Environmental Insurance and Why You May Need It

Environmental insurance like pollution liability insurance helps mitigate the financial risks associated with environmental incidents and regulatory violations. Learn more in this article.

Pollution exclusions found in most commercial insurance policies can leave policyholders including companies, property owners, and independent contractors uninsured against significant loss exposures. To mitigate the severity of liability claims, Acrisure offers various types of environmental insurance for first party (property) and third-party (liability) risk management and coverage.

From contractors working on a site where contamination triggers a claim to chemical processors whose products are spilled in transit by a third party, we can help you find the right liability policies and stock throughput offerings and much more to help reduce your risks and help protect your company’s operations and financial security.

Common Sources of Environmental Liability Exposure

Environmental liability losses can be incurred through torts, contractual obligations, or violations of statutes. Actual or alleged release of pollutants, violation of laws designed to protect human health and the environment from those pollutants, or enforcement of environmental protection laws requiring remediation expense payment are all common sources of liability.

Comprehensive environmental insurance should address four key areas of risk to help protect against exposure and losses related to:

  • Bodily injury.
  • Property damage.
  • Cleanup expenses.
  • Defense costs.

Environmental Insurance Case Studies

Once you realize you need coverage, it could be too late. Consider the following examples:

  • A contractor working at a manufacturing facility left a valve open on a process line overnight. The next day it was discovered that the contents of a storage tank connected to the line had been released into an adjacent stream, causing property damage, bodily injury, and natural resource damage.
  • An auto accident occurred in the downtown section of a city and involved a hazardous waste hauler headed for a disposal facility. The hazardous liquid being transported was released into the street. Passersby inhaled the fumes, and the business district of the city was evacuated for two days as cleanup contractors responded to the spill. Claims were filed against the transporter alleging bodily injury, property damage, and business interruption.
  • Despite conducting inspections before buying an industrial site, a business owner faced claims of underlying and undiscovered contamination unrelated to the business currently housed at the site.

Environmental insurance can help cover you while projects are in process as well as after the fact as demonstrated in the examples above.

Depending on your specific operation and risks, solutions can be personalized to help provide protection and peace of mind. Some of our offerings include:

  • Contractors Pollution Liability for general and artisan contractors, both environmental and non-environmental of any size.
  • Stock Throughput and Pollution Liability Exposure for distributors, logistics companies, importers/exporters, manufacturers, chemical, oil, and gas industries, major retail companies, high tech, biotech, and pharmaceutical industries, and agricultural industries.
  • Pollution Legal Liability for real estate owners, operators, property managers, and tenants within the industrial, commercial, and institutional industries.
  • Contractors Pollution and Professional Liability for contractors and design-build firms.

Solutions can be personalized to help provide protection and peace of mind.

Solution-Driven Risk Mitigation

Looking to be more protected from the risks of unexpected pollutants and pollution events? Contact us to discuss your environmental insurance and business insurance needs and begin developing comprehensive protection.

This year, our Direct Link team came together for our annual Summer Social, at the Roger’s Centre home of the Toronto Blue Jays for an event that highlighted our team spirit.

Our event was set up in the Jays Nest space, with plenty of room to socialize—plus stadium seating to enjoy the game. The weather was perfection—breezy and not too hot. Many of our colleagues are fans who came dressed in their favorite Blue Jays gear. Some of us were meeting face-to-face for the first time, yet it really felt more like seeing old friends because of all our time together. There were lots of hugs and so much laughter. 

Even though the Toronto Blue Jays didn’t win, the real victory was in the connections we made and the fun we had. Our Summer Social is more than just a party; it’s a chance to celebrate the hard work and dedication each of us brings.

We can’t wait for another opportunity to connect, celebrate, and cheer together. Here’s to many more seasons of laughter, shared experiences, and the camaraderie that makes our team so special.

                                                          

                                             

Our Vision

 

With Acrisure Personal Insurance, we are dedicated to effectively communicating and embodying the best practices of committed Acrisure Partners. We support a distinct Acrisure line of business that caters from a single individual to a high-net-worth family and everything in between.

