Filing Vehicle Accident Claims

FILING VEHICLE ACCIDENT CLAIMS

Timely and accurate reporting of vehicle accidents and claims is critical in order to protect the interests of the University and its employees. Below are procedures for filing vehicle claims for the various types of vehicle incidents:

Motor Pool or University owned vehicles

The University of Montana/State of Montana owned, rented, leased or borrowed motor vehicles are covered by liability insurance with liability limits of $750,000 per claimant and $1,500,000 per occurrence. This coverage provides protection to the motor vehicle operator and the University for claims filed by third parties for property damage and personal injury arising out of use of the University of Montana or State motor vehicles. UM motor pool vehicles also carry comprehensive/collision coverage, as do a few of the other departmentally owned vehicles at that department’s request. A $250.00 deductible is the responsibility of the department owning or renting the vehicle for any damage sustained by the vehicle.

Each University vehicle should have in the glove compartment an “In Case of Accident” Guide to assist you in the steps to take if you are in an accident. A copy of the guide can be found at: http://rmtd.mt.gov/claims/incaseaccidentform.aspx

If you are in an accident with a University owned, rented or leased vehicle you will need to contact Kathy Krebsbach, Insurance Coordinator at ext. 2700 or via e-mail at [email protected] to fill out a State Report of Incident form:

Vehicles rented with the pro card from out-side vender

If you have rented a vehicle for University business with your Pro-Card from an outside vender there is physical damage/collision coverage through VISA if the damage is reported immediately and no later than 20 days after damage has occurred. There is NO deductible provided all of the provisions in the benefits guide are met. To file the claim you must go through the claims process outlined on the Visa Program: http://usa.visa.com/corporate/mid_size/payment/bft_auto_rental.html. There you will find an underlined link that say “file claims online at the Visa Auto Rental CDW Claim Center” at the link attached. It takes you to the on-line claims center where you can file the claim. The following link also explains what to do if you are in an accident, how to file the claim, what is covered and what is not covered. You will also find the 1-800 number to contact with questions. https://www.eclaimsline.com/home/homepage

The claim must be filed by the cardholder (individual who is named on the card) who rented and drove the vehicle. All documentation states: *Your claim will be eligible for coverage if the terms and conditions of the VISA CDW program are met at the time of claim submission. Terms and Conditions are located at https://www.eclaimsline.com/home/homepage They are also

1/26/2015 accessible through the above links. The toll free number for inquiries about the benefits is 1(800)348-8472.

Personal vehicles driven for university business

If you are driving your personal vehicle for University Business you must maintain no less than the minimal vehicle insurance coverage consistent with the laws of the State. If you are involved in an accident, your personal vehicle insurance is primary coverage for that vehicle and the State of Montana vehicle insurance coverage will not cover any physical damage to your vehicle.

Damage to personal vehicle caused by university vehicle

If a non-UM vehicle is damaged by fault of a University owned vehicle or University negligence, Montana Code Annotated requires that a claimant make a written statement of claim to Risk Management and Tort Defense Division in Helena before a claim can be opened. To report damage has occurred to your vehicle please contact either the Office of Public Safety or Kathy Krebsbach at 243-2700. Click the following link for Instructions on how to file a claim. (HowToFileClaimVehicleWebPage.doc)

1/26/2015