Beacon Hill's Environmental Insurance Blog
By Gayle Schumacher, PartnerOne Environmental Underwriter
Biosolid and manure applicators must adhere to a number of guidelines in order to meet government regulations for safely handling, transporting, applying, and cleaning up biosolids and similar waste. Properly hauling and applying this waste product is a very specialized industry, which can be affected by the season, surrounding land and water, and previous treatment of the land. It is crucial that these contractors be insured in the event of a claim.
By Jamie Lewis, Account Manager
As the economy seems to be heading in a positive direction, one particular contractor experienced abnormal revenue growth of 80% over last year. The increase in work brings a higher potential for losses, increasing vehicle and equipment inventory, and the company’s desire to grow their operations in the sector that has proven to be most profitable to them. As Beacon Hill looked at their upcoming renewal at least 30-45 days before expiration, we certainly noticed...
Posted:
4/9/2012 by
Robye Davidson | with
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Endorsements,
Insurance for Contractors,
RenewalsBy Dana Lillard, Administrative Assistant - Underwriting Division
Air is something we breathe without thinking. We do it twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week for the span of our lives. Along with the air we breathe, we also take in many hazardous chemicals. These chemicals range from Carbon Monoxide and asbestos to Sulfur Oxides. The amount of polluting chemicals depends on where you live and spend your time; some areas such as large cities have higher densities of certain chemicals (chemicals in smog) while other areas that are less populated have...
By Allison McGreal, Assistant Vice President – Underwriting Division
Generally speaking, the Contractors Pollution Liability (CPL) form provides coverage for your operations performed away from premises you own, rent, lease, or operate. Many contractors may have reason to store hazardous waste or material on their sites. If Site Pollution is a...
It is a misconception that the only people who have pollution exposures are those involved with hazardous substances. Unfortunately, this is not the case. In truth, anybody who works with, or can be held responsible for, the release of a substance into the environment that meets the definition of a “pollutant” in the ISO exclusion has a pollution exposure.
The recycling industry is booming—are these facility owners and operators properly covered against environmental exposures?
The recycling industry has recently seen tremendous growth due to the green initiative, as well as the recent downturn in the economy. People around the country are taking a sustainable approach to living, using less and recycling the materials that they do use. Rapidly rising food and fuel prices are stretching peoples’ paychecks and motivating them to find new ways to save money. While many of the recyclers are...
By Jamie Lewis, Account Executive
As you review your book of artisan and trade contractors, it is important to keep in mind the potential pollution exposures that your insureds may have. HVAC contractors, plumbers, electricians, painters, and roofing contractors are just a few examples of clients you may have on the books that would not necessarily be considered an “environmental contractor,” but certainly have pollution exposures as a part of their normal scope of services.
Having trouble responding to challenging questions relating to CPL? We have put together some of the most common disputes pertaining to this coverage, and our suggestions for how to handle them.
By Bill Pritchard, President of Beacon Hill Associates
Printed in the June 20, 2011 issue of Insurance Journal
The insurance needs of contractors continue to become more complex as the economy works its way out of the recession. Part of that increased complexity involves a company’s environmental exposures and how it chooses to address them. What was once a small concern has become one of the most important exposures a contractor needs to manage. Contractors are responsible to their clients for the environmental ramifications of their work, and the work of their subcontractors. Properly insuring that exposure is critical.
Contractors who work with hazardous substances on a regular basis, as well as consultants who assess the effects of contaminants, have always required specialized coverage. As the environmental insurance marketplace has expanded, many of these firms have found that coverage is readily available. The challenge, and the opportunity, is...