Paul Stephani, Author at SPG

Pollution Concerns for Sewer Line Installation Contractors

May 12, 2025

Sewer line contractors typically work below ground, so they often aren’t sure what they may

Environmental Insurance News 5.5.25

May 5, 2025

Recent environmental news stories: EPA fines water treatment plant operator $60,000 for alleged Cooks River

Pollution Exposures for Data Centers and Cloud Computing Locations

April 28, 2025

The development of new data centers across the country is at an all time high.

News From Beacon Hill Associates: September 2024

September 18, 2024

Submit an account | info@b-h-a.com | (800) 596-2156 Recent Success StoriesCheck out some of the accounts

Vol. 10 / Iss. 1 / Healthcare

July 18, 2024

Read the Healthcare issue Cover artwork by Davide Bonazzi (Salzman Art)

News From Beacon Hill Associates: May 2024

May 15, 2024

Common Pollution Exposures The environmental exposures that can affect an insured are varied and complex.

News From Beacon Hill: February 2024

February 28, 2024

We want to hear from you! Contact us to discuss an account, get applications, or

Common Insurance Endorsements

December 2, 2023

Some of the most frequent questions we get are about common policy endorsements. SPG Account

Vol. 9 / Iss. 1 / Crisis Management

September 4, 2023

Read the Crisis Management issue Cover artwork by Davide Bonazzi (Salzman Art)

Let’s Talk About PFAS

August 3, 2023

The discussion of PFAS chemicals can be a complicated one in the environmental insurance world.

Important News About Site Accounts

July 30, 2023

We have seen many exciting opportunities so far this year that we want to share

Site Pollution for Wastewater Treatment Plants

July 25, 2023

Wastewater treatment plants can be found all over the United States, and are designed to

Women in Insurance Summit – Los Angeles

July 23, 2023

Join us at the Women in Insurance Summit in Los Angeles. Learn more.

Important Coverages to Consider when Moving an Environmental Insurance Account

July 22, 2023

It is widely known that the insurance marketplace has seen an increase in the number

Environmental Exposures for Demolition Contractors: What Could Happen?

July 17, 2023

Demolition contractor operations go beyond construction and disposal related activities. Check out some of the

Environmental Insurance for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

June 26, 2023

The demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has significantly increased over the last few years, with

Mold Insurance Coverage for Coastal Properties

June 20, 2023

With vacation and travel season already here, it is a critical time to evaluate the

Environmental Insurance for Cannabis Businesses

June 19, 2023

Cannabis companies may be considered a relatively new business segment, but the environmental impact of

Environmental Insurance and the Pollution Exclusion

May 31, 2023

Greater public awareness about the effects of pollution on property and health, as well as

Insurance for Demolition Contractors

May 26, 2023

Package policies are available. Learn more. Specialty Program Group has a successful track record of

Emerging Pollution Concerns and Waste Disposal

May 22, 2023

Our country generates a lot of waste, and regardless of where it’s coming from, it

Site Pollution Liability on Beachfront Properties: The Tale of a Hidden Exposure

May 8, 2023

This tale begins with an all too familiar scenario: Mom, Dad, and the kids packing

Spotlight: Contractors Pollution & Professional for Non-Environmental Contractors

May 8, 2023

Contractors Professional is a combined CPL and Professional Liability policy that is custom tailored to

Monarch E&S Acquires Commonwealth Underwriters

May 7, 2023

Monarch E&S Insurance Services (Monarch E&S), a division of Specialty Program Group LLC, has announced its acquisition of the assets of Commonwealth Underwriters, Ltd.

Monarch E&S Acquires the Assets of Anderson & Murison, Inc.

May 7, 2023

Monarch E&S Insurance Services (Monarch E&S), a division of Specialty Program Group, has acquired the assets of Anderson & Murison, Inc. (A&M).

