Reporting Property Damage or Loss

Summary: Follow these steps to obtain insurance reimbursement if property owned by your department is damaged or destroyed.

​1. ​​​Report the damage.    

  • Inform your supervisor and/or department manager
  • Call the UC Merced Police Department 228-2677 (CAT COPS) if the damage/loss is the result of theft or vandalism
  • ​Call Risk Services at 228-4705 to report a claim. Or call the University’s 24 hour claims ​hotline at 1-800-416-4029, press 1.​

2. Record building and

  • property damage.    ​
  • Make a list of damaged or destroyed items.
  • Take pictures of all damage to the building and property.​

3. Keep track of related costs.    ​

  • Keep track of related costs that are incurred after the incident, including (but not limited to):
  • Overtime pay (regular time is not covered)
  • Relocation costs
  • Facilities Work Request


4. Ensure that damaged items are University property.    ​

  • Collect the following paperwork:
  • Ledger Copy with Expense for Purchase OR
  • Department Inventory listings OR
  • Invoices or University procurement card receipts


5.Obtain repair or replacement price quotes.    ​
Repair or Replacement:

  • Obtain a repair quote from a vendor. If the item is irreparable, obtain a written statement of such from the vendor.​
  • Replace the item with equivalent property. If the replacement is of better quality, the department may have to pay the difference.
  • If property is not replaced or repaired , the department will receive the item's actual cash value.
  • Note: Campus policy and procedure for procurement of products or services should be followed.


6. Submit backup document for
the claim to Risk Services.    ​
Submit the list of items with supporting documentation (proof of ownership, repair or replacement costs) and documentation of any related costs to Risk Services.
Expect claim processing to take a few months or longer because of investigation and coordination between the university and the third-party claims adjustor.

7. Wait for approval before
disposing of damaged property.​    ​
Obtain approval from Risk Services before disposing of damaged items.
Notify Equipment Management if damaged items qualify as equipment. ​Complete an Equipment Inventory Modification Form (EIMF)

For assistance and information contact riskservices@ucmerced.edu

 

See Also: Automobile Self-Insurance Program