Chemical Manufacturers Insurance Policy Information

Chemical Manufacturers Insurance. The manufacture of chemicals and allied products encompasses a vast and diverse field.

These companies may process basic chemicals like sodium, potassium, resins, or peroxides, or make finished chemical products that will be used as cleaning products, detergents, cosmetics, or in the pharmaceutical or agricultural industries, among others.

This field of manufacture may also produce commodities that will subsequently be processed further - synthetic fibers, dyes, or plastics, for instance.

Chemical manufacturers use a variety of raw materials and processes to produce a large assortment of consumer and industrial products, including some that are reactive, radioactive, or toxic.

Raw materials may come from animals (bone or tallow), minerals (metals or salts), petrochemicals (oils or solvents), or plants (alcohol, resins, or waxes). While some manufacturers' processes simply involve mixing and blending, such as producing cleaners with different fragrances, other processes are more involved.

Processes can include aeration, crushing, distillation, filtering, freezing, heating, mixing, pressurizing, or washing. The end product may take a variety of forms such as aerosols, gases, liquid concentrates, powder, or solids.

Cleanliness, purity, and the proper mix of ingredients are critical. Chemical manufacturers have laboratories engaged in product development, testing, and quality control.

While it is beyond question that chemicals and allied products play an essential role in the global supply chain, as well as the functioning of society, the fact that this industry is filled with perils is just as clear.

To ensure the future success of a company that manufactures chemicals and allied products, it is crucial to be armed with an air-tight insurance plan that covers all eventualities. To find out what types of chemical manufacturers insuranceare required, keep reading.

Chemical manufacturers insurance protects your manufacturing business from lawsuits with rates as low as $97/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked chemical manufacturing insurance questions:

What Is Chemical Manufacturers Insurance?
How Much Does Chemical Manufacturers Insurance Cost?
Why Do Chemical Manufacturers Need Insurance?
What Type Of Insurance Do Chemical Manufacturers Need?
What Does Chemical Manufacturers Insurance Cover & Pay For?

What Is Chemical Manufacturers Insurance?

Chemical Manufacturers Insurance is a specialized type of insurance coverage that is specifically designed for companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell chemicals. This insurance protects these businesses from financial losses due to accidents, spills, contamination, or other incidents involving their products.

This coverage can include protection for property damage, liability for third-party injuries, environmental pollution and clean-up, and loss of income from business interruption. It is important for chemical manufacturers to have Chemical Manufacturers Insurance as it covers potential risks associated with the production and handling of hazardous materials.

How Much Does Chemical Manufacturers Insurance Cost?

The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small chemical manufacturing businesses ranges from $97 to $159 per month based on location, size, revenue, claims history and more.

Why Do Chemical Manufacturers Need Insurance?

All commercial ventures - from small, family-run catering companies to industry giants with global influence - have one thing in common, and that is that they all face risks.

A manufacturer of chemical and allied products of diverse kinds is vulnerable to the same threats as any other company, including acts of nature (earthquakes, wildfires, hurricanes, lightning strikes, serious floods, and others), theft, and vandalism.

All these unforeseen circumstances have the potential to cause extensive physical and financial damage.

The almost endless list of threats unique to this particular industry illustrates that the stakes are even higher for companies manufacturing chemicals and allied products, however. For companies that work with hazardous chemicals, the risk that an employee suffers a workplace injury or exposure-related illness is always a present.

Should chemicals or byproducts cause environmental damage, the liability fallout could be disastrous. The same holds true for a scenario in which a product causes bodily injury to a consumer or other third party.

As the risks a company faces increase in magnitude, so too does its need for the right chemical manufacturers insurance program that protects the business against all possible threats.

With the right insurance, these and other circumstances beyond your control can represent obstacles that can be overcome.

What Type Of Insurance Do Chemical Manufacturers Need?

Companies that make chemicals and chemical products need to carry a range of different kinds of insurance that, together, protect their financial interests.

Because a company's precise needs depend on factors such as the jurisdiction in which its manufacturing facility is based, the nature of the products it makes, the manufacturing equipment used, and its number of employees, it is essential to build a customized insurance plan.

