Environmental contractors are faced with numerous exposures from their business and operations locations. Mishaps like improper storage of materials and handling may cause liability to contractors and pollutant spills.

Also, unknown factors, which include structural conditions and existing site contamination present possible environmental risks.

Environmental Contractors Insurance: What Is It?

Pollution insurance for environmental contractors is made to address any exposures of this business class, which includes operational exposures, possible environmental concerns at an insured’s site, concerns associated with waste and transportation, and many more.

Because a CGL form (Commercial General Liability) excludes Pollution Liability, it is vital for environmental contractors to invest in both Contractors Pollution Liability and Commercial General Liability. There are benefits to investing in a combined policy form. A lot of carriers provide package credits for bundling more than a single line of coverage, as well as a combined form will also eliminate or lessen the odds of a gap in coverage.

If there’s a gray area, a carrier will decide whether it is a CPL or CGL claim; however, if there are two involved carriers, handling of claims will become more complicated.

For a lot of carriers, the determining factor for an account having sufficient “environmental” exposure is key. The majority of carriers require at least 25 to 50 percent environmental operations before considering the offer of a combined form. Contracting operations fitting that category include:

Environmental drilling/sampling

• Biosolid application
• Industrial cleaning
• Water and fire restoration
• Analytical labs
• Emergency response
• Storage tank contractors
• Lead abatement
• Groundwater/soil remediation
• Mold abatement and inspection
• Regulatory permitting/ compliance services
• Air monitoring
• Wastewater treatment plant maintenance/operations
• Environmental consulting
• Asbestos abatement

What will environmental contractor insurance cover?

Within the Commercial General Liability part of the combined form, a policy offers coverage for Property Damage, Bodily Injury, as well as Defense Costs for any claims that arise out of an insured’s operations at premises controlled or owned by an insured, in addition to their completed and ongoing operations conducted away from the premises on a job site.

Have more questions? Please get in touch with Steely & Smith Insurance anytime! Our Contractors and Environmental Firms Insurance will help during times of need. Please feel free to contact us today if you live in the Doylestown, PA area at (215) 345-9410.