University Policies
Policy Contact
Sr. Director - Insurance Email 401-863-3366

Brown University Insurance Requirements for Suppliers

Introduction

This policy exists to set minimum coverage levels of specific types of insurance by University suppliers of goods and services.  Suppliers, at their own cost and expense, shall obtain and maintain in force during the term of their work for Brown University,  the insurance coverage listed below.

Policy Statement

The University requires Suppliers/Vendors who will be performing work or providing services to the University, to maintain certain types of insurance coverage at specified minimum limits.

The coverage limits are specified minimum amounts of insurance required by Brown University.  Higher limits may be negotiated as part of the contracting process, if the risk of the work to be performed is determined to warrant higher limits or, if additional types of insurance coverage are appropriate.

Minimum Insurance Coverage by Type of Insurance:

  • A policy of commercial general liability insurance with broad form property damage endorsement, personal injury and products completed operations coverage, affording protection in an amount of not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per incident and in the aggregate, with respect to personal injury, death, or damage to property.

The commercial general liability policy shall name Brown University as an additional insured, and shall be written as primary coverage and not contributing with or in excess of any coverage that the University may carry.

  • If professional services are being provided, a policy of professional liability insurance, including errors and omissions, affording protection of not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per incident and One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) in the aggregate.

  • A policy of comprehensive automobile liability insurance covering the operation of all motor vehicles used by Supplier or its agents in connection with services being provided to Brown University, affording protection in an amount of not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) combined single limit with respect to personal injury, death, or damage to property. For Charter Bus Companies, the required minimum limit is Five Million Dollars and Brown University must be named as an additional insured.

  • A policy of workers' compensation insurance, in amounts required by law, covering all officers and employees of the Supplier who are in any way engaged in or connected with work performed for Brown University, and employer's liability insurance in an amount of not less than Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000). Supplier shall require its agents, sub-suppliers and subcontractors, who are in any way engaged in or connected with the work performed for Brown University, to maintain the same insurance as required of the Supplier.

Other specialized types of coverage required:

Cyber Liability/Network & Information Security Liability with aggregate minimum liability coverage limits of at least $1,000,000 covering claims involving privacy violations, information theft, damage to or destruction of electronic information, intentional or unintentional release of private information, alteration of electronic information, extortion and network security. If the data security risk classification is determined to be a level 3 risk, $5,000,000 is the minimum required coverage.

This insurance should be required when a third party (e.g. a supplier, business, or consultant/independent contractor) will be using, storing or accessing data Brown classifies as local, confidential or protected or integrates with other Brown systems, in such a way that it could gain access to such information. Please see the University's policy on the Handling of Brown Restricted Information.

Environmental Liability: Coverage of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 in the aggregate, for environmental contamination, hazardous substance or waste, or similar such exposures however defined in connection with the provision of Services that are related to remediation or, work with hazardous materials.  Higher limits of environmental liability coverage may be required when the work to be provided is deemed by the University to warrant higher coverage limits.

Liquor Legal Liability: If alcohol (including beer and wine) is being served by a vendor, supplier, contractor, then Liquor Legal Liability in the amount of $1,000,000 is required. For example, a caterer or bartender providing bar service at an event will be required to submit a certificate of insurance including evidence of Liquor Legal Liability.

All of these insurance policies shall be issued by insurance companies with an AM Best rating of "A" or higher, and are permitted to conduct business in the State of Rhode Island. Upon request, Supplier shall furnish to Brown University a current certificate of insurance for each of the policies required above. When requested, suppliers providing services at Brown University are required to submit certificates of insurance prior to beginning work. Insurance coverage(s) provided under a Purchase Order shall not limit or restrict in any way the liability of Supplier arising under or in connection with the Purchase Order. Such insurance shall not be canceled or terminated without ten (10) days prior written notice of any cancellation or termination.

Responsibilities

Supplier of Goods and Services:  Suppliers of goods and services are required by the University to carry minimum levels and types of insurance coverage.  Suppliers are responsible for ensuring that the required types of insurance and minimum coverage levels are maintained. Upon request, certificates of insurance are required to be submitted to the University.  

Insurance Office: Reviews certificates of insurance and insurance requirements for suppliers. Maintains database of certificates of insurance.  Provides advice about insurance requirements.

Departments: When certificates of insurance are requested, store the certificate with the contract or attach to the purchase requisition. 

Procedures

Certificate Holder should be listed as below:
Brown University
Box 1848
Providence, RI 02912

Policy Owner

Approved By
Sr. Director - Insurance
Contact Info
Sr. Director - Insurance Email 401-863-3366

Policy Last Reviewed