- Hardware
- Insurance
Insurance for University-owned computers
- Basic coverage
- Protecting your devices
- Filing a claim
- Home use of University-owned equipment
- Contact information
All university-owned computer equipment at Yale is covered by University insurance against loss, theft, and/or damage.
Basic coverage
Coverage is provided for any computers. A single claim can include a computer and attached peripherals and/or multiple computers and devices. The coverage provides replacement of equipment that has been lost due to theft or accidental damage with like kind and quality. There is a deductible of $1000 that will be charged to the department by the Office of Risk Management.
As an example, if a department loses five computers in five offices due to flooding, a single claim can be submitted. The department, or some other funding source, must pay the $1000 deductible and the remainder is paid by University Insurance.
Coverage generally does not cover the loss of software unless a new license must be purchased.
Laptop computers are difficult to secure and are fragile devices. As such, the possibility of loss due to theft or damage is considerably higher than desktop computers. Extra protection should be taken to protect laptops against theft or damage.
Protecting your devices
The Office of Security Services recommends the use of the STOP device on all computer equipment. The STOP device is a "unique, tamper-proof patented plate, with barcode and indelible tattoo – a simple, inexpensive solution to three major problems associated with overseeing office equipment: theft prevention, equipment recovery, and asset tracking."
Locking devices are also recommended. Locking devices include mechanisms which physically secure the computer, especially laptops, either to the floor, a wall, or a piece of furniture. All new computers delivered under the Faculty Support Program for the Humanities and provostial awards to new faculty include locking devices unless the building and/or room has an approved alarm system.
Filing a claim
In the case of theft, the faculty member must report the loss to the appropriate authorities and obtain a copy of the police report. This report must be submitted to the Claims Adjuster.
In the case of loss due to damage or breakage, the faculty member is urged to notify the Office of Risk Management to arrange for inspection, if warranted. Details on the accident, including any witness statements, should be provided, including any witness statements. For example, if a faculty member is walking with a colleague and drops a laptop after slipping on a patch of ice, a statement from the faculty member's colleague describing the event should be submitted with the claim.
All claims are handled by PMA Management Company. Directions for reporting claims. Payment will be made in full by PMA directly to the department. After PMA has settled and closed the claim, the Office of Risk Management will charge the deductible to the department.
Home use of University-owned equipment
In many cases, faculty members have opted to move University desktop computers and associated equipment to their homes. This is an acceptable practice under University policy. However, before any equipment can be relocated off campus, faculty must check to make sure the equipment is covered by their personal homeowners insurance. If damage to or theft of a desktop computer occurs at an off-campus location the liability for the loss must be covered by the faculty member's private insurance policy. Faculty members with university-owned computers in their homes should contact their insurance provider in order to determine coverage.
Contact information
Phillip Cundiff
University Risk Management Office
432-6606
For information on improving security at your facility:
Hesh Rosenberg
Physical Security
785-5270
