Lead poisoning has been big news in recent months; whether through complaints about toys or cosmetics from China or issues with lead paint in pre-1978 homes and schools, it has become a hot topic that insurance agents and their contractor clients need to know about.
Lead 78 is a program, brought to you by C&C Insurance Brokers, which allows Arizona insurance agents to provide broad, innovative general, professional and pollution liability coverage for contractors and remodelers who may deal with lead paint during the course of repairs or renovations.
What is lead poisoning?
Lead poisoning, also known as Painter's Colic, is caused by increased levels of lead in the body. When lead, a toxic heavy metal, builds up in the body over time it can damage vital organs and systems, and in some instances be fatal. Lead can affect the development of the nervous system and is particularly toxic to children, causing potentially permanent learning and behavioral disorders. Lead-based paint and contaminated dust in older buildings are the most frequent causes of lead poisoning in children.
The Renovation, Repair and Painting rule
In April 2010, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) began enforcing the Renovation, Repair and Painting rule (RRP) aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Contractors performing renovation, repair or painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools must be certified and follow lead-safe work practices. The absence of proper certification in Lead Safety for Renovation, Repair, and Painting will lead to a $32,000 fine imposed by the EPA.
While the new regulation does not mandate insurance coverage for contractors, the exposures are still present. General liability coverage alone will not cover most lead paint or lead poisoning claims.
Our Coverage
Our policy provides Contractors Pollution Liability and Professional Liability with broad, innovative coverage for small, medium and large contracting accounts.
- General Liability - Occurrence and Claims Made Forms
- Pollution Liability - Bodily Injury, Property Damage including Cleanup Costs
- Professional Liability - Claims Made Form
- Blanket Additional Insureds and Waiver of Subrogation Available
- No Residential or Lead Exclusions
Rated A.M Best A (Excellent), the key advantage of our policy is that it covers work performed by, or on behalf of, the Named Insured - i.e. work by sub-contractors. The minimum premium for this policy is $3500 plus applicable fees and taxes.
If you have clients who may disturb lead paint or contaminated dust while carrying out repairs or renovations, they need general, professional and pollution liability coverage. Download an application form, complete it and fax it back to C&C Insurance Brokers today.
Contact C&C Insurance Brokers
Questions? Contact Frank at C&C Insurance Brokers by phone at (602) 674-1247, by email at frank@candcinsurancebrokers.com or via our contact form.
*Please note that this insurance coverage will not cover the EPA fine for absence of proper certification.