Northwestern owned property checked out to students for use in academic or extra-curricular film activities is covered under Northwestern’s current property insurance policy. The coverage is on the replacement value of the covered property for all covered losses, excluding mysterious disappearance (any unexplained loss of property). In the event of a mysterious disappearance the student or students are responsible for the full value of the missing property. For a detailed list of what is not covered see the attached Property Coverage Exclusion list for the policy enforce. Students are responsible for the full value of property when coverage is excluded for any reason by the current property policy. All covered claims are subject to a $750 or 15% (whichever is greater) up to $5,000 deductible. Students are responsible for the first $750 or 15% (whichever is greater) up to $1,000. RTVF is responsible for the remainder of the deductible for covered losses. Students that have formed limited partnerships or that incorporate their film shooting activities are covered under Northwestern’s property insurance with Northwestern’s property. Payment or a payment schedule for losses must be arranged with the Equipment Manager of the Cage or the Director of the Media Services group before any further equipment privileges are restored to the liable student(s). The RTVF has the option to hold student grades/graduation records for unpaid equipment losses.
Rented, leased, loaned or borrowed equipment, not owned by Northwestern is covered under Northwestern’s property insurance coverage on an actual cash value of the property for all covered losses, excluding mysterious disappearance. Coverage excludes theft of equipment unless there are visible signs of a forced entry. When theft is the cause of the loss, the students must report the loss to the police immediately in the jurisdiction where the theft occurred. All claims are subject to a $750 or 15% (whichever is greater) up to $2,500 deductible. Coverage is available to the student at a rate of $3.00 per $1,000 of coverage requested, rounding up to the next dollar amount for everything in between. Coverage period for rental equipment covers a maximum of 14 consecutive calendar days or any two-weekend rentals. Additional coverage must be purchased for each additional period. Coverage is terminated after any loss and must be re-purchased again after any loss. Students must exercise caution and inspect equipment prior to leaving the rental establishment. Students must document any abnormalities or damage to the equipment before taking possession and leaving the rental establishment. There is no coverage for normal wear and tear (fuses, light bulbs, etc.). Payment or a payment schedule for losses must be arranged with Risk Management before any further equipment rental privileges are approved for the liable student(s). The student(s) listed on the RMP are responsible for the entire deductible; RTVF has no responsibility for the deductible.
This type of project normally will require insurance from the Office of Risk Management. When a project requires insurance, Northwestern requires an approved written Risk Management Plan (RMP) to obtain insurance coverage. Attached to this policy is a blank RMP Form for the students to use and an explanation of the RMP Form. Electronic copies of RMP and this policy are available on the Risk Management Website. The purpose of the RMP Form is to help the students think through safety, liability and property exposures and controls for using private and/or public premises and rented or loaned equipment. The RMP requires the students to outline the controls that they will use to minimize any risks present to the students, public, equipment, and property. The students need to use the completed RMP as a checklist to identify all the known potential risks students may encounter on the film project.
Northwestern provides general liability coverage certificates for film project locations. A deductible of $750.00 or 15% (whichever is greater) up to $2,500, applies to each loss. The student(s) listed on the RMP are responsible for the entire deductible; RTVF has no responsibility for the deductible.
The insurance for Northwestern does not allow or cover students who sign property leases for film productions. Should a student require property coverage the lease must be approved by the Office of General Counsel and signed by an officer of the University.
Northwestern will not provide primary auto insurance coverage to students utilizing their own vehicles for Northwestern film projects. The student’s personal auto insurance coverage is primary. Northwestern auto liability coverage will be considered supplemental to that of the student’s. Northwestern’s coverage, if applicable, will not provide physical damage coverage for damage sustained to the student’s or other private vehicles used in the project. Northwestern will cover vehicles available to Northwestern approved student drivers through the University Motor Pool or outside vendor. There is no coverage available for full size van, truck, or trailer rentals. Automobile liability coverage has a $1,000.00 deductible. Northwestern does not cover luxury, antique, or sport cars, motorcycles or recreational vehicles of any kind. Student coverage for vehicles is subject to the rules and guidelines of Northwestern’s Vehicle Policy. The student(s) listed on the RMP are responsible for the entire deductible; RTVF has no responsibility for the deductible.
Workers’ Compensation coverage is not available. Projects requiring Workers’ Compensation coverage require outside insurance. Risk Management can refer students to alternative insurance sources the student can purchase if needed.Northwestern does not provide insurance coverage to students doing the following activities. Either the student(s) must obtain their own insurance for these activities or get insurance coverage from the owner or contractor hired. Insurance coverage from the owner or contractor hired must include Northwestern University as an additional insured and be for at least $3 million per occurrence coverage. Even with outside insurance Northwestern may still not approve the activity. Students that violate this policy will no longer get insurance from Northwestern.