XL Catlin launches new contractors pollution liability program in Canada and the U.S.

XL Catlin announced on Thursday that it has launched its new Contractors Pollution Liability Express Program in Canada and the United States to provide consumers with “speed to market and a streamlined environmental insurance underwriting approach” for small to midsize construction firms.

Cathy Cleary, XL Catlin’s executive environmental underwriter, said in a press release that the program is designed for construction firms with US$50 million in projected revenue or less, “providing them with comprehensive environmental insurance coverage that, based on our experience, carefully addresses their potential pollution liabilities from their contracting activities.” Coverage is afforded for pollution conditions created or exacerbated at the contractor’s job site, during the course of transportation, disposal of waste at a non-owned disposal site and as a result of a sudden and accidental pollution incident on their scheduled property, she said, adding that standard coverage is afforded for legionella, mould, asbestos and lead based paint exposures at the job site.

According to XL Catlin, after an “easy application process,” qualified construction firms are provided a blanket contractors pollution legal liability quote for consideration. The policy is available either on a claims-made or occurrence basis for a one-year term, with liability limits up to US$5 million, along with a full set of standard endorsement enhancements including:

• Renewal certificate;
• Legal expense coverage of US$1 million in addition to the limits of liability;
• Legal expense for disciplinary proceedings in addition to the limits of liability of US$10,000;
• Litigation and subpoena expense coverage in addition to the limits of liability of US$25,000;
• Mediation credit up to a maximum of US$25,000;
• Disaster response expense coverage at limits of liability of US$250,000; and
• Green building materials at limits of liability of US$250,000.

Related: XL Catlin extends global property insurance capacity

“The very nature of day-to-day construction activities leaves most construction firms vulnerable to countless environmental liability exposures – from disruption of underground pollution in excavation activities to indoor air quality issues that emerge after construction is finished,” Matt O’Malley, president of XL Catlin’s North America environmental insurance business, said in the release. “Over the last 30 years, we’ve continued to develop environmental coverage to fill the gaps that other insurance coverages won’t touch. Now we’ve simplified the underwriting process to help small to mid-size contractors buy appropriate comprehensive coverage quickly and easily.”

XL Catlin insurance companies offer property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty insurance products globally. XL Catlin is the global brand used by XL Group Ltd. insurance and reinsurance companies, which provide property, casualty, professional and specialty products to industrial, commercial and professional firms, insurance companies and other enterprises throughout the world.