This property has a documented history as a public works and maintenance facility predating 1986. Historical insurance policies issued during those prior operations and through 1986 could fund a cleanup — and recover costs already spent.

Why Historical Insurance Policies May Be Accessible

Pre-1986 Commercial General Liability (CGL) policies were occurrence-based and did not contain an effective pollution exclusion in Washington. If contamination occurred while those policies were active, those historical insurance carriers may still have a legal obligation to fund the cleanup costs, even if the business closed or the property changed hands.

The leaking underground storage tanks at this fleet fueling facility represent the kind of gradual petroleum release that typically began years or decades before discovery — and this site's contamination was already confirmed by 1997. If fueling operations at the Ryder facility were underway before 1986, occurrence-based CGL policies covering that period may apply to the ongoing remediation costs now being incurred under the Voluntary Cleanup Program's Interim Action and Independent Cleanup Action.

Restorical's role is to locate viable historical policies, determine whether a successful coverage claim is possible, and assist our clients and their legal counsel to obtain insurance coverage. Restorical then manages the claim, including accounting, to ensure the cleanup is funded in a timely manner.