In the past decade, environmental insurance has evolved into uniquely different applications. Coverages have broadened, new products have been introduced, and premiums have decreased. Over the last few years, such insurance has also received greater attention from attorneys, their business clients, and corporate risk managers. This Dialogue will discuss the types of environmental coverages generally available and guide the practitioner and risk manager through the intricacies of these specialized policies and coverage concepts.

The complexity of the available coverages presents serious challenges and provides substantial benefit to prospective policyholders, risk managers, and counsel. Several policy forms have been created to cover risks arising out of brownfields and site redevelopment, real estate transactions, mergers, and acquisitions. Other products have been created for specific industries, such as chemical manufacturers, paint and coatings, chemical distributors, landfills, laboratories, environmental product manufacturers, transporters, warehouses, educational institutions, and water and wastewater treatment plants. Still other forms are designed for contractors and professionals, such as environmental consultants, architects, and engineers. While some forms are specific to the industry or environmental risk, other broader forms can be applied to numerous and diverse situations.