A seasoned commercial insurance agent who understands the unique perils of the chemical industry is invaluable in this process. Certain key types of chemical manufacturers insurance are non-negotiable, however, and those include:

Commercial Property: This type of insurance guards a company against financial losses resulting from perils such as fire, theft, and vandalism - though the exact events covered will vary. It does so by helping cover the costs of damage to physical assets including your building, manufacturing equipment, and inventory.
General Liability: This chemical manufacturers insurance covers third party bodily injury and property damage claims resulting from your company's activities or on its premises. It can cover events such as a visitor to your facility becoming ill as a result of exposure to chemicals, and an employee's negligent actions resulting in damage to the environment.
Product Liability: Designed to cover liability issues arising specifically from your products, this type of insurance can cover events such as end consumers suffering a burn after using a cleaning solution you manufactured. It can also cover the costs associated with product recalls.
Workers' Compensation: Another important insurance all companies making chemical and allied products should carry, workers' compensation insurance covers the medical bills of employees who sustain occupational injuries and illnesses of any kind. Should the worker be unable to resume their job, it further covers their lost wages.

These examples of essential types of chemical manufacturers insurance do not represent an exhaustive list; companies manufacturing chemicals and allied products are highly likely to also require additional forms of insurance, such as vehicle insurance and environmental insurance.

For complete peace of mind, a commercial insurance agent should always be consulted.

Chemical Manufacturing's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposure is high due to the potential for explosion and release of chemicals which may be reactive (flammable, corrosive or explosive) or toxic - or both. Dust from processing, toxins released in a fire, or fumes, spills or leaks from chemical tanks may cause serious bodily injuries or property damage. There should be a distance barrier between the applicant and the closest neighbor.

An evacuation procedure must be in place. The fire department must be aware of the chemicals in use so that they can have appropriate gear on hand to control any fire or vapor release. If the manufacturer conducts tours, visitors may be injured by slips, trips, or falls. Fences should surround the facility with warnings posted to discourage trespassers.

Products liability exposure may be very high depending on the chemicals used in production and final use. Quality control at all phases of the operation from initial receipt of raw materials to packaging is critical to reducing the exposure to injury.

Poor quality control, improper storage, transport or inappropriate packaging and labeling may result in bodily injury or property damage. If chemicals are made to customer specifications, there must be a contract in place specifically detailing the product needs and the quality control process for each party.

Environmental impairment exposure is very high. Sudden or cumulative discharges may contaminate air, surface or ground water, or soil. Processes may cause thermal or noise pollution. Disposal of wastes must adhere to all federal and state guidelines.

Exposure is increased significantly if underground or outdoor tanks are used due to the potential for leakage or spillage.

Workers compensation exposures may be very high. Injuries from production machinery are common, as are burns from chemicals, slips, trips, falls, foreign objects in the eye, hearing impairment from noise, and back injuries from lifting and other material handling. With some compounds, there is the possibility of explosion.

Chemicals may be toxic or caustic, with a high potential for injury to eyes, lungs, or skin. Employees must be fully informed as to the potential effects of the chemicals, including long-term occupational disease hazards so that they can be aware of warning symptoms and obtain treatment as early as possible. Eyes must be protected and eye wash areas should be close to all vats.

Drivers of forklifts and vehicles may be injured in accidents.

Property exposure consists of an office, plant, and warehouse or yard for storage of raw materials and finished goods. There may be a laboratory for product development and testing. Ignition sources include electrical wiring, production machinery, and buildup of static electricity and sparks which could trigger a destructive chain reaction.

While some chemicals may be inert, others are reactive (flammable, corrosive or explosive) and require special handling as improper storage may result in explosions. If used to create new products, there will be a reaction and creation of energy in the form of heat. Large storage tanks for raw materials and vats for mixing and blending may contain substances with high potential for fire and explosion.

Some chemicals may be spoiled by temperature change, humidity, dust or other changes. Hazards increase without fire suppression devices or other controls designed for the particular chemical processes. Poor housekeeping is a serious fire hazard. Unless disposed of properly, greasy, oily rags (such as those used to clean the machinery) can cause a fire without a separate ignition source.

