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ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY COVER THAT PROTECTS YOUR BUSINESS FROM CLEAN-UP COSTS
Why Environmental & Pollution Liability Insurance Matters
Metal fabrication and manufacturing operations can involve oils, coolants, solvents, degreasers, paints, fuels, gases and other substances that may cause pollution if accidentally released. Even a small leak from a bunded area, a spill during handling, or a fire-fighting runoff incident can lead to significant clean-up costs and third-party claims.
Standard public liability policies often contain pollution exclusions or only provide limited cover for “sudden and accidental” pollution events. If your contracts require environmental cover, or if you operate in locations where contamination could affect drains, watercourses or neighbouring property, you may need a dedicated environmental impairment / pollution liability policy.
Insure24 helps metal fabricators arrange environmental and pollution liability insurance tailored to the way they work - including workshop premises, storage areas and site-based operations.
What Does Environmental & Pollution Liability Insurance Cover?
Pollution liability insurance is designed to cover liabilities and costs arising from pollution incidents, including clean-up, third-party claims and legal expenses. Cover varies by insurer and wording, so it’s important to structure the policy properly.
- Clean-Up & Remediation Costs – expenses to investigate, contain and remediate pollution (subject to policy terms).
- Third-Party Injury & Property Damage – claims for bodily injury or property damage caused by pollution.
- Legal Defence & Expert Costs – solicitors, consultants and environmental specialists.
- Sudden & Accidental Pollution – cover for unexpected incidents (and broader options depending on policy).
- Pollution from Premises – leaks/spills linked to your workshop or storage areas.
- Pollution from Operations – incidents arising during fabrication or site activities.
- Transportation / Loading & Unloading – optional cover for spills during handling, where available.
- Regulatory Investigation Costs – cover may include certain investigation-related costs (wording dependent).
Typical Pollution Risks for Metal Fabrication Businesses
Pollution incidents can happen in workshops, yards and client sites. Insurers consider both the likelihood of a spill and the potential severity if contamination spreads to drains, land or water.
- Oil and coolant leaks from machinery or storage containers
- Solvent, degreaser or paint spills during handling
- Fuel spills from generators, forklifts or deliveries
- Fire-fighting water runoff carrying contaminants into drains
- Dust, particulates or fumes allegations impacting neighbours
- Waste storage incidents (filters, oily rags, contaminated materials)
- Accidental discharge into surface water or foul drainage
Why Standard Public Liability May Not Be Enough
Many public liability policies include restrictions on pollution. Some only cover sudden and accidental events, and many exclude gradual pollution altogether. In addition, clean-up and remediation costs may not be fully covered under standard liability.
If your operations include chemical storage, significant oils/coolants, or your clients request “environmental impairment” cover, it may be appropriate to arrange a dedicated environmental policy or an endorsed extension.
When Environmental Cover Is Commonly Required
- Work on industrial sites with strict environmental rules
- Contracts requiring environmental impairment liability
- Premises near drains, watercourses or sensitive areas
- Storage of oils, fuels, paints, solvents or chemicals
- Higher-risk waste streams (oily waste, contaminated materials)
What Insurers Typically Want to Know
- What substances are stored/used (type and quantities)
- Storage arrangements (bunding, containers, locations)
- Spill response procedures and kits
- Waste handling and disposal arrangements
- Any previous pollution incidents or notices
Why Choose Insure24
Environmental liability is often misunderstood and easily overlooked. We help you identify where the gaps are in standard policies and arrange practical cover that aligns with your fabrication risk profile and contractual obligations.
- Specialist advice for manufacturing and fabrication operations
- Access to environmental and pollution liability markets
- Support presenting your controls to insurers
- Flexible limits aligned to contracts and risk exposure
- Clear documentation and claims support
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Is pollution liability the same as public liability?
Not usually. Many public liability policies restrict pollution cover. Environmental/pollution liability is specialist cover intended to respond to pollution incidents, including certain clean-up and remediation costs (depending on wording).
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Do I need environmental insurance if I only have a small workshop?
It depends on what you store and your location. Even small quantities of oils, solvents or fuels can create costly clean-up exposures if a spill reaches drains or neighbouring land.
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Does it cover gradual pollution?
Cover for gradual pollution varies widely by insurer and wording. Many policies focus on sudden and accidental events, while specialist environmental policies may offer broader options depending on underwriting.
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What incidents can trigger clean-up costs?
Common triggers include oil/coolant leaks, solvent or paint spills, fuel leaks, and contaminated fire-fighting runoff entering drains or land. Even small releases can be expensive if specialists are required.
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How do insurers assess environmental risk?
Insurers typically look at the substances you use/store, quantities, bunding and storage controls, spill response procedures, waste disposal, site location and any previous pollution incidents.