Legal Affairs, Risk and Compliance

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Vendors providing services on Western Michigan University’s premises must provide Certificates of Insurance with the following minimum insurance coverage guidelines prior to the commencement of any work.

The Vendor will maintain the minimum required insurance at its own expense. The Vendor may be required to provide higher insurance limits and/or additional insurance coverage(s) such as Professional Liability, Cyber Risk Liability, Pollution Liability in accordance with the service(s) provided.

Projects exceeding $5,000 may have higher minimum insurance requirements.

Office of Legal Affairs, Risk and Compliance
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5200 USA
(269) 387-1900

Minimum Insurance Requirements:

  1. Commercial General Liability insurance including premises and operations, product liability, completed operations liability, contractual liability and broad form property damage liability. 
    • Bodily Injury and Property Damage 
      • $1,000,000 each occurrence
      • $2,000,000 aggregate
  2. Workers’ Compensation with Employers’ Liability* (Required if performing work on campus) in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan 
    • Bodily Injury or Disease 
      • $1,000,000 per occurrence - Employers’ Liability
  3. Automobile Liability** for all trucks, trailers, or other motor vehicles owned, hired, operated or used by the Vendor on Western Michigan University’s premises. 
    • Bodily Injury and Property Damage 
      • $1,000,000 per occurrence
  4. Excess Liability (Umbrella) 
    • $1,000,000 per occurrence

 

Acceptable ACORD Insurance Certificate Requirements
An acceptable insurance certificate must Include the following information:

  • Name Western Michigan University as the Certificate Holder
  • List Western Michigan University as an additional insured on Commercial General Liability, Excess/Umbrella, and Auto Liability Policies.
  • Policy effective and expiration dates correspond with the scheduled activity/contract date(s)
  • Description of operations field: names Western Michigan University as an additional insured and; details facts regarding contract/project number, date(s) of service, type of service(s) provided, project name.
  • Sixty (60) day advance notice of cancellation in accordance with the policy

* Workers’ Compensation would not be required if the vendor/supplier is someone who owns an unincorporated business by himself or herself (a sole proprietor).

**Auto Liability is only required if the vendor is coming on campus.

 

Activity or ServiceInsurance CoverageLimits

Amusement & Game Activities

Bounce House, Bowling, Dunk Tanks, Ferris Wheels, Inflatables, Mechanical Bulls, Water Craft Activities such as Canoeing, Kayaking, Boating 

Watercraft Liability required

A signed Liability Waiver is Required for all activities

Workers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Auto Liability$1M
Excess Liability (umbrella)$5M per occurrence
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured
Armored Truck ServiceWorkers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Errors & Omissions (Crime)$2M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Auto Liability$1M
Excess Liability (umbrella)$2M per occurrence
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured 
Audit, Accounting, Legal FirmsWorkers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Professional Liability$2M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Auto Liability$1M
Excess Liability (umbrella)$1M per occurrence
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured except on Professional Liability
Banking ServicesWorkers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Professional Liability$5M per occurrence / $5M aggregate
Cyber Risk Liability$2M per occurrence / $6M aggregate
Auto Liability$1M
Excess Liability (umbrella)$1M
Crime/Employee Dishonesty Liability$5M per occurrence/$5M aggregate
Bankers Bond must be provided (Crime/Employee Dishonesty Liability policy may include the Bankers Bond)
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured 

Charter Aviation

*NOTE:  Aircraft Liability rule of thumb is a minimum of $5-7M per seat

Workers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Aviation Liability*$5M per occurrence
Auto Liability "All owned vehicles"$1M
Excess Liability (umbrella)$5M per occurrence
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured 

Charter Buses, Shuttle Buses, Limousine Rental Services, One-Day Bus Trips



 

  • Verify the company is registered with (FMCSA) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (United States Department of Transportation)
  • Has a safety rating of “Satisfactory” by FMCSA
  • A minimum of $5,000,000 in Auto Liability insurance. A valid Certificate of Insurance is required – NO EXCEPTIONS.
  • Western Michigan University listed as additional insured.
Workers' Compensation & Employers' Liability

Statutory Limits/Employers' Liability $1M*

*Many drivers are contract drivers, not employees. Important to see who is covering them for Workers’ Compensation

Commercial General Liability$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Auto Liability "All owned vehicles"$5M (prefer $10M)
Excess Liability (umbrella)$10M per occurrence or more depending on the number of travelers
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured 