As some ingredients are targets for theft, appropriate security controls must be taken including lighting and physical barriers to prevent entrance to the premises after hours and an alarm system that reports directly to a central station or the police department.

Equipment breakdown exposures include malfunctioning production equipment, ventilation systems, electrical control panels and other apparatus. A lengthy breakdown to production machinery could result in a severe loss, both direct and under time element.

Crime exposures are chiefly from theft either by third parties or employees, particularly for precious metals or explosives. Background checks should be conducted on all employees. There must be a separation of duties between persons handling deposits and disbursements and handling bank statements.

Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable if the manufacturer offers credit, computers (which may include testing applications and computer-run production equipment), goods in transit, and valuable papers and records for customers' and suppliers' information, quality control testing results, and proprietary formulas.

The main causes of loss are fire, theft, and loss by spill or contamination, especially during a collision.

Commercial auto exposure is very high if the manufacturer has its own tanker trucks and transports raw materials or finished products. Transportation of volatile chemicals can result in an explosion in the event of a collision. Drivers should be trained in spill containment, have an appropriate license with a Hazardous Materials endorsement, and an acceptable MVR.

It is also important that the tankers have a standard maintenance routine that is well documented. All vehicles must be well maintained with appropriate documentation kept in a central location. Manufacturers generally have private passenger fleets used by sales representatives. There should be written procedures regarding the private use of these vehicles by others.

What Does Chemical Manufacturers Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Chemical Manufacturers Insurance Claim Form

Chemical manufacturers can be sued for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to product liability, environmental damage, workplace accidents, and intellectual property infringement. Insurance plays a crucial role in mitigating the financial risk associated with these potential lawsuits.

1. Product Liability: Chemical manufacturers can be sued if their products cause harm or injury due to defects, inadequate warning labels, or misrepresentation. A chemical product that causes harm to consumers, other businesses, or the environment can lead to significant liability. In such cases, Product Liability Insurance can cover the costs associated with the lawsuit, including legal fees and any damages awarded by the court. This insurance helps manufacturers manage the financial risk associated with a faulty or dangerous product.

2. Environmental Damage: Chemical companies also face significant risks related to environmental damage. If a company improperly disposes of chemical waste or a chemical spill occurs, it could result in a lawsuit for environmental cleanup and damage to wildlife or human health. Environmental Liability Insurance or Pollution Liability Insurance can help cover the costs of legal fees, cleanup efforts, and damages related to environmental incidents.

3. Workplace Accidents: Chemical manufacturing often involves hazardous materials and processes, which can lead to accidents injuring employees. Workers' Compensation Insurance is a must for these businesses. It provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured in the course of employment. This insurance can help cover legal fees if the company is sued for negligence related to the accident.

4. Intellectual Property Infringement: If a chemical manufacturer is accused of infringing on another company's patent or proprietary process, they could face a lawsuit. Intellectual Property (IP) Insurance can help cover the legal defense costs and any court-ordered compensation if the company is found to be at fault. It is a vital coverage for businesses operating in industries where innovation and proprietary processes are common.

In conclusion, insurance plays a critical role in protecting chemical manufacturers against potential lawsuits. Different types of insurance policies can help cover legal fees, damages, and other costs associated with various types of lawsuits, thus helping these businesses manage risk and maintain financial stability.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

Description for Major Group 28: Chemicals And Allied Products

This major group includes establishments producing basic chemicals, and establishments manufacturing products by predominantly chemical processes. Establishments classified in this major group manufacture three general classes of products:

Basic chemicals, such as acids, alkalies, salts, and organic chemicals.
Chemical products to be used in further manufacture, such as synthetic fibers, plastics materials, dry colors, and pigments.
Finished chemical products to be used for ultimate consumption, such as drugs, cosmetics, and soaps; or to be used as materials or supplies in other industries, such as paints, fertilizers, and explosives.

