Printed on: 09/16/2026. Please go to policy.umn.edu for the most current version of the document.
University of Minnesota  Administrative Policy

Property and Liability Insurance

Sidebar

Expand all

Sidebar

Table of Contents

Questions?

Please use the contact section below.

Leave Feedback

Policy Statement

The Office of Risk Management and Insurance (ORM), on behalf of the University, is authorized to purchase property, liability and other insurance for general and specific risks. Individual units are prohibited from using University funds to purchase insurance policies. ORM also manages property and liability claims on behalf of the University. Departments are expected to report claims promptly and actively assist ORM by providing all necessary information and documentation.

Units will be directly charged for:

  • Annual insurance premiums for University-wide insurance policies
  • Deductibles associated with specific types of insurable losses (See Appendix: Insurance Deductibles).
  • Premiums for insurance policies purchased to cover specific risk and exposures.

Reason for Policy

This policy ensures that the identification and mitigation of insurable risks occurs in an efficient cost-effective manner, and that the purchase of insurance is coordinated through ORM. In addition, the University has an obligation to promptly report bodily injury, property damage and professional liability loss events to its insurers. Failure to meet reporting obligations may result in non-payment of claim expenses.

Contacts

SubjectContactPhoneEmail
Risk Management and InsuranceMelissa Cudzilo
Cory Montplaisir		612-625-0062[email protected]
Health Affairs General CounselJennifer Lohse612-626-4999[email protected]
Fleet ServicesMelina Helgeson612-625-8020[email protected]
Health, Safety and Risk ManagementKatharine Bonneson612-625-0518[email protected]
Disability Resource CenterDave Fuecker612-626-7925[email protected]
International TravelKevin Dostal Dauer612-625-5107[email protected]
Responsible Individuals
Responsible Officer Policy Owner Primary Contact
  • Interim Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations
  • Director, Risk Management and Insurance
  • Melissa Cudzilo
    Director, Risk Management and Insurance

Definitions

Automobile Liability Insurance

Insurance that provides coverage for third-party bodily injury or property damage in a claim arising from the ownership or use of vehicles the University owns, leases, hires, rents or borrows.

General Liability Insurance

Insurance that covers damages and legal defense costs for bodily injury or property damage to third parties for which the University is legally responsible.

Non-Profit Organization Liability Insurance

Insurance that provides coverage for legal liability arising out of wrongful acts of the University or its authorized representatives including Director’s & Officer’s Liability, Employment Practices Liability and Personal Injury claims.

Professional Liability Insurance

Insurance that provides coverage for employee's legal liability while providing professional services on behalf of the University (Medical, Lawyers, Architects, Engineers, Accountants, and other Professionals).

Property Insurance

Insurance that covers risk of direct physical loss or damage to covered property. This includes the cost to repair or replace University-owned property, loss of revenue, and extra expenses (cleanup and repair labor, materials, etc.) arising from a covered loss. Insured property includes University-owned buildings, furniture, fixtures, machinery and equipment.

This program is intended to provide protection against catastrophic losses for which funds to replace the property might not be readily available.

Responsibilities

Office of Risk Management and Insurance (ORM)

Coordinates all property and casualty insurance for the University through commercial insurance and self-insured programs. Identifies and evaluates risks, purchases insurance as appropriate, and manages claims.

University Departments

Promptly report claims and actively assist ORM by providing all necessary information and documentation

  • Bodily Injury or Property damage to third parties: Complete this form. 
  • Damage to University property: Complete this form.
  • Include relevant information with the appropriate form, such as photos, incident statements, and invoices.

Employees

Report accidents if using vehicles on University business (both University and personally owned vehicles). (See also Administrative Policy: Using Vehicles for University Business). Please refer to the FAQ for more information.

Related Information

Other Related Information

History

Amended:

September 2016 - Comprehensive Review. Minor Revisions. Updated to reflect current practices. Added new FAQ for clarity.

Amended:

October 2016 - Comprehensive Review, Minor Revision. Updated contacts. Minor language improvements.

Amended:

January 2012 - Comprehensive Review. Major Revision:

  • Clarifies who has the authority to purchase property and liability insurance on behalf of the University.
  • Specifies the type of expenses that will be directly charged to units.
  • Establishes a timeframe for reporting injuries or property damage.
  • Replaces the current Administrative Policy: Insurance with this second and final policy. The other stand alone insurance policy covers worker’s compensation.