Insurance Department

Policies and Claims Procedures

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The following is a brief description of some of the University's Insurance Policies and Claims Procedures. These sections are intended to serve as a reference guide in providing information on insurance policies and procedures and to answer some essential questions regarding the University's insurance policies.

It is important that you contact the Insurance Department if you have specific questions regarding these policies, procedures and claims reporting.

Comprehensive General Liability

Policy Description:
The Comprehensive General Liability Policy provides coverage for the University, its directors, officers, employees and students, acting within their duties as such, for claims resulting in bodily injury or property damage and due to the University's negligence.

Department Procedure:
Harvard employees are instructed to complete an Incident Report Form for any incident/accident that occurs on the premises. In the event the incident involves bodily injury the employee should do the following:

1. Ask the injured person if he/she needs assistance. If possible, let the injured person tell you what he/she wants to do. If medical attention is required call H.U.P.D. for a medical assist and offer to call a family member or friend.
2. Employees should never make a statement regarding liability or payment of bills.
3. The Insurance Department should be notified of all incidents involving bodily injury to a third party (student, visitor or guest) as soon as possible.

An incident report should be filled out and submitted as soon as possible to the Insurance Department. Please note any relevant facts such as:

Claims Procedures:
Departments can instruct person(s) wishing to file a claim to contact the Insurance Department directly at tel. 617-495-7971. All claims must be submitted in writing and claimants are required to submit a Claimant Incident Report or letter with the details or description of the incident.

Liability Claims are processed through the University's Insurance Department and are handled by the University's insurance company. Upon written receipt of their claim, the Insurance Department sends each claimant an acknowledgment letter that includes the name, address and telephone number of the insurance company handling the claim. The department contact is also sent a letter notifying him/her that a claim has been filed and stating that a representative from our insurance company will be in contact to investigate the incident.

The University's insurance company investigates all claims for personal effects and bodily injury to determine whether there is negligence on the part of the University. Based on this investigation, the insurance company then arranges the settlement or denial of any claims.