Travelers Files Declaratory Action Against Univar, Says Coverage for Underlying Groundwater Contamination Claims Precluded

CHICAGO –– The Travelers Indemnity Co. has filed a declaratory action against Univar Inc. in Illinois federal court, maintaining that it does not owe the insured coverage for underlying groundwater contamination claims since Univar failed to inform the insurer of the accident or occurrence as required by the policy.

Travelers filed the action in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on Sept. 2, contending that Univar has breached conditions precedent to coverage, “by incurring voluntary payments or voluntary obligations without Travelers consent in responding to the Underlying Environmental Claims for decades.”

According to the insurer, it …