Does Virginia Tech have insurance coverage?

Yes. Virginia Tech is self-insured through the Commonwealth of Virginia Insurance Program. This insurance includes coverage for workers’ compensation, automobile liability, general liability, professional liability, product liability, and property damage.  The insurances provided through this program are described in this document: COPY  OF OUR INSURANCE STATEMENT (pdf)

Who should be contacted at Virginia Tech for questions on insurance? 

The Office of Risk Management

Can Virginia Tech provide a certificate of insurance?

Yes. Contact Office of Risk Management if an original is required. You may file a Request for Certificate of Insurance.

What are the insurance coverages and limits to require from contractors and subcontractors?

For Federal funded agreements, the Contracting Officer will specify in the prime contract the insurance coverages required (FAR 52.2280-7 Insurance – Liability to Third Persons is used for cost reimbursement contracts). Usually, you will see a separate clause in either section H or I of the contract that lists the specified amounts. Review the contract to make sure our coverage meets the contract requirements. These insurance requirements should be included in any subcontracts. 

For non-federal funded work, the sponsor will also require insurance in specified amounts. Review this provision to make sure our insurance meets the requirements. 

For purchases by Virginia Tech, the terms and conditions to Vendors contain specific insurance requirements. These should be included in any research subcontracts if there are no requirements in the prime contract:

Worker’s Compensation –statutory requirements and benefits

Employer’s Liability --$100,000

General Liability -- $500,000 combined single limit, Virginia Tech and the Commonwealth of Virginia shall be named as an additional insured with respect to goods/services being procured

Automobile liability -- $500,000

Can Virginia Tech agree to name a sponsor as an additional insured?

No.  The Code of Virginia prohibits any agency of the Commonwealth from assuming anyone else’s liability. Without the legal authority to do so, Virginia Tech cannot name anyone as additional insured. Virginia Tech’s  insurance certificate limits itself to those activities of “Virginia Tech employees and volunteers.”

Does Virginia Tech’s insurance cover contractor property?

Yes, provided there is a specific contract requirement. Normally, if Virginia Tech receives contractor property for use in performing services, there will be a requirement that we are responsible for the equipment/property, normal wear and tear excepted. Risk Management needs a statement in the contract requiring us to insure the property at replacement value. This provides Risk Management the authority to include it in the insurance policy. 

What exception should be taken to insurance requirements?

This will depend on the specific insurance requirements of the agreement (i.e., whether it is the amount of coverage, the requirement to name an additional insured, special coverage, etc.). You may be able to use the following:

The University is self-insured through the Commonwealth of Virginia Insurance Program. A copy of the insurance certificate can be provided. Virginia Tech has no legal authority to name anyone as an additional insured on it policy.

Is there alternate language that can be provided?

No. You can provide information contained herein. Any deviations from this will require review by legal counsel in coordination with the Office of Risk Management.