University Insurance

The University’s general liability program provides coverage for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage for which the University is liable. The program also provides liability coverage for employment practices, errors and omissions, and malpractice.

University employees conducting University Business on or off campus are covered for general liability.

All University-owned vehicles operated by University employees while conducting University Business are covered for liability against third party claims.

The State of California of Insurance and Risk Management (ORIM) administers the State Motor Vehicle Liability Self-Insurance Program (VELSIP) on behalf of the California State University, including California State University, Bakersfield. ORIM charges an insurance cost to all State agencies which own vehicles, including CSU.  ORIM maintains a fund for the payment of third-party claims and expenses, and when accidents occur, manages the claims process on behalf of the State agency.

The University’s vehicle liability coverage applies only when the State of California contracted car rental agency (or agencies) is used and is valid anywhere in the world unless prohibited by law. Rental vehicles used for University business may not be driven for personal use.

When University employees rent a vehicle under the State of California car rental agreement negotiated by the State, they are covered by an insurance policy provided by the car rental agency as a provision of the State contract.

When renting a vehicle for University or State business, do not change the rental agreement terms. A change in terms may not be covered under the insurance contract with the rental agency. No rental agreement will allow for use of 15 passenger vans.

*Rental vehicles should be obtained from agencies with which the University has contracts which include insurance coverage. We have contracts with Enterprise and Certified.

Student Professional Liability Insurance Program (SPLIP) provides general and professional liability coverage for students enrolled in a health professional practicum, social welfare, social work, or education credential programs who also perform community service or volunteer work academic credit.

The program provides indemnity, including legal defense costs for students, faculty, University, and host institution if there is a claim involving injury to others or damage to property in connection with the service-learning activity.

 A written agreement between the University and the host organization is required.

Student Academic Field Experience for Credit Liability Insurance Program (SAFECLIP) provides general and professional liability coverage for students enrolled in service-learning courses for which they receive academic credit.

The program provides indemnity, including legal defense costs for students, faculty, University, and host institution if there is a claim involving injury to others or damage to property in connection with service learning or other academic fieldwork experiences.

An agreement between the University and the host institution is required.

Club Liability Insurance provides general liability coverage for student organizations and their members that have been officially recognized by the University and while conducting student organization sponsored events/activities.

Coverage is provided for approved on campus events/activities and certain off-campus events and activities.  Fraternal organizations are excluded from coverage.

Risk Services can arrange for Special Event Insurance. This coverage provides short term liability coverage and does not include automobile liability, workers’ compensation, bodily injury.

Special Event Insurance (SEI) is for events held on and off campus that fall into one of the categories:

• An off-campus organization or individual who does not possess any or adequate liability insurance
• A campus department or organization when an event poses an excess level or risk to the University

Optional coverage includes liquor liability and participant coverage.

*Excluded Events: include circus and carnivals (including rides), mechanical amusement devices, moon bounces/trampolines/inflatable amusement devices, obstacle courses, races, and mud runs.

The cost of this insurance is the responsibility of the event organizer (department or individual). Rates are established by the University’s insurance broker based on a preset formula which takes into consideration the activity hazard level, number of participants, and duration of event.