ASCR Provides Insurance for Remediation and Drying
Millersville, MD, August 3--The Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (ASCR) is addressing one of the most pressing issues for mold remediation and drying contractors – obtaining insurance coverage at reasonable rates.
The unique new ASCR Environmental/Drying Insurance Program, eight months in the making, will be launched at the ASCR All Kinds of Damage, Contents, and Solutions meeting in Philadelphia Sept. 9-11, 2004.
“Obtaining adequate insurance coverage is a major crisis for mold remediation and drying contractors,” said Michael O’Reilly, president of Trade-Winds Environmental and an architect of the program. “Some contractors, particularly smaller businesses, simply can’t find insurance companies willing to provide coverage, and those lucky enough to have coverage are forced to pay astronomical rates. This one-of-a-kind program is designed to rectify those situations for ASCR members.”
ASCR members enrolled in the ASCR Environmental/Drying Insurance Program must complete a series of courses in mold remediation, hazardous materials handling, environmental risk management, and water loss specialist training. Their facilities and programs must also pass inspection by a Certified Industrial Hygienist, who is a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association, before they become eligible to purchase insurance under the program.
Coverage will be provided through a relationship ASCR has established with insurance brokers, who are also attorneys, specializing in handling unique environmental issues. The brokers have involved two major insurance companies, which will offer coverage to qualified ASCR members.
Because of the magnitude of the insurance crisis for remediation and drying contractors, O’Reilly expects demand for the program to be high. In order to meet the anticipated demand, ASCR will begin enrolling qualified individuals in a train-the-trainers program during the Philadelphia meeting. Registration information for the Philadelphia meeting is available on the ASCR website (www.ascr.org).
