As a business owner, you are responsible for the impact your operations have on the environment. Accidents can happen, and when they do, they can lead to serious consequences such as pollution, contamination, and damage to public health.
Think about it, the storage tank of your water treatment business can leak and spill harmful contaminants in rivers. If you’re in agriculture, then it’s possible for the pesticides in your farm to kill wildlife living near the premises of the farm.
This is where pollution and environmental liability insurance comes in. It protects your business from liabilities and helps cover the costs of cleanup and remediation in case of a mishap.
Pollution and environmental liability insurance is a type of coverage that protects businesses from the financial and legal consequences of pollution incidents. This insurance can cover a range of events, including contamination of soil, water, and air caused by business operations, accidents, or negligence.
There are two forms of pollution and environmental liability insurance: contractors pollution liability and pollution legal liability.
Contractors pollution liability insurance coverage provides coverage for third-party bodily injury, property damage, and cleanup costs caused by pollution events that occur during the contractor's work. On the other hand, pollution legal liability covers claims arising from pollution events that occurred before the pollution insurance policy was taken out, as well as new events that occur during the policy period.
Businesses that should consider pollution and environmental liability insurance include those in manufacturing, construction, transportation, waste management, and energy industries.
Contractors pollution liability insurance is designed for businesses that work in industries that involve pollution risks. This insurance can cover contractors, subcontractors, and other professionals who perform work on a client's property. It can help protect these businesses from the costs of legal defense, settlements, and judgments in case of a pollution incident.
This type of insurance is typically purchased by property owners or property managers to protect themselves from liabilities associated with pollution incidents that occur on their property. Pollution legal liability insurance, also called site pollution insurance, covers claims arising from pollution events that occur before or during the policy period.
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Pollution and environmental liability insurance can cover a range of costs associated with pollution incidents, including:
Cleanup and remediation costs
Legal defense costs
Settlements and judgments
Third-party bodily injury and property damage
Here are some examples of situations where pollution and environmental liability insurance can help protect your business:
A chemical spill from a manufacturing plant contaminates a nearby river, causing harm to wildlife and affecting the health of the local community
An oil tanker transporting fuel is involved in an accident that results in a spill, causing damage to the environment and neighboring properties
A construction company unknowingly digs up contaminated soil during excavation, leading to the release of hazardous substances into the air
It's important to note that pollution and environmental liability policy may not cover all types of pollution incidents. Some examples of situations that may not be covered include:
Pollution that occurs outside the policy period
Pollution incidents that were known before the policy was taken out
Pollution incidents that are covered by other insurance policies
The amount of coverage available from pollution insurance carriers depends on the insurance company and the specific policy. Typically, policies provide coverage in the range of $1 million to $10 million.
It is recommended for businesses to obtain pollution and environmental liability insurance coverage to protect themselves from costly lawsuits and potential environmental damage. The amount of coverage needed will depend on the size and type of business, the potential risks involved, and the state and federal regulations. It is best to consult with an insurance agent or broker to determine the appropriate coverage needed.
Environmental pollution liability insurance is not required by federal law, but some states have their own regulations regarding environmental protection and liability. For example, California requires businesses that handle hazardous materials to obtain environmental pollution insurance or demonstrate financial responsibility to cover potential environmental damage. It is important to check with the state and local regulatory agencies to determine the requirements in the area where the business operates.
Yes, pollution and environmental liability insurance can often be added as an endorsement to a general liability policy. However, it is important to note that the coverage provided by a enviromental liability policy is usually limited and may not be sufficient to cover environmental damage or pollution-related claims. It is best to consult with an insurance agent or broker to determine if an endorsement or a separate policy is necessary.
The cost of pollution and environmental liability insurance will vary depending on the type of business, the level of risk, the amount of coverage needed, and location. On average, businesses can expect to pay anywhere from $103 per month or $1,236 per year for a $1 million pollution and environmental liability insurance coverage.
Your choice of insurance company also matters. Here’s a table showing a further idea of pollution insurance coverage cost based on the rates of the recommended companies:
| Cost per Month | Cost per Year | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEXT | $41.66 | $499.92 | Best overall; Fastest pollution liability insurance |
| CoverWallet | $50 | $600 | Comparing pollution liability insurance quotes online |
| The Hartford | $60 | $720 | Comprehensive risk assessment |
| Tivly | $62.50 | $750.00 | Comparing pollution liability insurance quotes over the phone |
| Thimble | $65 | $780 | Small to medium-sized businesses |
| Allianz | $166.66 | $1,999.92 | Small to large-sized businesses |
| Zurich | $208 | $2,496 | Mid-sized to large businesses that need comprehensive coverage |
| Hiscox | $208.33 | $2,499.96 | 24/7 claims support |
| AIG | $250 | $3,000 | Mid-sized businesses |
| Chubb | $416 | $4,992 | Small to large-sized businesses |
Get a further idea of the average pollution insurance cost by comparing quotes. Start by clicking the “Get Quotes” button on this page.