Changes in the Site Pollution Market

April 24, 2023

In recent months, we have noticed changes in the Site Pollution market for apartments, condos,

Spring Construction Projects

April 10, 2023

Spring is here and construction and redevelopment projects are starting! Have you spoken with your

Recent Collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) Creates Additional Cyber & Security Risks for Insureds

April 4, 2023

The recent collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has sent shockwaves throughout its tech

What You Need to Know about Sudden and Accidental Pollution

March 30, 2023

If an insured doesn’t clearly understand how Sudden & Accidental pollution is defined in their

The Key to Growing Your Accounts

March 20, 2023

Offer environmental insurance. Every account has a pollution exposure — offering environmental coverage highlights your

EPA Regulations for Underground Storage Tanks

March 4, 2023

What is UST Regulation 40 CFR Part 280? All tank owners should be familiar with

We were just awarded a big contract! Now what?

March 3, 2023

A common situation that comes up mid-policy term (particularly in the spring and summer months)

Land Conservation Entities

February 28, 2023

In general, land conservation entities are designed to preserve the environment by establishing agreements between

SPG consolidates environmental insurance operations, Beacon Hill and Specialty Wholesale Insurance Solutions

February 1, 2023

Specialty Program Group LLC consolidates environmental insurance operations, Beacon Hill Associates and Specialty Wholesale Insurance

News From Beacon Hill – January 2023

January 27, 2023

Beacon Hill’s Most Popular Articles From Last Year Take a look at our most read

Working with An Environmental Wholesaler: The Secret to Success

December 19, 2022

Insurance publications and LinkedIn posts are often inundated with the call for specialization in the

News From Beacon Hill – December 2022

December 13, 2022

Happy Holidays From Beacon Hill Associates Wishing you a very happy holiday season from the

The True Cost of Low-Cost Insurance Carriers

December 5, 2022

At Specialty Program Group, we pride ourselves on providing the right coverage with the best

News From Beacon Hill – November 2022

November 16, 2022

November News & Thanksgiving Wishes We appreciate your business and partnership throughout the year! Best

Septic & waste…get help with your “dirty” accounts

November 16, 2022

Some of the dirtiest jobs are also the hardest to place within standard markets. Fortunately,

Understanding Emergency Response Costs

November 7, 2022

By Cy Lawson, Broker Emergency Cleanup Costs, Emergency Expenses, Emergency Remediation Costs… While it can

CISA Announces Strategic Plan and RFI Regarding Reporting Cyber Incidents

October 21, 2022

Last month the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, otherwise known as the (CISA) announced

Pollution Clean Up: Does Your Insured Have the Right Coverage?

October 17, 2022

The insuring agreement for Site Pollution coverage can vary drastically from carrier to carrier, and

Pollution Exclusions Can Leave Your Insured Vulnerable

October 13, 2022

It’s common for insureds to assume that their General Liability policy provides adequate Pollution coverage.

Oil & Gas Contractors: Sudden and Accidental Pollution Coverage

October 3, 2022

By Justin Radcliffe, Vice President and South Central Regional Manager Many oil and gas insurance

Growing Environmental Concerns Place Pressure on Businesses

September 29, 2022

The United States’ relative wealth, stability, and broad access to television and the internet have

How significant is the threat of cybercrime?

September 21, 2022

Thanks to a cybersecurity organization, we don’t have to guess. Sophos released its most recent

Schools and Site Pollution Liability

September 19, 2022

By Carter McAuley, Vice President Fall means back to school! This is an exciting time

Vol. 8 / Iss. 2 / Renewable Energy

September 5, 2022

Read the Renewable Energy issue Cover artwork by Davide Bonazzi (Salzman Art)

CSRisks 2022 Newsletter & Market Update

September 4, 2022

It is halfway through 2022, and with so much change in insurance and the world,

News From Beacon Hill – August 2022

August 29, 2022

Please contact us with any upcoming accounts or information requests. Visit Beacon Hill’s blog for

Recycling Centers and Their Place in the Environmental Insurance Market

August 29, 2022

By Chapin Speidel, Vice President and Rocky Mountain Regional Manager In the past few years,

Top 3 Accounts to Target This Fall

August 8, 2022

We want to share with you our list of accounts that we see as the

Does Your Insured Need Products Pollution Liability?

