Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I’m involved in an accident while driving a University-owned or rented vehicle on University business?

For vehicle-related incidents:

• If you are involved in a vehicle-related incident while operating a University-owned or rented vehicle, take the following steps:
• 1. Contact authorities as appropriate.
  • Off campus: Notify local law enforcement if there is any possibility of personal injury, damage to non-University vehicles, or property damage. In most situations involving injuries or inoperable vehicles, call 911.
    • Even if law enforcement does not respond (for example, in minor incidents or those occurring off public roadways), you should still make and document the notification.
  • On campus: Contact Liberty University Police Department at (434) 592-7641 or dial 3911 from any University phone.
• 2. Gather important information.
  • Collect and document the following details:
  • Date and time of the incident
  • Parties involved (including the other driver and vehicle, if applicable)
  • Weather and lighting conditions
  • Names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses
  • Names of passengers in your vehicle
  • Number of occupants in the other vehicle (and their names and ages, if possible)
• 3. Do not admit fault.
  • When driving a University-owned vehicle or conducting University business, do not offer opinions about fault or make admissions of guilt to police, officials, or others involved. If asked, state that the matter will be referred to the University and its insurance carrier.
• 4. Notify your supervisor.
  • Inform your immediate supervisor as soon as practical after the incident.
• 5. Complete required reporting.
  • Submit an Accident Report within 24 hours. The University Police Department will provide the necessary form(s).
  • All vehicle-related incidents must be reported—even if there are no visible injuries or the damage appears minor. This requirement also applies to incidents involving a personal vehicle used for University business.

What should I do if I’m involved in an accident while driving my personal vehicle on University business?

Follow the same steps outlined above. In addition, notify your personal auto insurance provider, as your personal policy will serve as the primary coverage for damage to your vehicle and any third-party claims.

For more information, please go to the following page to Report an Accident

What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI), and how can I obtain one?

• A COI provides proof of the University’s insurance coverage to a third party
• A COI is sometimes required when entering into a contract or agreement with a third party
• Request for COI Form and additional information can be found on our Certificate of Insurance & Proof of Coverage web page

In what situations is a Certificate of Insurance (COI) required from outside vendors, contractors, or third parties renting LU facilities?

• The University’s policy is to require a COI when entering into a contract or agreement with a third party, to provide proof that they have the proper insurance
• Additional information can be found on our Certificate of Insurance & Proof of Coverage web page
• Persons, groups and associations who desire to rent or otherwise be permitted to use University facilities, but do not currently have insurance, can purchase affordable event specific coverage
  • Potential third party users of the University facilities should visit TULIP to generate a quote or for more information

What is Proof of Coverage, and what steps do I need to take to provide it?

• In addition to the circumstances noted above, Proof of Coverage may also be required to verify Professional Liability or Medical Malpractice coverage when providing services on behalf of the University or its schools, particularly for programs that include practicum requirements.
• Additional information can be found on our Certificate of Insurance & Proof of Coverage web page

• The University can provide coverage for property located in most countries, subject to normal exclusions
• Certain high-risk countries are excluded from coverage
• You will need to send the following to the Office of Risk Management early in the planning phase of your trip (allow 3-4 weeks lead time):
  • a list of the equipment
  • each item’s replacement value
  • the countries the equipment will travel in
  • the dates of the trip
  • written approval from your dean or department head to allow the equipment to go on the trip

• For damage involving the building structure or flooring, contact Facilities Planning & Management at (434) 592-3500 or your designated building maintenance provider
• For suspected theft or vandalism, contact LUPD at (434) 592-7641
• Call the Office of Risk Management at (434) 592-3582 (leave message), for assistance in the following situations:
• Preserve evidence and take steps to stop further damage from occurring
• If stopping further damage prevents preserving evidence, stopping further damage takes precedence
• If the loss is under $2,500 you do not need to report it to the Office of Risk Management, with the following exceptions:
  • Losses to other departments such as Facilities Management, other building occupants, other locations at Liberty (during storms, power fluctuations, flooding, etc.)
• If the loss could be in excess of $2,500:
  • Complete an Incident Report Form and forward it to the Office Risk Management as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours after the incident, and you will be contacted by a representative of the office to discuss the loss further
  • You will be provided with the documentation and information requirements needed in order to determine coverage and process your claim
  • Save all damaged items for possible insurance related inspection, if possible

• If the damage or injury occurs on grounds, or off grounds where University activity is taking place, do the following:
• Notify LUPD at (434) 592-7641 (or 3911 from any LU phone) and they will be in charge of completing an incident report
• Do not make a statement of any kind to anyone other than your employer, an enforcement officer, or the Office of Risk Management
• Do not make any financial commitment on behalf of the University
• Ask witnesses to stay at the scene until you are able to obtain their names, addresses, and phone numbers
• Assist the injured person and summon the appropriate assistance needed after seeking the permission of the injured person, when possible
• For potential serious injuries, high value damages, or any situation that you believe warrants immediate attention, in addition to contacting LUPD, please contact the Office of Environmental Health & Safety at (434) 582-3389, or email LUsafety@liberty.edu. If unavailable, please call the Office of Risk Management for assistance, and leave a message:  (434) 592-3582
• Take steps to protect public safety when appropriate. Protecting public safety and medical assistance takes precedence over preserving evidence and the scene.
• If the person with injuries or damages is capable of responding to questions ask for and write down the following information:
  • their name, address, and phone number
  • the names and their relationship to any people that were with them when the incident occurred
  • any information they have regarding potential witnesses
  • their description of what occurred immediately before, during, and after the incident
  • their description of their injuries or damages

• You need to notify Liberty University Police Dept. at (434) 592-7641 (or 3911 from any LU phone) and they will provide assistance and direction
• Should you require medical attention, LUPD will assist you with transportation and requesting emergency transport if necessary
• As of August 1, 2015, Liberty University provides an accident insurance policy covering residential students
• You can view more information on this accident insurance program at this page:  Student Accident Program