The University self-insures automobile liability exposures on University owned or leased vehicles. This insurance covers claims for bodily injury to third parties or property damage arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of those vehicles. Comprehensive and collision coverage is provided on private passenger type vehicles. Fire, theft, and collision insurance are provided on all other types of vehicles.

Other Resources

Vehicle Safety Policy

The Duke Occupational & Environmental Safety Office (OESO) has developed the Vehicle Safety policy to promote a proactive approach to safe driving practices.

Vehicle Safety

Rental Vehicles Policy

Corporate Risk Management maintains the Rental Vehicle policy to define the methodologies for renting vehicles while conducting official Duke business.

Rental Vehicles Policy

Vehicle Insurance

  1. Report all vehicle accidents to Duke Campus Police at (919) 684-2444 or the appropriate local law enforcement authority.
  2. Notify Corporate Risk Management, even if no claim has been made.
  • Please provide the following information:
    • Date of incident
    • Description of incident and resulting damage
    • Injuries to passengers
    • DU number (owned vehicles)
    • Claimant vehicle’s insurance company and policy number (third party vehicles)
    • Rental agency’s name, address, and phone number (rental vehicle)
  • If repairs are needed for a University vehicle, contact Corporate Risk Management prior to authorizing any repairs.

Deductibles For private passenger type vehicles

  • $0 deductible for comprehensive claims
    • Examples of comprehensive claims include fire, theft, and glass claims
  • $500 deductible for collision claims

Deductibles For all other vehicle types (buses, ambulances, vans, and trucks)

  • Only partial comprehensive coverage is available. Only damage caused by fire and theft is covered.
  • $0 deductible for fire and theft losses
  • $1,000 deductible for collision claims
  • No coverage for glass claims

Employees are not covered by the University’s auto liability insurance while operating their own vehicles.

In case of an accident, the employee’s personal automobile liability and physical damage insurance is the primary coverage. Accidents while conducting University business can impact the employee’s insurance rates.

If the employee driver is injured while conducting University business, the bodily injury expense incurred will be covered by the University Workers’ Compensation Insurance. This coverage does not apply when an employee is commuting to work or when the employee deviates from business travel for personal reasons.

The University Safety Office and the Corporate Risk Management Office do not endorse or advocate employees using private vehicles while conducting University business. There are times when this practice is necessary, but it is important that all employees realize the risk involved.