July 25, 2022

By Sara Kooij, Assistant Vice President Some well-intentioned agents may think: “My insured doesn’t manufacture

Chemical Manufacturers & Distributors

July 11, 2022

Companies that manufacture, process, or distribute chemicals have a clear and unique environmental exposure. Not

Securing a Successful Renewal

June 27, 2022

The environmental insurance marketplace is competitive and complex. More carriers are entering this space and

Environmental Insurance for Welding Businesses

June 6, 2022

The environmental exposures for a welding supply and distribution business are varied. They can come

Environmental Insurance Opportunities for Non-Profit Organizations

May 2, 2022

A non-profit organization is a group established for purposes other than generating profit and in

Mid-Term Limit Increases

April 18, 2022

Occasionally insureds have a contract requiring higher limits than they currently carry. Sometimes, they are

Understanding Environmental Site Assessments

April 6, 2022

What is an Environmental Site Assessment? An Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a comprehensive review

Environmental Considerations for Housing Authorities

March 21, 2022

Housing authorities are established to provide reasonable and safe housing for eligible low-income families, the

Vol. 8 / Iss. 1 / Manufacturing

March 7, 2022

Read the Manufacturing issue Cover artwork by Davide Bonazzi (Salzman Art)

Pollution Concerns for Gas Hauling & Storage Businesses

March 7, 2022

Businesses handling, storing, and transporting gases have complicated pollution exposures. While these companies may believe

Spotlight: GL, Products Pollution, & Site Pollution

February 7, 2022

The Specialty Program Group team is experienced in writing packaged solutions for many industrial and

Apache Log4j Update

February 1, 2022

Cyber security threats have evolved quickly and now pose a threat to all businesses. We

Environmental Insurance for Warehouse Facilities

December 6, 2021

Warehouse facilities have the potential for serious pollution exposures due to the size of the

Devon Borisoff Promoted

November 16, 2021

Monarch E&S announced that Devon Borisoff has been promoted to Vice President, Commercial Lines Leader of Monarch E&S’ Flagship West Coast Operation.

News Alert: Asbestos, Lead, and Mold Abatement Contractors

November 15, 2021

Asbestos, Lead and Mold Abatement Contractors Abatement contractors face a number of unique exposures from

Success Story Flood Insurance

November 8, 2021

Monarch E&S takes pride in being able to place complex risks. Check out our success story of how we helped place a unique flood insurance policy. Learn more.

Environmental Insurance for Fertilizer Applicators

October 18, 2021

Fertilizer application can have significant benefits to the agriculture industry, but may also create complicated

The #1 Reason to Work with Beacon Hill Associates

October 4, 2021

Solutions. Working with the Specialty Program Group team will provide more than just access to

Alison Green Joins CSRisks as Director of Brokerage

September 21, 2021

ATLANTA, GA – Capitol Special Risks announced today that Alison Green is joining their specialty

Amanda Sedliak Promoted to CSRisks President

August 20, 2021

Amanda Sedliak will succeed Dorothea Westin as President of Capital Special Risks. “Amanda Sedliak came to our company

Understanding Coverage Enhancements in Contractors Pollution & Professional Liability Coverage Forms

July 19, 2021

By Sara Kooij, Senior Broker Over the past five years, one particular product has shown

CSRisks Named a Top 10 Customer Centric Insurance Company by CIO Views

July 15, 2021

CIO Views recently named Capitol Special Risks as one of the top 10 Customer

Cyber Attacks Have Increased 300%

July 15, 2021

Did you know that cyber-attacks have increased 300% since the beginning of the pandemic? Capitol

Mold, Meth Labs, and Legionella: Pollution Concerns for Habitational Properties

July 6, 2021

By Larry Simmons, Assistant Vice President One of the more overlooked coverages in the environmental

