oiltanks

Heating Oil Tank Program

A Voluntary Heating Oil Tank Program has been offered by the Fund since 1995 to owners or operators of heating oil tanks with a capacity of 3,000 gallons or greater used for storing heating oil products for use on the premises. This program indemnifies owners or operators for any releases from their tanks.

Frequently Asked Questions Brochure

	When does the USTIF coverage start?
	Who does the USTIF cover?
	How do I request an application for heating oil tank coverage?
	What does the USTIF cover?
	What are the USTIF’s coverage limits?
	Does the USTIF cover aboveground storage tanks?
	Will the USTIF defend third party lawsuits?
	How do I make a claim?
	What are the claim's eligibility requirements?

When does the USTIF coverage start? back to top

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

Who does the USTIF cover? back to top

The USTIF covers owners and operators of heating oil USTs which are 3,000 gallons or greater in capacity who voluntarily participate in the USTIF.

How do I request an application for heating oil tank coverage? back to top

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

What does the USTIF cover? back to top

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. 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.

What are the USTIF's coverage limits? back to top

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

Does the USTIF cover aboveground storage tanks? back to top

No. The USTIF covers only underground heating oil tanks that chose to "opt in" or applied for coverage and were accepted into the USTIF.

Will the USTIF defend third party lawsuits? back to top

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.

How do I make a claim? back to top

Contact the Claims Unit immediately after the release by calling (717) 787-0763 or (800) 595-9887 [in PA] or e-mail: ra-ustif@pa.gov. 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.

What are the claim's eligibility requirements? back to top

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 heating oil tank 3,000 gallons or greater and has "opted in" to the USTIF or applied for coverage and was accepted by the USTIF.

The USTIF's fees are paid.

The heating oil tank owner or operator can support a release occurred on or after February 1, 1994 or on or after the date the application was accepted.

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.

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E-mail: ra-ustif@pa.gov