Contractor and Vendor Insurance Requirements

At Michigan Technological University (MTU), ensuring the safety and protection of all parties involved in campus operations is a top priority. To achieve this, all contractors, vendors, and service providers working on University premises are required to carry adequate insurance. This coverage safeguards both the contractor and the University from potential claims or losses arising from work performed.

The required types of insurance coverage and their standard limits are outlined below. MTU reserves the right to increase the minimum limits based on the size, scope, and potential risk exposure of the activity or service.

Minimum Requirements

Workers Compensation & Employers Liability

Workers Compensation: Limits as required by applicable federal or state law.

 

Employers Liability Insurance: Minimum limit of $500,000 per accident.

Commercial General Liability

$1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 general aggregate

 

Includes:

  • Bodily injury and property damage liability
  • Personal and advertising injury liability
  • Products/completed operations
  • Liability assumed under an insured contract

Auto Liability

Required for any contractor or vendor using a vehicle in the performance of work.

$1,000,000 per occurrence

 

Personal Injury Protection as required by statute.

Professional Liability (if applicable)

Required for professional service providers, including but not limited to doctors, lawyers, architects, engineers, designers, appraisers, and consultants.

 

Exempt for non-professional service providers.

Limit not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence

Property

Required for contractors for the duration of the contract.

$100,000 per occurrence for property not covered by the contract.

Builders' Risk

Required for Contractors

$100,000 each occurrence
Bonds (if applicable)

Required for contracts with a base bid exceeding $50,000; shall furnish in form and with sureties acceptable to the University.

Performance bond and labor/material bond, each equal to 100% of the contract sum.
Excess, Umbrella, and Specialized Insurance

Required for projects and contracts involving special circumstances, hazards, or large scope.

Policies (except Workers’ Compensation and Professional Liability) shall be endorsed to name Michigan Technological University, its Board of Trustees, agents, officers, employees, and volunteers as “Additional Insureds”.

Insurance policies shall be issued by companies licensed or approved to do business within the State of Michigan.

Insurers shall possess a minimum A.M. Best rating of A.

In the event any insurance policy(ies) required by this Contract is(are) written on a “claims made” basis, coverage shall extend for three years past completion and acceptance of the Contractor’s work or services and must be evidenced by annual certificates of insurance.

All policies of insurance must be on a primary basis, non-contributory with any other insurance and/or self-insurance carried by the University.

Contractors shall provide a minimum 30 days written notice to the University via certified mail of cancellation or non-renewal of policies required under the contract and a renewal certificate at least 15 days prior to expiration.

Prior to commencing work or services, the Contractor shall provide the University with certificates of insurance that confirm the required coverage, conditions, and limits outlined in this Contract. Failure of MTU to request or Company to provide a Certificate of Insurance does not reduce or negate the Contractor’s, or Vendor’s, obligations under this section.

Completed certificates can be submitted via one of the following methods:

  • By Mail:

    Michigan Technological University

    Purchasing Department

    1400 Townsend Dr.

    Houghton, MI 49931

  • By Email:

    purchasing@mtu.edu

  • By Fax:

    (906) 487-2521

For questions or additional information, please contact Purchasing at (906) 487-2510, or email purchasing@mtu.edu.