The University maintains Auto Liability insurance in accordance with the requirements of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Act. This insurance covers claims for bodily injury or property damage for which we are legally liable resulting from the use of a motor vehicle. The University self assumes damage to our owned vehicles.
In the Event of an Auto Accident:
- Pull vehicle off the road to park safely. If it is not possible to move the car out of the lane of traffic, stay in the car until emergency help arrives unless there are obvious signs of smoke, fire, or other dangerous conditions within the vehicle.
- Call police. If the accident occurs in the vicinity of the University of Pennsylvania, call Penn Police at 215-573-3333, from a campus phone 511. If you are not on campus, dial 911.
- Assess injuries to yourself or any passengers. Seek medical attention as necessary.
- If you are concerned for your safety do not leave the vehicle until the police arrive.
- When you speak with the other driver(s) make sure to get all the necessary information including name, address, phone number and insurance. DO NOT RELY ON THE POLICE TO OBTAIN THIS INFORMATION.
- If possible, obtain the names of any witnesses as well as secure photographs of the accident scene including damage and position of all vehicles.
- Upon your return to campus, report the accident to your supervisors and submit a claim.
Reimbursement for loss or damage will be handled as follows:
University-owned or -leased vehicles:
- The affected department is responsible for obtaining two written detailed estimates of repair for submission to the Office of Risk Management and Insurance. The Office of Risk Management and Insurance may, at its discretion, make an independent evaluation of the damage.
- Reimbursement will be based upon the lower estimate of repair, subject to a departmental deductible of $5,000 per occurrence.
- Any loss or damage sustained by a driver who has not successfully completed the University Drivers’ Safety Program will be subject to a 100% deductible, i.e., the department will be responsible for the total repair cost.
Rented Vehicles:
- The ORM&I strongly recommends students/faculty/staff renting a vehicle on University business secure the rental in Concur with a Penn Preferred Partner – Enterprise/National. The University contracts with these vendors include Collision and Liability coverage in the rental rates with domestic rentals only.
- The loss should be reported to the rental agency and ORM&I immediately.
- The ORM&I will handle the loss or damage claim directly with the rental agency.
- Reimbursement will be subject to a departmental deductible of a $1,000 per occurrence.
- Any loss or damage sustained by a driver who has not successfully completed the University Driver’s Safety Program will be subject to a 100% deductible, i.e., the department will be responsible for the total repair cost.
Use of Personal Vehicle
- It is the personal responsibility of the owner of the vehicle to carry adequate insurance coverage for their protection and the protection of any passengers (Financial Policy 2358).
- The owner of the vehicle must carry the state–mandated minimum limits.
- In the event of a claim, the vehicle owner’s policy will serve as primary insurance and the University will serve as excess insurance.
- If an individual is operating a vehicle on University business they are required to successfully complete the University Driver Safety Program.