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Living At McMaster

Student Property and Liability Insurance Program

McMaster University is pleased to include property and liability insurance for students living in residence. This insurance covers your personal belongings, and protects you against loss or damage that you may be liable for.

For an annual premium of $80 CAD ($86.40, including tax), students will receive the following insurance coverage while they are living in residence:

Contents Coverage
$10,000

Each student will be provided with coverage to protect your personal belongings up to $10,000 — subject to a $500 deductible. The policy provides coverage for all risks of loss or damage subject to exclusions.** Claims will be settled on a “replacement cost” basis (without deduction for depreciation).

Personal Liability Coverage
$1,000,000

If a student is found to be responsible for causing accidental damage to university property or another student’s property (for example, if a student accidentally started a fire in their room) or accidental bodily injury to another person, the policy will respond up to $1,000,000 to pay legal expenses and compensatory damages for which they are found to be legally liable.

Additional Living Expenses
$2,500

If as a consequence of an insured loss the student’s residence is unfit for occupancy, the policy will pay the increased expenses (up to $2,500) incurred by the student to obtain temporary housing. For example, if a student moves to a hotel for a few days while their room is being repaired, hotel costs including meals would be covered.

Under this program, the university purchases a master policy that provides insurance coverage for all students who are living in residence. Students who elect to participate in the program will receive a Certificate of Insurance in their name outlining the coverages provided by the policy, and will be provided a website address where they can access the policy wording.

Opting Out

Students have the option to “opt out” of the program provided they have alternate insurance coverage in place — for example they have purchased their own policy or are covered under their parents’ Homeowners policy. Students who wish to opt-out of the property and liability insurance program provided by the university must do so no later than September 13th. Students who do not opt-out by this date will be automatically enrolled in the program.

Students who opt out will receive an $86.40 ($80 CAD + tax) credit on their university accounts.

Visit the Opt-Out Form

For more information regarding the policy, you can view it here.

McMaster University protects your privacy and your Personal Information. The Personal Information requested on this form is collected under the authority of McMaster University, and in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (“FIPPA”). The information will be used for insurance approval purposes. Direct any questions about this collection to the Privacy Office (University Secretariat), who will contact the appropriate university department. Please visit the Privacy Office page for more information.

By entering your MacID below, you acknowledge and confirm that you understand that you will be automatically enrolled and charged for the Student Property and Liability Insurance Program if you do not opt-out by the deadline.

Making Claims

Students are responsible to report claims directly to the insurer and must contact Excess Underwriting via phone or email, as the individual insurance is in their name.

To contact Excess Underwriting to report a claim:

International Programs Group (IPG:)
Email: excessuwclaims@ipgclaims.com
Direct Number: 1-888-204-4726

If students need to make or inquire about this insurance coverage or for submitting a claim, students can contact Marsh Canada directly at 1-800-665-0765 and they would be more than happy to discuss your options and walk you through the claims process.

For more information regarding the policy, you can view it here.