Insurance and Risk Management

Insurance and Risk Management's mission is to assist the University’s trustees, senior management, faculty, and staff in identifying and analyzing potential events that may adversely affect the achievement of their individual and collective missions, to advise on appropriate control measures to contain the events within the enterprise’s overall risk-taking philosophy, and design, implement and monitor compatible risk financing schemes against the residual.

Our primary responsibility is to develop guidelines, policies, and procedures to address risk management exposures that can affect the University's ability to achieve its stated research, educational and business objectives.

We also have direct responsibility for the management of traditional hazard risks that hold the potential of creating an adverse financial effect on the University. We are not responsible for the development or monitoring of credit, market or liquidity risk exposures.

Our team executes its duties by consulting and collaborating with nearly all University operations as they address the risks that may negatively affect the achievement of their department-specific goals and objectives.

Leadership and excellence in promoting Columbia's overall risk management goals, while striving for continuous improvement and 100% client satisfaction, is the basis for our service model.

Common Tasks

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View the Minimum Insurance Requirements for Contracts

Not to be used for real estate leases or research sub-awards.

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Request Evidence of Insurance

Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) or access the University Memorandum of Insurance (MOI). 

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Acquire and Insure a Vehicle

Learn requirements for vehicle acquisition, insurance, registration, and changing vehicle information.

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File a Property Insurance Claim

Property losses should be reported to Risk Management as soon as possible.

Vehicles

Learn About Using University-Owned Vehicles

A University vehicle must be operated in a safe and legal manner.

File a Vehicle Accident or Theft Claim

Actions to take if you are involved in an accident with a University-owned vehicle or it is stolen.

    Learn about Vehicle Disposal, Transfer, and Lease Termination

    Understand your responsibilities when disposing of or transferring vehicles or when terminating a lease.

    Property Insurance

    Learn About Insurance for Marine Vehicles, Cargo, and Equipment in Transit

    The Risk Management Department offers an online program with real-time quoting and certificate of insurance issuance for transit coverage

    Other Insurance and Risk Management Topics

    View Columbia's Risk Retention Philosophy

    Our primary objective is to create an acceptable, enterprise-wide retention level for the university operations as a whole. 

    Learn About Using Drones on Columbia Property

    Drones are only permitted on Columbia University property for educational or research purposes and for the benefit of Columbia University.

    Contact Information for Campus Filming, Medical Malpractice, and Summons Letters

    Contact information is available for campus film requests or in the event of medical malpractice or summons letters.

    Additional Resources

    Vendor Certificates of Insurance Review Process

    Effective February 9, 2021, Risk Management has implemented new procedures for vetting vendor insurance. Please click above to learn more. 

    Worker's Compensation

    Access New York State's Worker's Compensation website for information and resources.

    Health Insurance for Faculty and Staff

    The University’s health and welfare benefits include programs that provide medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, life insurance, and disability benefits to eligible faculty and staff.

    Our Team

    Look up our team in the Finance Organizational Charts.