University Owned Vehicles

What vehicle information is required for insurance purposes?

The Purchasing Department must be involved in the purchase of any vehicle that is considered Western Property. The vehicle must be purchased and registered in the name of The University of Western Ontario. Individual departments are responsible for all costs associated with the purchase of the vehicle. (e.g. insurance premiums, plate renewal, maintenance)

The Corporate Insurance Office will require the following information in order to add a vehicle to the University Insurance Policy.

  • Department Name
  • Contact Person
  • Year, Make, Model of Vehicle
  • Serial Number (19 digits)
  • Date of Purchase
  • Plate Number
  • Western Account Number to charge vehicle premiums

A copy of the ownership should be forwarded to Western Corporate Insurance. When disposing of a vehicle, the Purchasing Department and Western Corporate Insurance must be advised.

What is Covered by Insurance?

The standard automobile policy covers all vehicles owned by the University or leased on a long-term basis by the University. Much of this insurance is governed by statute, and like any personal auto insurance policy it provides protection in the following areas.

  • Third-party liability: that is, bodily injury or property damage to others for which the operator of an insured vehicle might become liable.
  • Accident benefits: required by law, this provides monetary benefits to all individuals in insured vehicles. These benefits extend to medical payments, funeral expenses, death benefits and disability benefits.
  • Comprehensive: The University self-insures against all risks for loss of or damage to University vehicles. Claims are administered by the Corporate Insurance office, and a University internal $500 deductible (per claim) is charged back to departments. An incident must be reported to the Insurance office within 48 hours of occurring in order to be considered for loss.

What is the Deductible?

The University internal deductible charged back to departments is $500 per incident.

Who is Covered?

The university owned automobile policy covers all employees, postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, undergraduate students and interns of the University as well as volunteers who are specifically given consent by the university to drive its vehicles on university business. The names of the individuals who drive university vehicles must be on file with the Corporate Insurance office by completing a Corporate Insurance New Drivers form. Drivers must have a valid full G license. The information on the driver form is provided to the university’s insurance broker.

What is Not Covered?

  • theft of vehicle by University employees
  • tire damage or repair coverage
  • rust on vehicle
  • maintenance
  • loss of personal items in vehicle
  • damage resulting from operating of the vehicle by unlicensed drivers, unauthorized drivers, impaired drivers or drivers engaged in a race or speed test
  • the policy does not apply to officers, employees or students driving their own vehicles even if doing so on University business. (refer to Financial Services - Travel & Reimbursement)

What to do in the event of accident

In the event of an accident/incident with a Western vehicle, the Corporate Insurance office should be advised immediately in order for a claim to be considered. A completed copy of the Western Vehicle Accident Reporting Form and an official police report (from either Western Special Constable Services, where applicable, or Police Reporting Centre) must be forwarded to the Corporate Insurance Office no later than 48 hours after the accident/incident.

NOTE: A copy of the Western Vehicle Accident Reporting Form should be kept in all vehicles in the event of an accident. This will ensure that all the pertinent information is gathered at the accident location.

What is the Operating/Ancillary Department’s Responsibility?

The departments on campus who own a vehicle are responsible for renewing the license for the vehicle when due. Departments are also responsible for any costs associated with maintenance of the vehicle. Records should be kept in the event that the insurance company request this. Departments are required to ensure that any driver they approve to drive the vehicles has a good driving record and a current drivers license. Any individuals with licenses registered outside of North America must have an international drivers license.

Insurance is renewed each May 1st. Policy Premiums for each vehicle are charged to the department who owns or leases the vehicle.

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