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When it comes to choosing the best pollution and environmental liability insurance company, it's essential to consider various factors. Work with a no-good insurance company and you’ll experience claims delays, sudden premium hikes, or even-worse policy cancellations without notice. Here are some of the best pollution insurance providers. Read some of the reviews below to know their pros, cons, and average cost.
Easy and quick application process
Affordable pollution liability insurance cost coverage options
Excellent customer service
Limited coverage options for larger companies
No coverage for asbestos-related claims
NEXT Insurance provides pollution liability insurance for contractors and environmental impairment liability insurance for businesses that work with hazardous materials.
Best for: Best overall; Fastest pollution liability insurance
Average cost: $41.66 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Offers customized coverage options for businesses of all sizes and industries
Provides coverage for both sudden and gradual pollution incidents
Offers a broad range of risk management and loss control services
Provides pollution insurance online quotes and policy management tools
Premiums may be higher compared to other insurance providers
Some coverage options may not be available in certain states
The Hartford provides pollution liability insurance for a wide range of industries, including healthcare, real estate, and manufacturing. They offer customized coverage options and comprehensive risk assessments.
Best for: Comprehensive risk assessment
Average cost: $60 per month
Our ratings: 8/10
Offers online quotes and policy management tools
Provides customized coverage options for businesses of all sizes and industries
Has a team of experienced underwriters and risk engineers
Offers a wide range of coverage options and endorsements
Premiums may be higher compared to other insurance providers
Coverage limits may be lower for certain industries and sectors
CoverWallet provides pollution liability insurance for small businesses. They offer a user-friendly online platform for obtaining quotes and purchasing coverage.
Best for: Comparing pollution liability insurance quotes online
Average cost: $50 per month
Our ratings: 8/10
Offers flexible coverage options for small and mid-sized businesses
Provides coverage for both sudden and gradual pollution incidents
Offers risk management and loss control services
Provides pollution insurance online quotes and policy management tools
Coverage limits may be lower compared to other insurance providers
May not offer coverage in all states or for all industries
Hiscox provides pollution liability insurance for a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and real estate. They offer customizable coverage options and 24/7 claims support.
Best for: 24/7 claims support
Average cost: $208.33 per month
Our rating: 8/10
Easy-to-use online platform
Comprehensive policies
Competitive pricing
Limited coverage options compared to other companies
No coverage for asbestos-related claims
Tivly provides pollution liability insurance for small and mid-sized businesses. They offer a simple online application process and personalized customer service. This insurance company works with The Hartford, Tivly, Thimble, and other affiliates to grant pollution liability coverage to customers. Call a representative now to a get a quote.
Best for: Comparing pollution liability insurance quotes over the phone
Average cost: $62.50
Our rating: 8/10
Thimble offers on-demand pollution insurance in partnership with Tivly and other affiliate companies
The company has a user-friendly platform that allows you to get a quote and purchase a pollution insurance coverage in minutes
Provides flexible coverage options, so you can tailor your pollution liability policy to your specific needs
Has a good reputation for customer service and claims handling
Thimble may not be the best option for businesses that need long-term or more comprehensive coverage, as their policies are designed for short-term or on-demand needs
Thimble's coverage limits may be lower than what some businesses require
May not offer coverage in all states or for all types of businesses
Thimble is a unique pollution insurance provider that offers on-demand commercial insurance services. This company works with other insurance companies that underwrite comprehensive pollution and environmental liability coverage. Thimble can bundle your pollution liability coverage with is general liability, commercial property, and other business insurance policies.
Best for: Small to medium-sized businesses
Average cost: $65 per month
Our rating: 8/10
Offers a range of coverage options including for difficult-to-insure risks
Provides access to environmental risk management services
Strong financial rating
May not be the best fit for smaller businesses with lower coverage needs
Pollution liability insurance policy not available in all states
Zurich is a multinational insurance company based in Switzerland. The company has a strong presence in the environmental liability insurance market and offers a range of coverage options to businesses of all sizes.
