Risk Awareness and Insurance Guidance
All of UCSF's work with consultants, contractors, vendors, suppliers, and other non-UC parties poses inherent risk to UC and UCSF. RAIS provides guidance on insurance, contract language, and UC requirements to help UCSF departments make informed decisions.
UC systemwide policy BFB-BUS-63 requires non-UC parties doing business with UCSF to maintain appropriate insurance. Requirements vary based on the scope of work.
RAIS advises on contract language to protect UCSF, including:
- Insurance requirements
- Indemnification provisions
- Limitations of liability
Minimum insurance requirements are available to review on this UC Risk Services page.
Related purchasing policies are available at the Supply Chain Management (SCM) website.
For cybersecurity requirements for non-UC parties, visit the UC Cybersecurity Requirements for Suppliers page.
Certificates of Insurance (COIs)
COIs are summaries of a party's insurance coverage. UCSF departments must collect compliant COIs before work begins.
RAIS provides guidance on COIs related to General Liability and programs we manage. For Medical Liability COIs, please contact Health Risk Management.
For procurement-related insurance issues, contact SCM first.
Submitting COIs from Non-UC Parties
Non-UC parties should email COIs to their UCSF contact (e.g., Buyer or Analyst). Do not mail COIs.
Certificate Holder should read:
The Regents of the University of California
SCM Insurance Desk – Box 0910
1855 Folsom Street
San Francisco, CA 94143
RAIS does not maintain COIs. Departments must store them with their contracts.
UC’s Certificate of Self-Insurance
The standard UC Certificate of Self-Insurance provides proof of UC’s insurance. Use this whenever possible.
For a customized COI, UCSF staff should email Andrew Sinclair with:
- Non-UC party name and address
- Description of the work or event
- Complete written contract
Customized COIs can take several business days to issue.
Medical Liability and Hospital Indemnity COIs
Request these COIs through the UCSF Health Risk Management Office.
Vendor and Event Insurance Options
Vendor Liability Insurance
Non-UC parties without insurance may qualify for the UC Vendor Liability Insurance Program. Coverage costs $750/year and applies to all UC campuses.
Insurance for Special Events
Vendors and performers at UCSF events can purchase one-day coverage online here.
Exceptions to UC Insurance Requirements
In limited cases, RAIS may waive insurance requirements. These waivers are policy exceptions and should not be used for convenience.
To request a waiver, email Andrew Sinclair with full justification and documentation.
Other Questions
If you have questions about:
- Which types or limits of insurance are appropriate for a given project
- Whether an insurance requirement may be waived
- Whether a COI is compliant
- What to do when a COI is not available before work begins
- How to request a customized UC COI
- How to explain UC’s self-insurance to a non-UC party
Please email Andrew Sinclair or your SCM contact. We’re here to help.