Is there financial assistance available to help pay for cleanup and tank replacement costs?
Homeowner’s insurance may cover some or all of the cleanup costs. Insurance coverage varies by company, situation and policy type. Carefully read the exclusion portions (what the company will not cover) of your insurance policy, paying close attention to terms such as “contamination” or “pollution.” Also, call your insurance agent and ask to speak to an adjuster. Another option is a cleanup and/or tank replacement service agreement offered by some oil suppliers. Check with your oil distributor for details. Carefully read the limitations section of every contract. In cases where tanks are discovered to have leaked after a property has been bought, a previous property owner may have legal responsibility for cleanup costs. If you decide to seek legal help, find an attorney experienced in litigating underground storage tank cases. Ask your tank contractor and real estate agent for referrals.
