Environmental Liability Insurance can provide cover for a range of pollution-related liabilities and expenses.

The actual cover depends on whether the policy is written for:

• A premises.
• A contractor.
• A specific project.
• Another environmental exposure.

What third-party claims can be covered? #

Depending on the policy, cover can include liability arising from:

• Personal injury.
• Property damage.
• Nuisance.
• Trespass.
• Pollution affecting neighbouring properties.
• Other specified environmental damage.

What clean-up expenses can be covered? #

Specialist policies can cover certain costs associated with:

• Investigating contamination.
• Emergency response.
• Removing pollutants.
• Treating contaminated soil or water.
• Remediation.
• Restoring affected areas.

Can gradual pollution be covered? #

Yes, depending on the policy.

This is one of the important distinctions between specialist Environmental Liability Insurance and many standard liability arrangements.

Can contractors be covered? #

Yes.

Contractors Pollution Liability Insurance can be structured for businesses whose work creates pollution exposure at job sites.

Cover can potentially extend to pollution liabilities arising from work performed by the insured and its subcontractors.

Are defence costs included? #

They can be.

However, whether defence costs sit inside or outside the policy limit depends on the wording.

The policy schedule and limits should be checked carefully.