Clinical Research Studies

  • MD
  • DO
  • DDS
  • OD
  • Pharmacies
  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
Workers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits/Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Auto Liability$1M
Medical Professional Liability$1M per occurrence / $3M aggregate 
Excess Liability (umbrella)$1M per occurrence
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured except on Professional Liability 

Consultants

(IT consulting services refer to IT Service Requirements)

Workers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Professional Liability$2M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Auto Liability$1M
Excess Liability (umbrella)$2M per occurrence
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured except on Professional Liability
Contract Licensed Professional working with MinorsWorkers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Professional Liability$2M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Sexual Abuse & Molestation$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Auto Liability$1M
Excess Liability (umbrella)$2M per occurrence
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured 

Custodial Services and other Replacement Employee Services


(Non-University Employees permanent service provider)

Workers' Compensation & Employers' Liability including alternate employer endorsementStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability w/Sexual Molestation Coverage$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Auto Liability$1M
Crime (stealing of 3rd party property)$250,000 limit
Excess Liability (umbrella)$5M per occurrence
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured 

Drone, UAV, UAS


(Commercial use on campus)

Workers' Compensation & Employers' Liability (if operating drone on campus)Statutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability (if operating drone on campus)$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Auto Liability (All owned vehicles) (if operating drone on campus)$1M
Aviation (Drone Liability) Insurance$5M per occurrence - minimum
Excess Liability (umbrella)$5M per occurrence
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured 
EngineersWorkers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Professional Liability$2M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Auto Liability$1M
Excess Liability (umbrella)$2M per occurrence
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured 

Food Service

Caterers, Food Trucks, Food Vendors

 

Workers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Host Liquor Liability (if Caterer is serving liquor)$5M
Auto Liability$1M
Excess Liability (umbrella)$2M per occurrence (receipts less than $1,000)
$5M per occurrence (receipts more than $1,000)
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured 

Hazardous Materials Management with Disposal (Contract Value less than $100,000)

 

  • Asbestos
  • Chemicals
  • Lead
Workers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability with Pollution & Legal Liability$2M per occurrence / $5M aggregate
Auto Liability with Pollution & Legal Liability$1M per occurrence
Excess Liability (umbrella)$2M per occurrence
MUST have and show Environmental & Auto pollution endorsement for transporting & pick-up/delivery to non-owned disposal sites.
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured 

Hazardous Materials Management with Disposal (Contract Value more than $100,000)

  • Asbestos
  • Chemicals
  • Lead
Workers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability & Pollution & Legal Liability$2M per occurrence / $10M aggregate
Auto Liability with Pollution & Legal Liability $1M per occurrence
Excess Liability (umbrella)$5M per occurrence
Environmental & Auto pollution endorsement for transporting & pick-up/delivery to non-owned disposal sites.
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured 

iCloud Services

NOTE: ALL Information Technology purchases require review by the Office of Informational Technology prior to implementation. Refer to https://go.wmich.edu/s/article/Technology-Compliance-Review-Process

 

Risk Management reserves the right to increase and/or decrease insurance coverage and/or limits based on the scope of work

Professional Liability (Tech E&O)$1M per occurrence/$2M aggregate
Cyber Liability (NEVER accept waiver of subrogation on cyber coverage)$5M per occurrence/ $5M aggregate
Excess Liability (umbrella)$2M per occurrence
Workers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability$1M occurrence/$2M aggregate
Auto Liability$1M
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured

Information Technology Services

NOTE: ALL Information Technology purchases require review by the Office of Informational Technology prior to implementation. Refer to https://go.wmich.edu/s/article/Technology-Compliance-Review-Process

 

Risk Management reserves the right to increase and/or decrease insurance coverage and/or limits based on the scope of work

Professional Liability (Tech E&O)$2M per occurrence/$2M aggregate
Cyber Liability (NEVER accept waiver of subrogation on cyber coverage)$5M per occurrence/ $5M aggregate
Excess Liability (umbrella)$1M per occurrence
Workers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability$1M per occurrence/$2M aggregate
Auto Liability$1M
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured
Investment Advisory ServicesWorkers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Professional Liability$5M per occurrence / $5M aggregate
Fiduciary Liability$10M
Auto Liability$1M 
Excess Liability (umbrella)$1M per occurrence
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured 

Maintenance Agreements

  • Copiers
  • Printers
  • Miscellaneous Maintenance
  • Autoclave Maintenance
Workers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Auto Liability$1M 
Excess Liability (umbrella)$2M per occurrence
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured 

