There is a common belief that WSU has insurance for everything. This is not accurate. In many instances of loss, the University is either "self-insured” or “non-insured.” In the case of non- insurance, WSU departments bear the cost of any loss out of their own budget. There are two areas in which WSU is insured through formal self-insurance programs:
Self-Insurance Liability Program (SILP)
WSU’s liability for the negligent acts of its employees is covered through the State of Washington Self -Insurance Liability Program (RCW 4.92 et. Seq.) administered by the State in Olympia. The coverage only applies when non-University employees (or their property) are injured/damaged by the negligence of a WSU employee or agent. In order for the coverage to apply, the employee or agent must have been acting in good faith on behalf of WSU and within the scope of the duties assigned to the individual by WSU at the time the loss occurs. WSU pays a substantial premium for this policy based on a five-year claim history. Examples of coverage include:
- General Liability, including Auto Liability Covers injury or damage to a person who is not employed by the University or to non-WSU property. The injury or damage must be caused by the negligence of WSU, its employees or agents.
- Professional Malpractice for faculty, staff, volunteers and students performing clinical practice on-campus. (Note: Students performing clinical practice off campus are not covered, but may purchase their own separate professional liability student insurance.)
The SILP coverage:
- Pays tort-claim judgments and settlements.
- Defends and indemnifies employees and authorized agents when sued personally for negligence (so long as acting in good faith in the performance of their WSU duties)
- Coverage does not include:
- marine hull and vessel operations
- aircraft liability
- employee fidelity
- student sponsored events
- damage to state owned facilities and property
- injuries covered by worker’s compensation or similar policies
- injuries/damages on foreign soil
Please Note: For liability issues not covered by the Self-Insurance Liability Program, commercial insurance may be available for purchase by Departments through the State Risk Management Office. In order to purchase such insurance, the Department must submit a written request to the WSU Office of Risk Management and Insurance (RMI).
VEHICLE LOSS RESERVE FUND
WSU maintains a self-insurance fund referred to as the Vehicle Loss Reserve Fund. This fund covers property damage to WSU owned vehicles that are enrolled in the program. WSU departments that enroll their vehicles in the program are assessed an annual premium per vehicle that is collected in a central fund. This fund is then used to pay damage claims to enrolled vehicles. This fund covers damage that would normally be covered by a collision and comprehensive insurance policy. It does not cover damage to vehicles intentionally caused by WSU employees or agents. The Office of Risk Management and Insurance is responsible for adjusting these claims, e.g. receiving notification of damage, collecting estimates for repair, coordinating repair, paying for the repair, and seeking recovery from third parties that may have caused the damage. For more information on this fund or to process a claim, please call 335-6893.
Property damage claims for damage to WSU owned vehicles are made to the Office of Risk Management and Insurance per WSU Safety Policies and Procedures Manual 35-30, Reporting Motor Vehicle Accident, using a Standard Form 137, Vehicle Accident Report.
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