Access Washington Official State Government Web Site logoPollution Liability Insurance Agency
 


Heating Oil Pollution Liability Insurance Program

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; and
  • Coverage is often not available from homeowners' insurance companies.

back to the top

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.

back to the top

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.

back to the top

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.

back to the top

How To Apply For Insurance

  • There is no cost to you to register.
  • You must complete and submit to PLIA the registration form (please read instructions) (Acrobat Reader required to view-see link below).
  • 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.

Click here for free download


back to the top

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 (Acrobat Reader required to view) that will be provided by PLIA when you file a claim.
  • All work must be approved by PLIA before the work starts.

Click here for free download


back to the top

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.

back to the top

Service Provider List

PLIA maintains a list of service providers that perform work under the Heating Oil Pollution Liability Insurance Program. This list may be helpful in finding service providers to remove or decommission tanks, as well as provide remediation services. Click here (Acrobat Reader required to view) for the list.

Click here for free download


back to top

Policy, Statute, and Rules

The Colony Insurance Company provides the pollution liability insurance policy (Acrobat Reader required to view) for coverage of the Heating Oil Pollution Liability Insurance Program.

Click here for free download

 

The Heating Oil Pollution Liability Insurance Program is also governed by the Revised Code of Washington - Chapter 70.149 RCW and the Washington Administrative Code - Chapter 374-70 WAC.

back to the top

Oil Heat Advisory Committee

In 2004, PLIA was directed by the legislature to create a committee of stakeholders to advise the director on all aspects of program operations and fees, including pollution prevention programs. The advisory committee has one member each from the Pacific Northwest Oil Heat Council, the Washington Oil Marketers Association, the Western States Petroleum Assocation, the Department of Ecology and three members from among the owners of home heating oil tanks registered with PLIA. The advisory committee plans to meet at least quarterly. To view (Acrobat Reader required) the minutes from the advisory committee meetings, click on the appropriate date below:

May 27, 2004
July 8, 2004
September 13, 2004
December 16, 2004
August 1, 2006
October 26, 2006
June 26, 2007
September 18, 2007

Click here for free download

 

back to the top

Disclaimer and Privacy Statement

Copyright © 2003 Pollution Liability Insurance Agency - All Rights Reserved