Vol. 7 / Iss. 2 / Waste Disposal

July 5, 2021

Read the Waste Disposal issue Cover artwork by Davide Bonazzi (Salzman Art)

Porta Potty Rental & Servicing Businesses

June 21, 2021

We have seen an uptick in porta potty rental, cleaning, and servicing business accounts lately

Spotlight: Pollution Coverage for Carpet Installation Companies

June 7, 2021

Do you have a carpet installation or flooring company you need pollution coverage for? Submit

Robert Ferretti Joins Keystroke as the Director of Underwriting

June 2, 2021

ATLANTA, Georgia, June 1, 2021 – Keystroke Underwriters, a division of Specialty Program Group, announced

Contractors Professional for Any Size Account

May 17, 2021

SPG’s in-house program administrator can offer Contractors Professional coverage for any size account. Offering A+

Multi-Factor Authentication – Cyber Claims

May 3, 2021

Usernames and passwords are no longer enough to stand up to hackers with sophisticated software

Spotlight: Property Owners & Managers

April 19, 2021

Owners and managers of apartments, condominiums, commercial mixed use, retail, and industrial properties have unique

Monarch E&S Insurance Services, a Division of SPG Insurance Solutions, has been Named a Top Commercial Insurance Agency by Chubb

April 8, 2021

Chubb has bestowed its Commercial Cornerstone designation on Monarch E&S. Fewer than 6 percent have earned the Cornerstone designation.

New Business Opportunity: Manufacturer & Distributor Accounts

March 29, 2021

Overseen by the EPA and OSHA, manufacturing and distributing facilities are far safer and cleaner

Insurance Success Stories – Series 2

March 26, 2021

As you know, the insurance industry has been laden with premium increases, renewal challenges, increased

Understanding Pollution Coverage for Over the Road Exposures

March 4, 2021

Standard business Auto policies exclude coverage for pollution events unless they result from gas, brake

Hard to Place Insurance Liability Successes

February 5, 2021

Client: Car Part Supplier Situation: A start-up company designing international car parts being sold

IBA – Top Specialist Brokers

February 4, 2021

Wayne Bernstein, Professional and Executive Liability Specialist, and Matthew Romano, Flood Specialist, are among the 42 Top Specialists Brokers of 2021.

Vol. 7 / Iss. 1 / Emerging Concerns

February 1, 2021

Read the Emerging Concerns issue Cover artwork by Davide Bonazzi (Salzman Art)

Storage Tank Insurance 101

January 25, 2021

Coverage for storage tanks is one of the most common risks we address―companies, organizations, facilities,

News About Environmental Consultant Accounts

November 16, 2020

Environmental consultants who assess the effects of contaminants, perform site assessments, or advise businesses on

We Are In a Difficult Market

November 4, 2020

Privacy & Network Security Coverage, as well as Technology Errors & Omissions, have up until

Wildfire Preparedness Checklist

October 25, 2020

Few events are more terrifying than a wildfire. If you live in a wooded area, you ensure that you can evacuate your family safely when needed.

Challenging Site Pollution Accounts

October 19, 2020

Do you need help with a challenging site account, coverage for a property with a

The Case for Flood Insurance

October 14, 2020

No matter how thoroughly you research flood zones, protection from risk is not guaranteed due to flood’s many causes. Learn how you can be protected.

Environmental Concerns for Crane Operators

October 5, 2020

Despite a slowdown in many industries this year, construction projects are going strong, with many

Standalone Excess Coverage

September 21, 2020

Specialty Program Group has monoline Excess options! If you are looking for more competitive pricing

Insurance for Septic System Contractors

August 17, 2020

Because septic system contractors typically work below ground, they often aren’t sure what they may

Pollution Insurance for Alcohol Manufacturers & Distributors

August 3, 2020

The U.S. has seen a significant increase in wineries, distilleries, and breweries established over the

New Business Alert: Midstream and Downstream Oil & Gas Businesses

July 20, 2020

Many industries have come to a screeching halt during the pandemic, including travel, hospitality, and

Management Liability Insurance

July 10, 2020

If you have a management liability account that’s difficult to place, including D&O, EPL, Fiduciary, and workplace violence,

Pollution Insurance for Medical Waste Disposal Businesses

July 6, 2020

With hospitals and medical facilities busier than ever, the amount of biohazardous, biomedical, and infectious

New Business Opportunity: Environmental Facilities

June 23, 2020

Environmental facilities like wastewater treatment plants and recycling centers have seen steady activity this year,

Words Matter

June 19, 2020

Knowing when and who is responsible for reporting a claim is important. “Any insured” vs.

