Insurance: FAQ's

Motor Insurance


Speeding Offences

1. Can someone with points on their license drive a University vehicle?

Providing they meet the other requirements, Head of School can make an assessment and if appropriate authorise a driver with 3 points for speeding. Other cases should be referred to the Insurance Office.

Hiring Abroad

2. We will be hiring a car abroad; can this be covered under University Insurance?

A vehicle must be insured in the country in which it is registered so when hiring abroad include insurance from the hire company.

Going Abroad

3. We are taking a University/hired vehicle abroad. What should we do?

The University motor insurance includes cover for use in the EU and a green card is no longer necessary but please notify the insurance Office at least 14 days beforehand as you will still need certificates and other documentation. If travelling outside the EU you will also need a green card and 21 days notice to the Insurance Office is advisable.

You will need to make your own arrangements for breakdown cover through AA or a similar body.


Property

1. What excesses apply to the Insurance?

Claim for loss of or damage to property are subject to a department level excess of £1,500 increasing to £2,500 if the loss is due to a 'walk-in' theft.

Costs below £1,500 are the responsibility of the department but when a claim is made each department is entitled to one contribution of £1,000 towards the excess on non-theft claims each year.

2. Is equipment insured in transit or off campus?

Equipment is covered anywhere in the world subject to limits of £60,000 anyone item, £250,000 in total.

When transporting equipment it must not be left in an unattended vehicle overnight unless the vehicle is in a locked garage or compound or during the day unless the vehicle is securely locked and the equipment is out of sight. Please consult the Insurance Office if the equipment is to be deployed unattended in the open.

3. How are lap tops covered?

When used on campus they are insured as part of the contents provided they are not left in unattended offices/rooms and are locked away when not in use. When off campus the £1,500 excess means that effectively a single lap top has no useful insurance cover. It is recommended that the individual is made responsible for the lap top whilst it is in their custody and control. This will allow them to insure it under their own household insurance.

The one exception to this is when cover under the University Travel policy applies where lap-tops are covered up to £2,000 subject to an excess of 10% of the value of the claim.

4. Do I need to notify new equipment?

The University has blanket insurance with a high limit for all contents, you only need to notify high value items of £250,000 or over.



Travel

1. What do I need to do to make sure I have cover?

Provided the necessary risk assessments have been carried out, all University Employees and Postgraduates automatically have cover - just download the summary sheet and make sure you carry this with its emergency contact number, on your person.

Undergraduates on University organised and supervised field trips also have automatic cover. There is a special student travel scheme for other undergraduate course related trips.

2. Am I covered for emergency medical treatment for a pre-existing condition?

Yes, providing you are not travelling against the advice of a medical practitioner. Best advice is to visit your doctor, make sure there are no problems and obtain either a letter or have the confirmation put in your notes.

3. Is pregnancy covered?

Yes - providing your are not travelling against your doctor's advice - visit your doctor to check there are no problems and obtain a letter or have the confirmation added to your notes.

4. Are there any age restrictions?

No, but Personal Accident cover is not as wide for travellers 75 years or older.

5. I am hoping to take some annual leave as part of the trip - is this covered?

The policy includes 7 days personal leisure time added to a business trip - if this is insufficient, you will probably need to buy separate cover but please check with the Insurance Office if only a few additional days are needed.

6. I need to have proof of cover for my Visa application?

Please e-mail insure@soton.ac.uk with your name, School, dates of trip, purpose of trip and destination. The Insurance office will issue the necessary letter of confirmation.

7. I will be mountaineering/diving/pot-holing during the trip; will this be covered?

The only restriction on activities is flying as a pilot or crew-member in an aircraft or other aerial device. You cannot therefore e.g. hang-glide, but you can undertake any of those other activities.