Return to Home Page

Risk Management FAQs

Q. What is a CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE?

A. It is a document from an insured's broker evidencing that applicable policies are in effect, names of the insurance companies covering the policies, and the policy amounts. The certificate is forwarded to third parties (i.e. property owners) who require such proof in the course of doing business with the insured. The certificate, itself, does not obligate the insurance company to the party to which the certificate is given.

If the third party requests to be named as "ADDITIONAL INSURED" on the certificate of insurance, that clause is added to the document. Such wording serves to add the requesting third party to the insured's policy, which then provides insurance coverage to the person/entity receiving the certificate of insurance. This assures that should any property loss or other liability befall that party as a result of the insured's actions, they will be protected under insured's policy. For example, if the College's baseball team is training at a facility out of state, and the facility demands a certificate of insurance naming the facility as "ADDITIONAL INSURED," the College's liability insurance carrier would be responsible for property or other losses suffered by the facility as a result of our use.

Q. When will I need to request a certificate of insurance and how do I obtain it?

A. If you are engaged in college-sanctioned activities off campus at private or municipal property, you will likely be asked to provide proof of college insurance to cover the property owner from property damage and liability caused by the college-sanctioned activity. The certificate of insurance is provided to the municipality or property owner directly from the college's insurance broker.

Be sure to notate whether or not an ADDITIONAL INSURED notation is required on the certificate of insurance.

If you are a staff or faculty member, you may sometimes borrow or lease a piece of equipment or other property for your teaching, research, or performance. In many such instances, a certificate of insurance will be required. You can download a CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE REQUEST FORM or pick one up at our office. A 10-day turnaround time is requested.

Q. I'm a film shoot student in Park School. Can you tell me what to do if I'm filming in Ithaca or in another state at another person's property?

A. If you are doing a student film shoot as part of your academic program and are asked by the property owner to provide a CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE, you can ask your instructor for the required form or you may download the STUDENT FILM SHOOT REQUEST FORM. Your instructor MUST sign the form before you bring it to our office. A 10-day turnaround time is requested. NOTE: If you submit the form close to your filming date, we do not guarantee timely receipt of the certificate of insurance.

Q. I know that I need to complete a driver information form to operate a college-owned or leased/rented vehicle. What's the procedure and how often do I need to complete the form?

Faculty and staff over the age of 21 who need to drive a College vehicle must have their individual motor vehicle record checked by the College's insurance company every two academic years (based on current academic year and previous academic year), in advance. This is to be certain that the individual's record falls within acceptable driving standards, as determined by the College's insurance company. To do this, you need to complete a form and return it to our office.

Students also need to be at least 21 years old, must have their individual motor vehicle record checked once every 12 months, and complete the mandatory two-hour driver safety class. Students can register for the CLASS in the Office of Risk Management.

You may download the DRIVER INFORMATION FORM or come to the Office of Risk Management, Job Hall 3, to complete it (bring your license with you). Important!!! It takes 14 business days (not calendar days) until we receive your results. YOU MAY NOT DRIVE A COLLEGE-OWNED OR LEASED/RENTED VEHICLE UNTIL YOU ARE CLEARED - SORRY, NO EXCEPTIONS. Processing the forms is done in the order they are received.

If you need to determine if you are currently an approved driver, please call either the Office of Risk Management at 274-3285 or Debi Gregg at the Office of Facilities at 274-3761.


Q. May I take other people (i.e., spouse, colleague from another college) in a college-owned or leased/rented vehicle who are not affiliated with the College?

A. As a general principle, only Ithaca College faculty, staff and students should occupy College-owned or rented vehicles. However, there may be special circumstances when a spouse, member of another college or university community, or other individuals will join the College representative to a common business-purpose destination. These situations should be the exception, not the norm, and when they do occur, the Office of Risk Management should be informed of them in advance. Only Ithaca College faculty, staff and students who have been approved to drive College vehicles are authorized to operate College-owned or rented vehicles.

Q. If I use my personal vehicle for college-sanctioned business, does Ithaca College's insurance cover an accident during business travel?

A. No. Motor vehicle insurance "follows the vehicle," which means that your own vehicle is covered under your personal insurance policy. Ithaca College has insurance on its own vehicles. The only instance when college motor vehicle insurance would apply to your using your own vehicle for college business would be if your personal insurance limits were exceeded due to a catastrophic accident where fatality and/or extremely serious injuries occur.