Environmental Liability Insurance provides specialist protection for certain pollution and environmental exposures.

It may also be referred to as:

• Pollution Liability Insurance.
• Environmental Impairment Liability Insurance.
• Premises Pollution Liability Insurance.

The terminology and scope vary between insurers.

Why is specialist cover needed? #

Standard Public Liability policies can contain significant restrictions or exclusions relating to pollution.

Some policies may provide limited cover for sudden and accidental pollution while excluding gradual pollution or certain clean-up costs.

Environmental Liability Insurance can provide broader protection.

What can Environmental Liability Insurance address? #

Depending on the policy, cover can include certain liabilities arising from:

• Sudden pollution.
• Gradual pollution.
• Contaminated soil.
• Contaminated groundwater.
• Chemical releases.
• Fuel or oil spills.
• Environmental damage.
• Pollution affecting neighbouring property.

Can it cover clean-up costs? #

Yes, depending on the policy.

Specialist environmental policies can cover certain:

• Investigation costs.
• Remediation costs.
• Clean-up expenses.
• Emergency response costs.

Cover can also extend to specified claims or requirements from environmental regulators.

Is Environmental Liability only for heavy industry? #

No.

Environmental exposures can affect many businesses, including property owners and SMEs, not only chemical manufacturers or heavy industrial operations.