The mining of natural alkalies and other natural potassium, sodium, and boron compounds, of natural rock salt, and of other natural chemicals and fertilizers are classified in Mining, Industry Group 147. Establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing nonferrous metals and high-percentage ferroalloys are classified in Major Group 33; those manufacturing silicon carbide are classified in Major Group 32; those manufacturing baking powder, other leavening compounds, and starches are classified in Major Group 20; and those manufacturing artists' colors are classified in Major Group 39. Establishments primarily engaged in packaging, repackaging, and bottling of purchased chemical products, but not engaged in manufacturing chemicals and allied products, are classified in Wholesale or Retail Trade industries.

Industry Group 281: Industrial Inorganic Chemicals

2812 Alkalies and Chlorine
2813 Industrial Gases
2816 Inorganic Pigments
2819 Industrial Inorganic Chemicals, Not Elsewhere Classified

Industry Group 282: Plastics Materials And Synthetic Resins, Synthetic

2821 Plastics Materials, Synthetic Resins, and Nonvulcanizable Elastomers
2822 Synthetic Rubber (Vulcanizable Elastomers)
2823 Cellulosic Manmade Fibers
2824 Manmade Organic Fibers, Except Cellulosic

Industry Group 284: Soap, Detergents, And Cleaning Preparations; Perfumes, Cosmetics, and Other Toilet Preparations

2841 Soap and Other Detergents, Except Specialty Cleaners
2842 Specialty Cleaning, Polishing, and Sanitation Preparations
2843 Surface Active Agents, Finishing Agents, Sulfonated Oils, and Assistants
2844 Perfumes, Cosmetics, and Other Toilet Preparations

Industry Group 286: Industrial Organic Chemicals

2861 Gum and Wood Chemicals
2865 Cyclic Organic Crudes and Intermediates, and Organic Dyes and Pigments
2869 Industrial Organic Chemicals, Not Elsewhere Classified

Industry Group 287: Agricultural Chemicals

2873 Nitrogenous Fertilizers
2874 Phosphatic Fertilizers
2875 Fertilizers, Mixing Only
2879 Pesticides and Agricultural Chemicals, Not Elsewhere Classified

Industry Group 289: Miscellaneous Chemical Products

2891 Adhesives and Sealants
2892 Explosives
2893 Printing Ink
2895 Carbon Black
2899 Chemicals and Chemical Preparations, Not Elsewhere Classified

Chemical Manufacturers Insurance - The Bottom Line

Chemical manufacturers insurance policies can be very different in coverage, costs and exclusions. To learn if your chemical manufacturing operation has the best fit insurance policies - talk to an experienced commercial insurance broker.

Often they are able to save you on premiums and offer you better policy options than you currently have.

Additional Resources For Manufacturing Insurance

Learn all about manufacturing insurance. Manufacturers face many unique risks such as product libility and/or product recall exposures due to the nature of their business operations.

The manufacturing industry is a vital part of the economy and plays a significant role in the production of goods and services. However, it is also an industry that is prone to risks and accidents, which can result in costly damages and lawsuits. Therefore, it is essential for businesses in the manufacturing industry to have insurance to protect them against potential losses.

Business insurance can cover a wide range of risks, including property damage, liability, and worker injuries. For instance, if a fire were to break out in a manufacturing facility and destroy equipment or inventory, commercial insurance could cover the costs of replacing or repairing the damages. Similarly, if a worker were to be injured on the job, business insurance could cover medical expenses and lost wages.

In addition to protecting against physical damages, insurance can also provide financial protection against legal liabilities. If a customer were to sue a manufacturing business for a faulty product, the commercial insurance could cover the costs of legal fees and settlements.

Overall, insurance is essential for the manufacturing industry as it helps to mitigate risks and protect against unexpected costs. Without it, businesses in the industry could face financial ruin in the event of an accident or lawsuit.

Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Building, Business Personal Property, Business Income with Extra Expense, Equipment Breakdown, Employee Dishonesty, Accounts Receivable, Computers, Goods in Transit, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Employee Benefits Liability, Environmental Impairment Liability, Umbrella Liability, Hired and Non-owned Auto Liability & Workers Compensation.

Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Earthquake, Flood, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices Liability, Business Auto Liability and Physical Damage and Stop Gap Liability.

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