car stopped behind parking barrier

Auto Insurance & Drivers

Auto Insurance is required for the use of University owned or leased vehicles, as well as rental of vehicles used for University business.

McMaster University policy RMM 904 University Owned, Leased or Rented Vehicle Program details all protocols and procedures related to the use of University owned or leased vehicles as well as rental of vehicles for University business.  

All University vehicle owners are provided, on an annual basis, with an insurance liability card, which should be kept with the driver of the vehicle when in use. 

All information on any new vehicles, new drivers or changes to existing vehicle and driver information, must be promptly reported to the Enterprise Risk Management Team in order to ensure that insurance coverage is in place. 

University-Owned Vehicles

  • For insurance coverage, departments must ensure the accuracy of vehicle and operator information submitted to the Enterprise Risk Management Department
  • Operators completes certification in Transporting Dangerous Goods every 3 (years)
  • Operators completes defensive drivers training if driving is essential to the role within six (6) months of hiring and at minimum every three (3) years thereafter
  • All summer-seasonal students complete defensive driving classroom training and an evaluation or equivalent at the start of the season
  • Liability, Accident Benefits, Uninsured Automobile, Direct Compensation (Property Damage), Loss or Damage, Comprehensive, Collision
  • Permission to Rent or Lease Automobiles
  • Transportation Replacement
  • Liability for Damage to Non-Owned Vehicles
  • Business Operations – Liability for Damagers to Non-Owned Vehicles in your Care, Custody or Control
  • The deductible (if applicable) will be charged to the department
  • Canada & Continental United States
  • Personal property or vehicles
  • Vehicles used outside Canada & Continental United States
  • Using personal vehicles for university business or carrying staff or students
  • Normal wear and tear
  • Parking and traffic violations
  • Driving while impaired, carrying open alcohol, or carrying illegal drugs
  • Short-Term Vehicle Rentals (30 days or less)
  • Purchasing or renting vehicles with more than twelve (12) or more passenger seating
  • Three (3) wheeled all-terrain vehicles
  • Rebuilt vehicles
  • Operators with criminal code, major driving convictions or deteriorating driving habits

Short-Term Vehicle Rentals [Less than 30 days]        

  • Short-term rentals are the department’s responsibility; the University’s policy does not cover short-term coverage.
  • Staff are responsible for any personal property.
  • McMaster University Corporate Travel Card includes collision damage (excluding luxury, exotic or larger vehicles); however, recommend purchasing the maximum liability coverages offered by rental agencies.
  • Rental contracts should indicate McMaster University as the applicant and the employee as an operator. McMaster Procurement may have preferred vehicle rental rates through Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO).

Review RMM 904 University Owned, Leased, or Rented Vehicle Program and the Guidelines on Renting Vehicles for McMaster University Business for more information.

Contact the Enterprise Risk Management Team for Further Information Related to Policy Coverages, Limits and Conditions