Best for: Mid-sized to large businesses that need comprehensive coverage
Average cost: $208 per month
Our rating: 8/10
Offers comprehensive coverage options for a wide range of environmental risks
One of the pollution liability insurance carriers which has a team of experienced underwriters who can help businesses tailor their policies to their specific needs
Provides access to a network of environmental experts who can help with risk management and loss prevention
Policies can be expensive, particularly for smaller businesses
May not be the best fit for businesses with relatively low environmental risk
Chubb is a leading pollution insurance provider of environmental liability insurance. Their insurance policies are designed to protect businesses from environmental risks such as pollution, contamination, and hazardous waste. Chubb is best for larger businesses with more complex risks.
Best for: Small to large-sized businesses
Average cost: $416 per month
Our ratings: 8/10
Offers a variety of coverage options, including pollution legal liability, contractors pollution liability, and site pollution liability insurance
Provides access to environmental consultants and other experts who can help businesses manage their risks
Offers flexible coverage options that can be tailored to meet the needs of individual businesses
Policies can be expensive for smaller businesses
May not be the best fit for businesses with very high levels of environmental risk
AIG is another top provider of aig environmental liability insurance. Their policies are designed to help businesses manage environmental risks and comply with environmental regulations. AIG is best for mid-sized businesses with a moderate level of environmental risk.
Best for: Mid-sized businesses
Average cost: $250 per month
Our rating: 8/10
Offers a variety of coverage options, including pollution legal liability and contractors pollution liability
Provides access to environmental consultants who can help businesses manage their risks
Offers flexible coverage options that can be tailored to meet the needs of individual businesses
Policies can be expensive for smaller businesses
May not be the best fit for businesses with very high levels of environmental risk
Allianz is a global insurance company that offers a wide range of pollution insurance products, including environmental liability insurance. Their policies are designed to help businesses manage environmental risks and comply with environmental regulations. Allianz environmental insurance is best for small and mid-sized businesses with a moderate level of environmental risk.
Best for: Small to large-sized businesses
Average cost: $166.66 per month
Our rating: 8/10
This place is an absolute joke of a company and should be ashamed of the way they conduct business. I was hurt on the job at the end of July and it took them just shy of 7 weeks to issue out a paycheck to me. Yes the amount was back dated but still. Not many have the luxury of not receiving a paycheck for almost 2 months. To top it all off, the original adjuster marked me down for the wrong state which caused a problem from the get go, I've had 3 different adjusters now since each one can't seem to figure out the simplicity of my claim. All my paperwork which includes, my job, house, and drs visits all are from the same state and city but yet some how I have been filed under a completely different state 1500 miles away. They do not answer your phone calls or emails no matter how many you leave. I've had to escalate my frustrations to the supervisors of each of these individuals in order to even get some kind of response. I've had more communication and information given to me about my claim from the customer service representatives then the actual adjusters.......... please tell me how that works?! A serious overhaul needs to happen here in order to serve your clients the way they deserve to be taken care of. 10/10 do not recommend this company to a single soul on earth
I have never had the displeasure of working with a more incompetent and disrespectful person in my life. I’m an injured worker and the adjuster that was assigned to my case was named Carrie Furgeson. In the past 6 weeks that I’ve been injured and out of work I have only been able to get ahold of her twice, not for lack of trying. I have left countless voicemails, countless emails, and she ignores them all. When I am finally able to get ahold of her I’m greeted with terrible customer service. She is rude, she talks over me and I’m hardly able to get a word in edgewise. She spelled my name wrong on my documents even after I spelled it for her properly countless times, this caused a whole new issue with my bank. I have bill collectors from the hospital calling me demanding payment and Carrie Furgeson won’t do a single thing to help, or to get them paid. All of my documentation is in Colorado, my job is in Colorado, my address is in Colorado, all my Dr offices and appointments have been in Colorado and Carrie still managed to hold my claim because she wasn’t sure what state she needed to file it under. It’s been 6 weeks since my Injury and my company still hasn’t received the wage paperwork to fill out so they can get me my correct wages. When she’s not ignoring me she’s answering my questions with “I don’t know” well I don’t know how she got this job, because apparently she doesn’t know anything about it. She is a disgusting morose individual inside and out and I genuinely wish her the worst in all of her future endeavors. I highly recommend you don’t use this company. Please if you are a business owner and your looking into this company please don’t use them. I’m sure they have the cheapest payment and that’s why companies use them in the first place, but you will be doing your employees a grave disservice by forcing them to venture into this absolute dumpster fire of a company. I would rate 0/5 if possible but 1 was the lowest I was allowed.
Their general liability insurance purchase process is simply the best online experience I've ever had in my life!
As long as they cover your line of business, you're literally covered! best rates, best coverage, best online experience, best professionals, can't be happier that I chose them!
It really can't get any better than this... wow
Not all those who wander are lost.
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