The role of Risk Management is to protect and conserve the human, property and financial resources of the University of Nebraska at Kearney. To this end the University uses a variety of financing methods that include self-insurance and commercial insurance. It is important that all faculty and staff participate in the Risk Management program in order to protect and conserve the assets of the University.
Liability. The University has a self insured comprehensive general liability program.
Property. All property owned by the University is covered under a blanket property program that provides coverage at a replacement cost value. On any property loss the department will pay a deductible of $2,000. Property losses should be reported to the UNK Risk Manager. The UNK Risk Manager will administer property losses of under $200,000 and the property insurance carrier will administer losses above the $200,000. For property claims please use the UNK Claim Damage Form (PDF)
Automobile Coverage. The University of Nebraska has liability coverage on all University vehicles used for business. For department owned vehicles there is an option to purchase full coverage for that vehicle with an extra charge to the department. Employees using personal vehicles on University business will have their personal auto insurance coverage, as primary and the University plan will be excess over this primary coverage. In the event of physical damage while used on University business the responsibility of the damage will be with the employee and there personal insurance. The University does not provide any coverage in this area. There are restrictions on who may drive and ride in a University vehicle. This information is on the Transportation Services website. Workers Compensation covers employees using a University vehicle on business. Students who ride in a University vehicle and are not employees have no coverage unless they have purchased the University's field trip insurance, which provides for $30,000 of accidental death coverage and $2,500 of accident medical coverage.
Workers Compensation. Workers Compensation covers all employees of the University including student workers. The coverage is for injuries arising out of and in the course of a person's employment. Workers Compensation pays the employees medical bills and if the employee is off more than 5 days, Workers Compensation will pay 2/3 of the person's wages up to a statutory maximum. Human Resource policy allows an employee up to 5 days of injury leave based on the normal hours the person worked. This can be used as long as there is a doctor's note stating the person should be off work. Work related accidents should be report immediately to the Benefits Office.
Personal Injury. If someone is hurt at UNK should seek appropriate medical attention. The University does not carry AD&D on individuals who are not employees. It is the responsibility of these individuals to carry their own medical insurance coverage. Any questions concerning the University’s responsibility for a claim should be directed to the UNK Risk Manager.
Personal Property Damage. The University carries property insurance only on property owned by the University. Insurance coverage of personal property of other individuals including faculty, staff and students is the responsibilities of those individuals. Individuals should check with their insurance agent to determine whether their personal property at UNK is covered by their home owner’s insurance or whether additional insurance can be purchased. Incidents that caused the loss should immediately be reported to the building supervisor or residence hall director. Questions concerning the loss of personal property should be directed to the UNK Risk Manager.
Student Trip Insurance. The University also provides low cost Student Trip Insurance. Student Trip Insurance provides protection in the event of an accident. All University of Nebraska Students are required to have student trip insurance when traveling outside the city of Kearney. Trips that are inside the city of Kearney are not required to have Field Trip Insurance but are encouraged to do so.
Limits of Coverage: Accidental Death $30,000; Accident Medical Expense $2,500; Aggregate Limit $500,000.
All Student Trip Insurance requests should be turned in at least three days prior to the departure date. Requests for insurance may either be faxed or e-mailed to the Benefits Office. There is also a form for students to sign for assuming risk and responsibility. Use this Assumption of Risk and Responsibility Form(PDF).
Risk Management & Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator Lee Ann Purdy (308) 440-0487 purdyla@unk.edu