Read the article targeting homeowners with actively used oil tanks linked here. I’ve also done a cut and paste below which shows that this was published by the State of Washington. I found it on the NWReporter that is published by the Seattle King County Association of REALTORS(R). It’s good information and you can contact these folks for an application form. The one on the NWReporter site didn’t seem to be working for me. This info was too necessary for the public to view to let it sit only on the Association’s website”¦ at the end of this post are some other good online resources for homeowner’s (or prospective buyers) with tanks for oil furnaces.
Heating Oil Pollution Liability Insurance Program
NWREporter July 2007
Why It Was Created
To make pollution liability coverage available for owners of active (in use) heating oil tanks because:
- Owners are responsible for cleanup of contamination if a leak occurs.
- Coverage is often not available from homeowners’ insurance companies.
How It Is Funded
The program is funded by a fee that heating oil dealers pay per gallon of heating oil sold. Heating oil is defined as diesel, kerosene or stove oil.
Success Of The Program
As of December 2004, over 540 sites have been cleaned and over $5,000,000 has been spent on claims.
What Is Covered
- Up to $60,000 for cleanup of contamination resulting from accidental releases that start after the active tank is registered with PLIA.
- Up to $1500 for property restoration (e.g. landscaping).
- Costs in excess of other valid insurance or warranties.
What Is Not Covered
- Releases from inactive tanks or other sources.
- Releases that started before registering with PLIA.
- Removal/repair/replacement of the tank/lines/furnace.
- Emergency heat restoration.
How To Apply For Insurance
- There is no cost to you to register.
- You must complete and submit to PLIA the attached registration form (instructions on reverse).
- You are registered when PLIA receives your completed registration form.
- You must be registered with PLIA prior to the start of any accidental release in order for the cleanup to be covered.
- When PLIA receives your completed registration form, you will be mailed a confirmation. If you do not receive a confirmation within 14 days please contact PLIA at 1-800-822-3905 or (360) 586-5997.
How Claims Are Filed
If you suspect a release from your active, registered heating oil tank, you must contact PLIA at 1-800-822-3905 or (360) 586-5997 to file a claim.
- PLIA will investigate the claim, including taking photos of your property and the failed tank.
- You will hire a contractor to do the cleanup. The contractor must be picked from the list that will be provided by PLIA when you file a claim.
- All work must be approved by PLIA before the work starts.
Real Estate Transactions
If a registered owner sells the home, or transfers ownership in any way, the registration under the Heating Oil Pollution Liability Insurance Program ENDS. The new owner of the home must register with PLIA, in order to continue the insurance coverage. If the new owner does not register, they WILL NOT have coverage.
The information contained in this publication is not inclusive of all information provided in WAC 374-70, the rules governing the Heating Oil Pollution Liability Insurance Program, nor is it inclusive of all information provided in the insurance policy. These documents will be provided to you in the event of a claim or upon request.
Published by:
State of Washington
Pollution Liability Insurance Agency
1015 10th Ave SE
PO Box 40930
Olympia, WA 98504-0930
(360) 586-5997 Ӣ (800) 822-3905 Ӣ Fax: (360) 586-7187 Ӣ www.plia.wa.gov
Some other links that are good for folks with oil heat:
http://www.ballardoil.com/tankchart.htm