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Discover how Westfield Specialty’s Contractors Pollution and Professional Liability (CPPL) policy shields construction clients from overlooked exposures, offering comprehensive coverage and peace of mind against unforeseen liabilities

WHEN PEOPLE think of “pollution,” they often conjure images of major environmental disasters like the Exxon Valdez oil spill, overlooking the broader risks that affect industries like construction. From site spills to improper waste management, these events are often underestimated. Recognizing these complexities is essential for contractors navigating intricate regulatory landscapes and contractual obligations. By investing in robust coverage such as Westfield Specialty Insurance’s Contractors Pollution and Professional Liability (CPPL) policy, contractors can bolster operational resilience and effectively manage potential financial and reputational risks.

Westfield Specialty launched in 2021 and, after its acquisition of Lloyd’s Syndicate 1200 in February 2023, Westfield Specialty closed year-end 2023 with $1.2 billion in GWP. Our experienced team brings deep expertise to the specialty market and offers unique insurance solutions for specialized risks. With nearly 400 employees across the US, UK, and Dubai, backed by Westfield’s over 175 years of financial stability, top-rated industry performance, and a well-capitalized balance sheet, we are positioned to be a leading specialty carrier.

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“Without proper coverage, a contractor facing a pollution- or professional-related liability could incur a multimillion-dollar claim. Depending on their size, absorbing such a loss without pollution and professional liability coverage may jeopardize their business viability”

Dennis Willette, Westfield Specialty Insurance

Unveiled last year under Westfield Speciality Environmental, the firm’s CPPL policy is tailored to meet the unique needs of construction contractors, offering comprehensive coverage against both pollution- and professional-related liabilities. This specialized insurance solution addresses areas that traditional general liability policies may overlook, providing protection for a wide range of risks including pollution incidents, design errors, and third-party claims. “Over time, our industry has filled in gaps created by exclusions in the general liability world. Mold is a perfect example of that,” shares Dennis Willette, senior vice president, head of environmental at Westfield Specialty Insurance.

In addition to covering common exclusions like mold, which is often considered a pollutant in insurance terms when it leads to property damage or bodily injury, Westfield Specialty’s CPPL policy covers pollution incidents arising from contractor services such as excavations and utility work, ensuring protection against cleanup costs, bodily injury, and property damage. Additionally, the policy includes professional liability coverage for errors or omissions in design and other professional services performed on projects by engineers and architects. Today, there’s a growing trend where nontraditional clients like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC contractors are being required to carry professional coverage. While these professionals may not typically engage in design work, they play crucial roles in implementing mechanical changes. “They are hands-on in the field, directly impacting design outcomes,” confirms Willette.

Speaking about the benefits of Westfield Specialty’s CPPL offering, Willette points out the policy’s occurrence-based pollution cover. He explains, “As long as the damage happens while the policy is active, it will be covered, regardless of when the work leading to the damage was performed.” This type of coverage contrasts with claims-made policies, which provide coverage only if the claim is made during the policy period and the work is performed after a specific date. Claims-made policies can be more restrictive and potentially leave gaps in coverage if not properly managed.

Highlighting the importance of adequate coverage, Willette adds, “Without a professional liability program in place, these workers are left vulnerable to gaps in coverage that would otherwise be excluded under a general liability policy.”

While some clients may dismiss the likelihood of pollution or professional events, understanding your business and aligning adequate coverage is crucial when dealing with unforeseen circumstances. Reflecting on challenges within the environmental market, Willette addresses the “no-buy scenario,” where clients forgo purchasing pollution and professional insurance due to a lack of understanding or underestimation of the associated risks. However, attempting to save money in the short term by skimping on policies like these could ultimately cause small and medium-sized businesses to go bankrupt. Emphasizing the consequences of underinsurance, Willette warns, “Without proper coverage, a contractor facing a pollution- or professional-related liability could incur a

“When it comes to pollution, occurrence-based coverage is always going to be in the best interest of the client. At Westfield Specialty, that is our standard offering,” shares Willette. Another noteworthy aspect of Westfield Specialty’s CPPL coverage is mitigation and rectification expense. “These are first-party covers that allow the insured to report a pollution incident or design issue to us before there are damages or before there’s a claim from the client.” As a carrier, Westfield Specialty collaborates with insured parties to address issues proactively, thereby preventing third-party claims, reducing substantial damages, avoiding expensive litigation, and pre-empting potential negative publicity linked to unresolved issues.

What is pollution and professional insurance and what does it cover?

More than a piece of paper – combatting underinsurance through education

Published July 15, 2024

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“I believe what sets us apart is our commitment to providing the best coverage. A small artisan contractor will receive comprehensive protection comparable to that of our complex, multibillion-dollar contractors”

Dennis Willette, Westfield Specialty Insurance

Vice president, environmental

Senior vice president, head of environmental

Kaitlyn Dudzinski, RPLU

Dennis Willette

Meet the environmental leadership team

The benefits of occurrence-based pollution policies

Westfield Specialty’s automatic renewal process

It is your first year with us!

1st Year

It is your first renewal!

2nd Year

Standard process is to send in a full submission. We then evaluate your risks, and you review and accept our terms. The account binds and the First Year Automatic Renewal Notice is on the policy.

If you have not changed your services, operations, or had any other significant changes, you will get your renewal policy within 30 days prior to policy expiration.

It is your second renewal!

3rd Year

It is now the end of your third year with us!

4th Year

If you have not changed your services, operations, or had any other significant changes, you will get your renewal policy within 30 days prior to policy expiration.

Like you did in year one, send in a full submission and we will evaluate your risks. Once you review and accept our renewal terms, the account binds and we restart the same Automatic Renewal Process.

multimillion-dollar claim. Depending on their size, absorbing such a loss without pollution and professional liability coverage may jeopardize their business viability.” By taking a proactive approach rather than a reactive one, businesses can help protect their bottom line by filling gaps in coverage that standard policies do not address. “What we’re looking to do is really help educate and inform our contractor or potential contractor clients of the immense value of the CPPL program,” he adds. While smaller businesses might believe they cannot afford such policies or dismiss them as unnecessary, the pricing of Westfield Specialty’s CPPL cover is always commensurate with risk and exposure, meaning smaller clients will have pricing proportional to their operating levels. “I believe what sets us apart is our commitment to providing the best coverage. A small artisan contractor will receive comprehensive protection comparable to that of our complex, multibillion-dollar contractors,” says Willette. “As a carrier, we aim to be a dependable and trustworthy partner, providing full coverage capacity to support our clients and make them whole in times of need. That’s our commitment.” Westfield Specialty’s CPPL policy represents more than just insurance coverage; it embodies a commitment to resilience, reliability, and proactive risk management within the construction sector. By integrating comprehensive pollution and professional liability protection, Westfield Specialty empowers contractors to navigate challenges confidently, safeguarding their businesses against unforeseen liabilities and enhancing their capacity for sustainable growth and success.

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