Our group includes Acrisure Partners who possess the necessary product, carrier, and service knowledge to address the specialized needs, requirements, and representatives of all personal insurance clientele.

The mission of Acrisure Private Risk Advisors is to empower Acrisure Partners to comprehensively and effectively serve the needs of your clients. This involves providing essential products, carriers, and servicing knowledge while fostering collaboration, expertise, and superior partnerships within the Acrisure network.

Our Values

 

We are dedicated to maintaining the utmost integrity, confidentiality and professionalism in client interactions. Our commitment is to provide exceptional advice, services and products that safeguard personal assets when it matters most.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is woven into our DNA.

At Acrisure we strive toward a culture of inclusion that recognizes and appreciates all manners of unique colleague backgrounds, viewpoints and circumstances.

As we have done with other culture celebrations and honors such as Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness, Asian American Pacific Islanders Month, in June we are recognizing colleagues who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. We see you; we respect you.

Check out this timeline of 150 years of LGBTQ+ history, paying tribute to the past, present, and future.

How can you recognize Pride Month

You can familiarize yourself with definitions and language commonly used by the LGBTQ+ community. You can show support for the community by also shopping at retail stores giving back to nonprofit organizations. Check out this resource list of LBGTQ+ owned businesses, and a glossary to show your support.

 

Learn definitions LGBTQ+ Glossary of Terms

LGBTQ+ Resource List.docx

Alright, let’s be real for a minute. When was the last time you looked up at your roof? Your roof plays a crucial role in protecting your home from the elements, but we often overlook its maintenance. In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential risks of neglecting your roof, the problems that can arise, and the steps you can take to safeguard your investment.

 

Identifying Potential Issues:

Take a moment to assess your roof. Are your shingles old and brittle? Are your gutters full? Do you notice any sagging or uneven areas? These issues may seem small, but they can lead to serious damage over time. Your roof acts as the first line of defense against the elements, and any weak points can allow water to seep in, resulting in devastating consequences. Mold, mildew, damage to ceilings and attics, as well as electrical and structural issues, are just a few examples of the problems that can arise from unwanted water entering your home.

 

Beyond Age: Other Factors to Consider:

While the age of your roof is certainly a factor, it’s important to note that severe weather conditions and high winds can also cause damage. Shingles can lift, creating weak points in your roof. Additionally, large aging trees near your property pose a risk. To prevent damage from falling limbs, it’s advisable to trim these trees and keep them away from any structures. If there is a significant risk of trees falling on your home or neighboring structures, you may need to consider their removal.

 

Insurance Implications:

It’s crucial to understand that insurance policies typically do not cover claims resulting from a lack of home maintenance. In fact, if your roof is in disrepair or shows signs of neglect, your insurance company may even consider canceling your policy. This can have serious implications and is something you definitely want to avoid. By prioritizing regular roof maintenance, you can protect yourself from potential insurance complications.

 

Seeking Professional Advice:

If you ever have doubts about the condition of your roof, it’s always a good idea to have it inspected by a professional. They can provide you with valuable advice and assess any damage that needs to be repaired. By addressing issues in their early stages, you can prevent them from becoming larger and more expensive problems down the line. Furthermore, professionals can provide you with estimates for necessary repairs, allowing you to plan and budget accordingly.

 

By staying proactive and keeping up with regular roof maintenance, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve taken the necessary steps to protect your home, yourself, and your family from potential risks and costly scenarios. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense, and by investing in its care, you’ll be safeguarding your biggest investment. Don’t underestimate the importance of a well-maintained roof – it’s the key to a secure and comfortable home for years to come.

 

Remember, next time you look up at your roof, take a moment to appreciate its significance and consider the steps you can take to keep it in top shape.

 

 

https://ecosprayinsulation.ca/blog/causes-effects-of-a-leaky-roof/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9rzYl4TbhAMVHzrUAR2LewxrEAAYBCAAEgI77vD_BwE

 

https://sheegogcontracting.com/blog/top-7-causes-of-roof-damage/

 

“No voice is too soft when that voice speaks for others.”- Janna Cachola

In order to be the best we can be, it’s important that everyone has the space and chance to make an impact. We are a powerful collective voice when we work together to advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion.