Insurance Market Update

June 12, 2020

We are in the midst of a correcting market. High aggregate loss ratios since 2013,

Product Spotlight: Workers Compensation

June 8, 2020

A Workers Compensation policy provides coverage for an employer’s exposure arising out of job-related injury/death

Vol. 6 / Iss. 2 / Communicable Diseases

June 1, 2020

Read the Communicable Diseases issue Cover artwork by Davide Bonazzi (Salzman Art)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Environmental Insurance Policies

April 14, 2020

By Bill Pritchard, President & CEO Over the last several weeks we have been asked

Insurance Considerations for Hazmat Haulers

March 2, 2020

Transporters of hazardous materials have requirements under various agencies that involve reporting of materials they

Account Opportunity: Fire & Water Restoration Contractors

February 18, 2020

Specialty Program Group has extensive experience writing fire & water restoration accounts—we have helped our

Insurance Spotlight: Senior Care & Assisted Living Facilities

February 3, 2020

Specialty Program Group writes a number of nursing homes and assisted living facility accounts. We

Vol. 6 / Iss. 1 / 2020 Environmental Outlook

February 1, 2020

Read the 2020 Environmental Outlook issue Cover artwork by Davide Bonazzi (Salzman Art)

Environmental Concerns for Fire & Water Restoration Contractors

January 23, 2020

Pollutants from fire/water restoration contractor activities can significantly affect the environment, even though these activities

A Discussion of Transportation Risks & Pollution Coverage

January 20, 2020

By Allison McGreal, Assistant Vice President, PartnerOne Environmental Underwriters are seeing an increase in Auto

Environmental Insurance Spotlight: School Districts

January 6, 2020

Many school districts are self-contained communities, with operations and buildings that can span a large

Claims Reporting Procedures

October 7, 2019

By Carter McAuley, Vice President My insured has a claim, now what? No insured wants

Compliance at Beacon Hill: State Filings, Taxes, and More

September 23, 2019

By Kim Herman, Director of Compliance As a wholesale insurance broker specializing in environmental coverages,

Pollution Concerns for Restaurants

August 5, 2019

There are a number of activities conducted at restaurants that could increase the potential for

Spotlight: Upstream Energy Operations

July 8, 2019

The ‘upstream’ segment of the energy industry deals with a very complex set of operations,

Understanding Sudden and Accidental Pollution Insurance for Contracting Risks

June 24, 2019

One thing most agents can agree on is that understanding the pollution coverage that is

Vol. 5 / Iss. 2 / Industrial

June 1, 2019

Read the Industrial issue Cover artwork by Davide Bonazzi (Salzman Art)

Is an Environmental Site Assessment Required to Apply for Site Pollution Insurance?

May 13, 2019

If you look closely at the top of most applications for Site Specific Pollution liability

Sudden & Accidental vs. Broad Form Pollution Coverage

May 5, 2019

For many years, the insurance industry has had a single approach to pollution in the

Railroad Protective Liability

April 29, 2019

A typical Commercial General Liability Policy will exclude contractual liability which “indemnifies a railroad for

Types of Additional Insured Endorsements

April 15, 2019

What is an Additional Insured Endorsement? Occasionally an insured may require a specialized Additional Insured

Are You Sure Sudden & Accidental Site Pollution Is Enough?

