile liability coverage in an amount of no less than $1,000,000 combined single limit per accident for all owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles. - Professional Liability
If the subcontractor is a licensed architect, engineer, designer, or other "professional," a Certificate of Insurance shall be supplied showing errors and omissions coverage in an amount not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence. The certificate must have an endorsement attached which (1) names SDSURF as an additional insured; (2) provides that such insurance is primary and any other insurance of SDSURF in excess and (3) waiving any subrogation claims against SDSURF. The additional insured endorsement must be attached to the certificate. - Property Insurance
Tenant will procure and maintain property insurance coverage for:- All furniture, fixtures, office equipment merchandise and all other personal property at or about the premises.
- Leasehold improvements made by the tenant;
- All improvements, betterments, alterations and additions to the premises.
- Additional Requirements
The insurer for coverage on items 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 shall have a minimum A.M. Best's rating of A VII and be admitted in California. This can be amended by separate agreement by SDSURF. All certificates are to be sent to:- Original to the SDSURF department that contracts with the subcontractor or vendor
- Copy to risk manager, San Diego State University Research Foundation, 5250 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-1942
8. Ground Transportation Vendor / Subcontractor Minimum Insurance Requirements
- Commercial General Liability
Each subcontractor providing transportation services shall supply a Certificate of Insurance showing evidence of commercial general liability coverage with a limit of at least $2,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence, or higher as required by SDSUR Foundation.
The above limit can be satisfied through a combination of primary and excess policies. - Worker's Compensation and Employer's Liability
Each subcontractor shall supply a Certificate of Insurance providing evidence of worker's compensation and employer's liability coverage. The employers' liability limits shall be at least $1,000,000 for each occurrence. A waiver of subrogation shall be attached in favor of SDSURF. The above limit can be satisfied through a combination of primary and excess policies. - Automobile Liability
Each subcontractor providing transportation services shall supply a Certificate of Insurance showing commercial automobile liability coverage in an amount of no less than $2,000,000 combined single limit per accident for all owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles.
The above limit can be satisfied through a combination of primary and excess policies. Certificate must have an endorsement attached which (1) names SDSURF as an additional insured; (2) provides that such insurance is primary and any other insurance of SDSURF is excess; and (3) waiving any subrogation rights or claims against SDSURF. The additional insured endorsement must be attached to the certificate. Endorsements that limit or exclude coverage are to be attached to the certificate also. - Foreign Territories
If the vendor/subcontractor is providing transportation services or tours in a foreign territory, the certificate of insurance must have an endorsement attached verifying that the vendor/subcontractor's insurance includes the foreign country in its Coverage Territory.
All certificates must be received and approved by SDSURF prior to any work, event, or activity that exposes SDSURF to legal liability.
SDSU Research Foundation retains the right to evaluate any business agreement to insure compliance with this requirement. SDSURF also retains the right to make exceptions where needed.
9. Leased, Rented, Loaned or Borrowed Equipment and Vehicles
- Leased/Rented Equipment and Vehicles:
SDSU Research Foundation is required to provide leasing/rental agencies with a certificate of insurance. In such cases, the buyer will request a certificate of insurance. The buyer will provide the risk manager with a detailed description of equipment (to include manufacturer, model, color etc), value and the insurance requirements as defined in the company terms and conditions. - Loaned/Borrowed Equipment and Vehicles:
SDSU Research Foundation may be required to provide a company/individual with a certificate of insurance. In such cases, the department/project will request a certificate of insurance from the SDSURF risk manager. The department/project will provide the risk manager with a detailed description of equipment (to include manufacturer, model, color etc.), proof of ownership, age/year originally purchased, purchase price, current value, and if possible, provide a photo and condition report.
10. Property Control
SDSU Research Foundation defines inventorial property as a tangible, non-consumable fixed asset having a useful life of one or more years and a minimum unit acquisition cost of $1,500. SDSU Research Foundation purchased property can only be used for authorized project purposes.
After payment has been made for the property, a member of SDSU Research Foundation facilities management staff contacts the PI to arrange for the property to be tagged with a numerical SDSU Research Foundation identification sticker. This control number, along with a description of the item, the serial number, and location are entered into a computerized property inventory system maintained by SDSU Research Foundation finance and accounting department.
SDSU Research Foundation finance and accounting department conducts biennial property inventories. A property listing is sent to the PI who either verifies that the listing is correct or makes a notation of any discrepancies. The listing is then returned to SDSU Research Foundation finance and accounting department. In addition, audits are conducted on an informal basis by SDSU Research Foundation staff.
The PI is responsible for establishing property maintenance procedures based on manuals and instructions furnished by manufacturers. In the absence of such instructions, the PI should establish a maintenance program based on experience and judgment. If required, you may obtain assistance from SDSU Research Foundation facilities management department in developing such a program.
The finance and accounting department must be notified using the Property Inventory Modification Request whenever there are changes in property such as: location, damage, theft (police report must be attached), loss, fabrication, loan, or receipt of government-furnished property. This form is also used to request transfer to the University or disposal by SDSU Research Foundation.
11. Borrowed Property
See section entitled: Leased, Rented, Loaned or Borrowed Equipment and Vehicles above.