March is Women’s History Month, which celebrates the achievements and accomplishments of women around the world. We’re proud to highlight the work of our women colleagues not just this month but throughout the year.

Watch this special video message from some of our Platform Leadership to learn about how we’re creating opportunity and inspiring inclusion at Acrisure.

 

Women’s Month Kickoff Video 2024 (brightcove.net)

Black history in Canada

Black Canadians and their communities have been a part of shaping Canada’s heritage and identity since the arrival of Mathieu Da Costa, a navigator, and interpreter, whose presence in Canada dates back to the early 1600s.

The role of Black people and their communities in Canada has largely been ignored as a key part of Canada’s history. There is little mention that some of the Loyalists who came here after the American Revolution and settled in the Maritimes were people of African descent, nor the fact that many soldiers of African descent made many sacrifices in wartime as far back as the War of 1812.

Few people in Canada are aware of the fact that African people were once enslaved in the territory that is now known as Canada, or of how those who fought enslavement helped to lay the foundation of Canada’s diverse and inclusive society.

Black History Month is a time to learn more about these Canadian stories and the many other important contributions that Black Canadians and their communities have made to the history and continued growth of this country.

Recognizing Black History Month in Canada

In 1978, the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) was established. Its founders, including Dr. Daniel G. Hill and Wilson O. Brooks, presented a petition to the City of Toronto to have February formally proclaimed as Black History Month. In 1979, the first-ever Canadian proclamation was issued by Toronto.

The first Black History Month in Nova Scotia was observed in 1988 and later renamed African Heritage Month in 1996.

In 1993, the OBHS successfully filed a petition in Ontario to proclaim February as Black History Month. Following that success, Rosemary Sadlier, president of the OBHS, introduced the idea of having Black History Month recognized across Canada to the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament.

In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada following a motion introduced by Dr. Augustine. The House of Commons carried the motion unanimously.

In February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate, introduced the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month. It received unanimous approval and was adopted on March 4, 2008. The adoption of this motion completed Canada’s parliamentary position on Black History Month.

“About Black History Month – Canada.ca”

It’s a new year, and a perfect opportunity to reflect on our values here at Direct Link—the values which allow us to confidently support our Acrisure Partners.

 

These values instruct the way we approach every client, every colleague, every scenario. Throughout the year, we strive to cultivate healthy, dynamic working relationships between our employees and leadership team. Trust like this is built in the smallest of moments—through consistent check-ins with each other, and modelling the open and flexible culture we promote.

This year we’ve expanded our leadership team! We believe in promoting and investing in the talent we’ve already acquired, even as we continue to meet with prospective new employees. What an exciting period of growth this has been for us!

As we reflect on this past year—on what we’ve accomplished and what we’ve learned—we remember that insurance is an industry of relationships, built on both trust and expertise.

We wish you and yours all the best in 2024!

This week our Direct Link team was able to virtually join together for some holiday cheer, sharing stories and celebrating the successes of 2023!!! Throughout the year, we cultivate an environment of closeness and camaraderie—not just through big events like our celebrations, but also in the small moments and in our daily practices. We have team members in different countries, working across different jurisdictions, who are communicating with each other and building networks of connection, genuine friendship and mentoring. And it all culminated in a warm and cozy holiday event featuring games, some show ‘n’ tell, lots of laughter and storytelling. We’re so incredibly proud of our team, and we’re looking forward to growing even more in 2024!!

Acrisure Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO Greg Williams recently shared his vision for the Company, the keys to Acrisure’s success and the importance of investing in the community along the way in an interview with Leader’s Magazine.

“I co-founded Acrisure recognizing there was a better way to build a business. Specifically, by aligning my interests with like-minded entrepreneurs, we could fulfill the financial and business building ambitions of both parties . . . This innovative and entrepreneurial culture is what drives our insatiable desire to provide solutions to our clients in whatever form – human or digital – our clients desire.” – Greg Williams

 

Read Full Interview here.