April 1, 2019

By Ivy Riggs, Executive Underwriter, PartnerOne Environmental “You sold me the wrong policy!” is a

Spotlight: Fire/Water Restoration Contractors

February 4, 2019

Pollutants from fire/water restoration contractor activities can significantly affect the environment, even though these activities

Top 5 Classes of Business Written, by Product

January 21, 2019

Here are the top 5 classes we typically write for our main product lines: GL/Pollution/Professional

Vol. 5 / Iss. 1 / Marketplace Outlook

January 1, 2019

Read the Marketplace Outlook issue Cover artwork by Davide Bonazzi (Salzman Art)

Insurance for Insulation Contractors

August 27, 2018

In this age of environmental awareness and push towards more energy efficient operations, business has

Pollution Exposures for Flooring Businesses

July 30, 2018

Companies in the flooring industry, whether they specialize in manufacturing, distributing, or installing, run a

Vol. 4 / Iss. 2 / Recycling

June 1, 2018

Read the Recycling issue Cover artwork by Davide Bonazzi (Salzman Art)

Silica: A Natural Born Killer

April 9, 2018

Over the past few decades, silica has received attention in the environmental insurance arena due

Environmental Exposures for Power Plants

March 12, 2018

Power plants generate and disburse power to businesses and homes across the country. People in

Pollution Exposures for Dealerships & Auto Repair Shops

January 15, 2018

All dealerships and auto repair shops have a pollution exposure—oil/grease spills, hydraulic lifts, and chemical

Vol. 4 / Iss. 1 / Natural Disasters

January 1, 2018

Read the Natural Disasters issue Cover artwork by Davide Bonazzi (Salzman Art)

Nutrient Pollution and the Cost to the Environment

July 24, 2017

By Carter McAuley, Vice President Runoff and erosion are common problems in construction, farming, and

Vol. 3 / Iss. 2 / Mold

June 1, 2017

Read the Mold issue Cover artwork by Davide Bonazzi (Salzman Art)

Top 3 Reasons to Review Your Storage Tank Accounts

April 3, 2017

1 – Storage Tank Liability is more robust and affordable than ever before.Beacon Hill Associates

Vol. 3 / Iss. 1 / Sites

January 1, 2017

Read the Sites issue Cover artwork by Davide Bonazzi (Salzman Art)

Vol. 2 / Iss. 3 / Carrier Stability

September 1, 2016

Read the Carrier Stability issue Cover artwork by Davide Bonazzi (Salzman Art)

Vol. 2 / Iss. 2 / Manufacturers

June 1, 2016

Read the Manufacturers issue Cover artwork by Davide Bonazzi (Salzman Art)

Vol. 2 / Iss. 1 / Contractors

March 1, 2016

Read the Contractors issue Cover artwork by Davide Bonazzi (Salzman Art)

Environmental Insurance for Medical Transport & Waste Disposal

January 11, 2016

Medical transport companies have a heightened risk from environmental exposures because of the population they

Vol. 1 / Iss. 3 / Indoor Air Quality

December 1, 2015

Read the Indoor Air Quality issue Cover artwork by Davide Bonazzi (Salzman Art)

Non-Owned Disposal Sites (NODS)

August 24, 2015

Non-owned disposal sites (NODS) are facilities to which owners/operators or contractors take waste. Companies utilizing

Vol. 1 / Iss. 2 / Energy

August 1, 2015

Read the Energy issue Cover artwork by Davide Bonazzi (Salzman Art)

Vol. 1 / Iss. 1 / Market Trends

May 1, 2015

Read the Market Trends issue Cover artwork by Davide Bonazzi (Salzman Art)

Insured Spotlight: HVAC Contractors

March 10, 2014

HVAC and mechanical contractors are faced with a unique challenge in today’s insurance market. While

Environmental Concerns for Carpentry Contractors

May 9, 2013

A renovation or building project does not have to involve contaminated land or an old

Understanding the Differences Between Sudden & Accidental and Broad Form CPL

November 7, 2011

By Brett Amick, Assistant Vice President and South Central Manager The ongoing issues with insureds’