The exclusion in your GL.
Coverage for contractors and property owners when work or a site releases mold, asbestos, lead, fuel or chemicals, claims most general liability policies exclude.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
General liability excludes pollution
Nearly every general liability policy has a pollution exclusion. If your work disturbs asbestos, spreads mold, spills fuel or releases chemicals, the cleanup and the claims that follow usually aren't covered. Contractors pollution liability (CPL) fills that gap for your operations.
Owners and developers use site pollution coverage for contamination at a property. Public agencies, general contractors and property managers often require CPL in contracts, especially for remediation, demolition, plumbing, HVAC and environmental work. I place it with specialty environmental markets.
- Cleanup costsRemoving pollutants your work released.
- Bodily injury and damageClaims from people or properties affected.
- Mold and asbestosCommon exposures, subject to policy terms.
- Contract requirementsLimits and additional insureds for your contracts.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Operations: the work you do and any environmental services.
- Revenue: annual revenue and subcontractor costs.
- Jobs: typical job types and largest recent job.
- Contracts: required limits and additional insureds.
- Licenses: CSLB classifications and certifications.
- History: current policies and claims.
Pollution liability insurance, answered
Does my general liability cover pollution?
Usually not. Most general liability policies exclude pollution, including mold and asbestos in many cases. A contractors pollution policy covers those claims.
Who needs contractors pollution liability?
Contractors whose work could release pollutants: remediation, demolition, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, painting and restoration, among others. Many contracts require it.
What's the difference between CPL and site pollution?
CPL covers your operations wherever you work. Site pollution covers contamination at a specific property you own or manage.
What do underwriters rate on?
The type of work, revenue, job sizes, limits and claims history.
Do you offer pollution liability insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Tell me about your work. I'll shop it.
Your trade, revenue and contract requirements are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
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Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.