Adjusting Today Issue #3010: Debris Removal and Pollution Damage

Property Insurance Roundtable

A small storm that causes a tree to fall on the roof of your home, to a large-scale disaster that takes out an entire shopping plaza, will call for clean up in the aftermath. Added to this complex situation could be hazardous materials or pollutants that are exposed to the environment, nearby towns or residences, in a disaster setting that will also need to be taken care of. Our experts discuss which coverages you need to protect your home, business, and self from having to incur these additional costs. For further information on this topic, please read our corresponding Adjusting Today article titled "Debris Removal and Pollution Damage: How These Additional Costs Impact the Property Claim."

Key Takeaways:

[2:06] Are the costs to clean up debris after a disaster, such as a hurricane, flood, or wildfire, included in a standard residential or commercial insurance policy?

[3:18] Debris removal coverage will include the following to a standard policy.

[4:07] What is the history of debris removal coverage?

[5:48] Who is responsible for cleaning and removing debris or hiring contractors to help?

[7:05] How can policy holders comply with insurance company rules regarding debris removal coverage?

[8:31] What types of pollution can result from a property damaged in a disaster situation?

[9:51] How does a home or business owner predict if pollutants may be exposed, in the event a disaster occurs?

[11:49] How has debris removal coverage impacted the settlement of policyholders’ claims?

[14:20] What problems have arisen for policyholders that have debris removal coverage?

[17:27] What type of coverage is necessary, to mitigate the risk of extracting pollutants from land and/or water?

[18:35] What does pollution, or the term pollutants, coverage include, and what does it exclude?

[19:13] Real life examples of times when pollution coverage was needed.

[20:37] Advice for listeners on debris removal coverage and pollution coverage.

Panelists:

Jim Beneke, President, The Beneke Company – Adjusters International

John Marini, President and CEO – Adjusters International

David E. Moore, COO, Jansen/Adjusters International – Adjusters International

Steven Vanuga - Regional VP, Adjusters International/Basloe, Levin & Cuccaro – Adjusters International

C. Todd Thomas, Executive Director of Consulting Services and member of the Society of Risk Management Consultants – Adjusters International

Mentioned in This Episode:

Adjusters International

Adjusting Today