Medical Professionals hired as an Independent Contractor 

  • MD
  • DO
  • DDS OD
  • Psychologist
  • Psychiatrist
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Athletic Trainers
Workers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Medical Professional Liability$1M per occurrence / $3M aggregate [If the Medical Professional Liability policy does not specifically exclude Sexual Abuse and Molestation, a separate Sexual Abuse and Molestation Policy is not required]
Sexual Abuse & Molestation$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate [see note under Medical Professional Liability]
Auto Liability$1M
Excess Liability (umbrella)$2M per occurrence
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured 
Moving/Transit ServiceWorkers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Auto Liability$1M
Excess Liability (umbrella)$2M per occurrence
Inland MarineValue of goods being transported
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured 
Self-Employed/Sole-Proprietorship Including LLC’sCorporations, limited liability companies (LLC) and partnerships must either have a workers' compensation policy or a Notice of Exclusion Form, WC-337, on file with this Michigan Compliance & Employee Records Division. The owner(s) are considered an employee(s) of the business.
Sole proprietors only require a workers' compensation policy when they have 1 full time or 3 part-time employees. The owner of a sole proprietor is not considered an employee of the business.
In order to allow self-employed vendors to work on campus without auto insurance and without workers compensation insurance, the following self-employed insurance guidelines need to be answered/followed:
 
1. Is the vendor self-employed and classified as a sole-proprietorship?  If yes, go to #2 below.  If no, go to #3 below.
 
2. If the vendor is self-employed and classified as a sole-proprietorship, the following information is needed:
a. A certificate of insurance with minimum general liability limits of $1 million per occurrence/$2 million aggregate, if applicable.
b. A copy of the vendor’s DBA (doing business as), if applicable.
c. The vendor’s tax ID number, if applicable.
d. A statement/letter stating that the vendor is a self-employed, sole-proprietorship, who works independently, has no employees, does not work for Western Michigan University, and will provide their own auto insurance coverage.  This statement/letter IS required with or without the other three items listed above.
 
3. If the vendor is self-employed and not classified as a sole-proprietorship, the following information is needed:
a. The type of entity that the vendor is classified as – partnership, corporation, LLC, or other.
b. A certificate of insurance with minimum general liability limits of $1 million per occurrence/$2 million aggregate, if applicable.
c. A copy of the vendor’s DBA (doing business ad), if applicable.
d. The vendor’s tax ID number, if applicable.
e. Depending on the classification, a “WC-337 Notice of Exclusion Form” may be needed.  Contact the “Compliance & Employer Records Division” with the State of Michigan at 517-284-8922 for help with filing this form.  If a form is completed, a copy must be sent to Western Michigan University with the 
other items listed above, along with a statement that the vendor will provide their own auto insurance coverage.
f. A statement/letter stating that the vendor is self-employed, works independently, has or does not have employees, does not work for Western Michigan University, and will provide their own auto insurance coverage is needed, if, the “WC-337 Notice of Exclusion Form” does not apply.

 

Shredding ServiceWorkers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Professional Liability (Privacy Coverage)$2M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Auto Liability$1M
Excess Liability (umbrella)$5M per occurrence
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured; HIPPA endorsement

Summer Camp Providers

(non-University run)

Workers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M*
Commercial General Liability$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Sexual Abuse & Molestation$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Auto Liability$1M
Excess Liability (umbrella)$2M per occurrence
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured 
SurveyorsWorkers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Professional Liability$2M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Auto Liability$1M
Excess Liability (umbrella)$1M per occurrence
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured 

Temporary Staffing Company

(Non-University Employees permanent service provider)

   - Clerical Staff

   - IT Professionals

Temporary Medical Professionals - See Medical Professional requirements

Workers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Auto Liability$1M
Crime$250,000
Excess Liability (umbrella)$5M per occurrence
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured 
Testing LabsWorkers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Professional Liability$2M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Auto Liability$1M
Excess Liability (umbrella)$1M per occurrence
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured 

Travel Agents (Domestic)



International Travel reservations consult with Risk Management

Workers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Professional Liability$2M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Travel Surety Bond (If a deposit is required) to ensure a guarantee of payment to the appropriate person or business that partners with the travel agent (e.g. resorts, hotels, cruise lines, etc.)
Auto Liability$1M
Excess Liability (umbrella)$2M per occurrence
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured 
Valet ServiceWorkers' Compensation & Employers' LiabilityStatutory Limits & Employers' Liability $1M
Commercial General Liability$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Auto Liability$1M
Garage Keepers Liability$2M
Excess Liability (umbrella)$1M per occurrence
Western Michigan University listed as Additional Insured