Motor Vehicle - Risk Management

The University maintains a combination insurance/self-insurance program providing coverage for University-owned, leased, or rented vehicles. This includes coverage for vehicle physical damage and vehicle liability.

Personally Owned Vehicles Used for University Business

If you drive your personal vehicle on official University business, the primary liability coverage will rest entirely on your personal auto insurance policy. Personal vehicles must have liability insurance in accordance with State law. The University's insurance is secondary to your personal auto insurance. 

The University does not provide vehicle physical damage insurance for personally owned vehicles. Whenever possible, it is strongly recommended to use a university-owned. leased, or rented vehicle for University business. 
 

Rental Vehicles

The University's insurance coverage only applies when rental vehicles are used for authorized University business. However, the extent of coverage may vary depending on the state in which the vehicle is rented and the terms and conditions contained in the rental agreement.

All terms and conditions of the rental car agreement should be read and followed. Violations of the agreement may leave the University or renter responsible for additional damages or expense. 

NMU has a rental agreement with Enterprise, which should be used whenever possible. The agreement automatically includes a collision damage waiver. If Enterprise is not an option for your vehicle rental, most rental car companies hold the renter responsible for all damages to the vehicle, regardless of fault. They usually offer a collision damage waiver for an additional daily fee. This is usually very expensive and should be declined. Coverage for damage to rental vehicles while being used to conduct University business is provided by the University. 

The rental car company may also offer insurance providing accident/medical and death benefits or coverage for property in the vehicle. The University already provides accident/medical and death benefits for University employees. If you want additional coverage and accept this insurance, it is at your own expense. University-owned property is covered under the University’s property insurance program. If you want to cover your personal property, it is at your own expense. 

More information on vehicle rentals can be found here: Vehicle Rental Information Sheet

Loss or Damage Involving University-Owned, Leased, or Rented Vehicles 

Accidents involving University vehicles are to be immediately reported to the nearest police agency in accordance with State law.

In the event of an accident involving a University-owned or leased vehicle, the driver must complete a Northern Michigan University Motor Vehicle Accident Form and forward it to the Risk and Insurance Manager. Copies of the form are also available from the Risk and Insurance Management Office.

For accidents involving rental vehicles, the driver must complete all forms and documentation required by the rental company and provide copies to the Risk and Insurance Manager as soon as possible. Inform the rental car company that the Risk and Insurance Manager is the university contact for any claim resulting from the accident.

The Risk and Insurance Manager will arrange for processing claims in accordance with the University’s vehicle insurance program.
 

Certificates of Insurance

Occasionally when a vehicle is rented by the University, the outside rental entity or company requires evidence of insurance coverage. A copy can be obtained from the Risk Management office. 

Driving University-Owned, Leased  or Rented Vehicles

Before driving University-owned or leased vehicles, drivers must review basic driving rules, present a valid driver's license, and complete the required training videos. 

To begin the authorization process, log in to MyNMU, select the Safety Department tile, and then select Driver Authorization Request for instructions and authorization. 

 If you have any questions, please contact Katrina Mattila, NMU’s Risk and Insurance Manager, at kamattil@nmu.edu or (906) 227-2745.