Not always legally required, but in certain sectors or for specific permits it may be imposed. It is highly recommended in case of environmental risks.
Antilope De Bie Printing
Solutions
Environmental liability
A leak in a tank, a fire with contaminated extinguishing water, or a mistake in the storage of hazardous materials can cause serious environmental damage. The remediation costs and damage claims can quickly add up.
With an environmental liability insurance policy, you protect your business against the financial consequences of soil, water, or air pollution for which you are held liable.
What is environmental liability insurance?
Environmental liability insurance covers damage to the environment and the resulting costs when your company is responsible for pollution.
This includes, among other things:
- Soil contamination
- Water pollution
- Air pollution
- Damage to protected nature
An environmental liability insurance covers both environmental damage to third parties and damage to your own sites. In addition to remediation costs, depending on the policy, it may also cover expenses such as the restoration of biodiversity.
A standard Public Liability Insurance provides, at most, very limited coverage for accidental environmental damage to third parties. Environmental damage to your own site and gradual damage are not covered. Those who want proper protection against environmental risks generally need a separate environmental liability insurance.
What are the benefits?
Covers remediation costs for soil and water contamination.
Covers third-party claims for damages caused by environmental pollution.
Reimburses costs imposed by the government after pollution.
Covers the financial consequences of environmental risks that can severely impact your business.
Who is this insurance for?
Environmental liability insurance is relevant, among others, for companies that:
- Produce, process or store hazardous substances
- Carry out industrial activities
- Organize transport of chemicals or fuels
- Perform work with risk of soil contamination
- Have tanks, pipelines, or storage installations
- Any company, large or small, that stores environmentally hazardous substances
Companies that are not considered "highly polluting" can also be held liable in the event of accidental pollution, for example due to a leak, an incident involving hazardous substances, or contaminated firefighting water.
Van Dessel conducts an insurance analysis of your activities, installations, and risk profile, and then assesses to what extent your company is exposed to environmental risks.
What is covered and what is not?
What is covered?
- Soil and water remediation costs
- Third-party damage resulting from environmental pollution
- Environmental damage to your own premises
- Costs of preventive measures to limit further damage
- Legal defence in the event of a liability claim
- Biodiversity restoration
What is not covered?
- Intentional pollution
- Pre-existing pollution
- Certain specific risks are not covered as standard and must always be assessed separately, such as above-ground or underground fuel tanks, asbestos, and similar exposures
- Fines and criminal penalties
How much does this insurance cost?
The premium is determined based on:
- Your sector and activities
- The nature and quantity of hazardous substances
- The location of your site(s)
- Your preventive measures
- Your claims history
- The desired insured amounts
For example, a manufacturing company with chemical storage has a different risk profile than a logistics company.
Van Dessel provides a thorough insurance risk analysis and negotiates an appropriate solution with specialized insurers.
Stories from our customers
Groep Steylaerts
Patrick Steylaerts: “Wij hebben het volste vertrouwen in onze verzekeringspartner Van Dessel.”
Germo bvba
Bram Gers: "Vooral het maatwerk is de reden waarom ik met Van Dessel in zee ben gegaan."
Van Wellen Group
Tom Bolsens: "We waren verrast dat er uit zo'n kleine hoek dreiging kon komen."
Our promise to you
Personal & involved
a tailor-made partner
We start from your specific situation and take the time to thoroughly understand your risks, needs, and objectives. This way, you receive advice and guidance tailored to your business and everyday practice.
Expertise & experience
already 80 years in insurance
Thanks to our years of experience, we analyze your risks and insurance needs with a broad perspective. We provide a well-thought-out approach, clear solutions, and the right protection for your business.
Customization & innovation
beyond standard insurance
No standard formulas, but solutions tailored to your activities and challenges. From analysis and implementation to support in case of claims: we provide an approach that works in practice.
Would you like to receive a quote?
We analyse your activities, contractual obligations and risks. You will receive a clear, tailor-made proposal for your business.
Request a free quote or contact us for personal advice.
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