HEATING OIL TANKS

The USTIF coverage for your Heating Oil Tank starts when you "opted-in" or when your application is accepted by the USTIF.

The USTIF covers owners and operators who opt into the program for their nonregulated underground heating oil tanks with a capacity of 3,000 gallons or greater used for storing heating oil products for use on the premises.

You can request an application for coverage by calling (717) 787-0763 or (800) 595-9887 [in PA]. Additionally, you may print the application from this site.

The USTIF covers claims for corrective actions to clean up contamination from leaking tank(s). It also covers claims for bodily injury and property damage that occur as a result of the release. Indemnification costs are subject to a $1.5 million limit per tank per occurrence. The cost covered by the USTIF includes identifying the extent, nature and impact of the release and developing a remedial action plan for restoring the site. The USTIF will not cover any upgrade costs for the facility or any repair and maintenance work performed on the USTs.

The USTIF coverage limits are $1.5 million limit per tank per occurrence and $1.5 million annual aggregate limit as of December 13, 2001. Also, there is a $5,000 per tank per occurrence corrective action deductible and $5,000 per tank per occurrence third party liability deductible.

No, the voluntary program covers nonregulated underground heating oil tanks that were opted into the program.

The USTIF has the option to defend third party lawsuits. The cost of this defense does not affect the third party liability limits provided. The USTIF may defend the tank owner until the limit is exhausted.

Contact the Claims Unit immediately after the release by calling (717) 787-0763 or (800) 595-9887 [in PA]. An adjuster will contact you to begin the investigation. Claims must be reported within 60 days after knowledge of a potential claim or coverage will be denied.

• The claimant is the owner or operator of a nonregulated underground heating oil tank with a capacity of 3,000 gallons or greater that is used for storing heating oil for consumptive use on the premises where stored and was opted into the program.
• The USTIF's fees are paid.
• The heating oil tank owner or operator can support a release occurred on or after the coverage effective date.
• The owner or operator has obtained permits, if required.
• The claimant cooperates with the Fund in its eligibility determination process, claims investigation, the defense of any suit, the pursuit of a subrogation action and other matters as requested.
• Claims must be reported within 60 days after knowledge of a release or coverage will be denied.