Environmental Liability – Tools to Mitigate Financial Consequences of Environmental Liability through Insurance

Abstract

This article focuses on environmental liability insurance of entities using environment against damage caused as a result of their activity. An insurance contract may be the most optimal form of securing claims related to an imminent threat of environmental damage. As a rule, entrepreneurs have freedom in choosing the scope of insurance and in deciding whether to conclude an insurance contract or not. However, for certain types of activity, operators are required by the legislator to have financial protection covering possible environmental damage. Moreover, the article discusses the basic principles of environmental liability and the possibility of insuring this liability, including the cases of statutory obligation to be financially protected. Finally, it evaluates the effects of introducing compulsory environmental insurance.