MIT-owned equipment is covered by Institute insurance, while personally-owned property is not covered. Government-owned equipment, except where specifically required by a written contract or bailment agreement for use on MIT projects, is also not covered by MIT. Property covered under MIT’s insurance must belong to the Institute, be procured with MIT funds, and/or be received as a gift that is registered with MIT’s Recording Secretary.
We ask that you notify our office within 90 days of learning of claim. Failure to promptly report claims could jeopardize the reimbursement of funds.
Data Protection and Compliance
If a lost or stolen computer, laptop, smart phone or other portable device might have contained sensitive information, including but not limited to social security numbers, credit card numbers or driver license numbers, please email infoprotect@mit.edu immediately. The Data Incident Response Team (DIRT) will respond and investigate the exposure resulting from the loss of your data.
Filing A Claim
In order to file a reimbursement claim for covered property, the following information must be submitted to the Office of Insurance:
- Written notice from the Department notifying the Office of Insurance of the details of the incident
- Copies of the original purchase orders/invoice, reflecting the date of purchase, price and specifications of the damaged equipment
- MIT property tag number; and,
- Copies of the repair estimates, bills or replacement purchase orders/invoices
Click here to file a claim
**Please notify MIT Police of all thefts in order for MIT Police to monitor criminal activity and focus investigative efforts and police patrol coverage.
Claims Settlement
Reimbursement for stolen equipment, or equipment damaged beyond repair is based on replacement value. If the department opts to upgrade its equipment following any such loss, reimbursement will still be based on a comparable replacement (less any applicable deductible) for the damaged or stolen equipment. If the department does not plan to replace the stolen or damaged equipment, reimbursement will be based on the actual cash value prior to the loss. Once your claim has been filed, the Insurance Office will reach out to discuss reimbursement and the claim process.
What is not covered
- Personal property including, but not limited to cars, paintings and rugs of faculty, staff and students is not covered
- Portable MIT owned electronic devices including, but not limited to drones, laptops, smart phones, smart watches or other wearables are not covered equipment.
Students-Insuring Your Personal Property
Students should always secure your valueables. MIT is not responsible for damage to or theft of personal property. If coverage is not available through a parent’s homeowners policy (undergraduate) than residents are encouraged to procure renter’s insurance coverage for personal property (including portable items such as electronics) that they bring to the MIT campus. Insurance agents can assist you with the types and limits of insurance available to match your needs and budget. If you are seeking renters insurance here is a link to a College Student Insurance option.
Departmental Risk Management
All Departments, Labs and Centers (DLCs) are responsible for safeguarding MIT owned equipment. Recommendations may be made by the Office of Insurance to increase security. Failure to take reasonable precautions to prevent the recurrence of property damage or theft (i.e., same location, same type of occurrence) may result in additional cost sharing (above the deductible) by the Department. Any security improvements are made solely at the DLC’s expense.
If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Brown at 617-324-5031.