Frequently Asked Questions
Click for questions regarding:
Voluntary Oil Tank Removal
What is a voluntary tank removal?
Am I eligible for a voluntary tank removal?
What are the voluntary removal requirements?
How can I access a claim form and a list of ProGuard contractors?
What is the $500 voluntary tank removal service fee?
How do I pay the service fee?
Who will install the new heating oil tank?
What happens if my fuel oil system is found to be leaking during the removal process?
What happens if I convert to gas or another alternate heat source?
Failed Soil Tests
I have a failed soil test. What should I do?
Now that you have a copy of my failed testing does this constitute a claim?
Who can install a new tank and remove my existing tank?
I’ve been told to have my tank pumped out and a temporary tank installed. Is this covered through ProGuard?
If there is a hole in my tank resulting in contamination, what am I covered for?
When everything is completed will I receive something stating that my property has been cleaned up?
Suspected Oil Release
What is a suspected release?
What should I do if I have a suspected release?
What are the requirements to have my tank removed?
Who will install the new heating oil tank?
How can I access a claim form and a list of ProGuard contractors?
What happens if my tank is leaking?
How is the deductible payment handled?
What happens if my tank is NOT leaking at time of removal?
What is a suspected release?
What should I do if I have a suspected release?
You will need to remove the oil tank. Please contact a ProGuard representative and your oil provider for assistance.
What are the requirements to have my tank removed?
Completion and submittal of a claim form at least three (3) business days prior to the tank removal. Failure to notify ProGuard will void coverage.
Who will install the new heating oil tank?
Your fuel oil provider can assist you or a properly licensed heating oil tank installer of your choosing. The tank replacement is to be done no earlier than 60 days before the underground tank is removed.
How can I access a claim form and a list of ProGuard contractors?
Claims can be submitted online through this web site. You can click here to begin the process. For a list of ProGuard contractors, click here. Or you can always call us toll free at 866-356-8381, or contact your fuel oil dealer.
What happens if my tank is leaking?
If a release from covered tank(s) is discovered, and all terms and conditions of the coverage document have been met, the ProGuard Program will pay the environmental contractor, at the contracted rates, for the tank removal, cleanup costs, and tank replacement (if tank replacement done by contractor) subject to the deductible amount. Please refer to your coverage document for specific terms, conditions, and limitations.
How is the deductible payment handled?
Customer is responsible to pay the appropriate deductible to ProGuard immediately if a release from the tank was confirmed. An invoice for the deductible will be provided to you. Nonpayment of the deductible results in a delay of remediating as well as non payment to the contractor and/or non-payment of the claim (see coverage document).
What happens if my tank is NOT leaking at time of removal?
If the tank removal is found to be free of a defect and/or a release did not occur, there is no claim and a payment will NOT be made. The customer is responsible for all costs to the contractor for the work performed.
I have a failed soil test. What should I do?
Now that you have a copy of my failed testing does this constitute a claim?
No, a claim is triggered under your coverage document when there is confirmation of a defect in the fuel oil system resulting in contamination.
Who can install a new tank and remove my existing tank?
Your fuel oil dealer can assist you in the planning of your new tank installation. The removal must be performed by a ProGuard approved contractor. Your claims adjuster will provide you with the contractor names and phone numbers, or you can see our online list by clicking here.
I've been told to have my tank pumped out and a temporary tank installed. Is this covered through ProGuard?
The coverage does not apply to costs of replacing lost fuel oil, removing the contents from your fuel oil system, or the installation of temporary tanks.
If there is a hole in my tank resulting in contamination, what am I covered for?
ProGuard will pay up to $1,500 towards the installation of a new aboveground tank or up to $2,000 towards the installation of a new underground tank, tank removal costs at ProGuard contractor rates, and up to $100,000 for first party remediation costs, and $25,000 for third party remediation costs if you purchased this additional protection. The Third Party Protection option became available after 6/1/11.
When everything is completed will I receive something stating that my property has been cleaned up?
Yes. Your ProGuard approved contractor will prepare a remedial action report to be submitted to the state requesting no further action on your property. Once the remedial action report is reviewed and approved by the state, you will be issued a “No Further Action Letter”.
What is a voluntary tank removal?
Voluntary removal/abandonment means the removal from service of a fuel oil tank associated with a fuel oil system, with either the intent of inspecting the fuel oil tank, replacing the fuel oil tank with a new inground or aboveground tank, or disengaging the fuel oil system from service provided the removal, replacement, or abandonment is made with no prior knowledge of a defect in or accidental release from the fuel oil system.
Am I eligible for a voluntary tank removal?
This protection can only be elected at your time of renewal. You are eligible for a voluntary tank removal if you have paid and elected for voluntary pull coverage. If you have been in the ProGuard Program for 12 Months and purchased voluntary pull protection and have renewed your Accidental Release Protection Agreement with voluntary pull protection then you are eligible to do a voluntary tank removal. Please note that a voluntary removal can only be done after the service agreement including voluntary removal protection has been in effect for a minimum of twelve (12) consecutive months. Please refer to your terms & conditions. If you live in New York State, please contact a ProGuard representative for information regarding voluntary tank removals.
What are the requirements to have my tank removed?
Completion and submittal of a claim form at least three (3) business days prior to the tank removal. Failure to notify ProGuard will void coverage.
How can I access a claim form and a list of ProGuard contractors?
Claims can be submitted online through this web site. Click here to begin the process. For a list of ProGuard contractors, click here. Or you can always call us toll free at 866-356-8381, or contact your fuel oil dealer.
What is the $500 voluntary tank removal service fee?
The service fee is a non-refundable fee and it is associated for the monitoring of the tank removal. Should a release be confirmed, the fee will be applied to the deductible amount. The fee must be paid prior to the tank removal.
How do I pay the service fee?
Once we have reviewed and processed your claim submittal and you have been issued a claim number, click here for the Pay My Service Fee/Deductible option. Online payment is accepted by Visa or MasterCard.
You can also send a check payable to: The ProGuard Program and mail it to:
The Powderhorn Agency, Inc.
P.O. Box 872
Brookfield, CT 06804
Attention Claims Dept.
Who will install the new heating oil tank?
Your fuel oil provider or a properly licensed heating oil tank installer can assist you. The tank replacement is to be done no earlier than 60 days before the underground tank is removed.
What happens if it is discovered that my fuel oil system is leaking during the removal process?
If a voluntary removal results in a covered release, the $500 service fee is applied toward the $3000 deductible. At this time, the ProGuard Accidental Release Protection Service Agreement provides cleanup and tank replacement costs subject to the limits and all terms, conditions, and limitations in the Service Agreement. The deductible must be paid to ProGuard upon receipt of the deductible invoice, prior to the commencement of cleanup.
However, if the tank is found to be free of defect and no contamination is present, all removal and replacement costs are the responsibility of the homeowner exclusively.
What happens if I convert to gas or another alternate heat source?
Gas or alternate heat source conversion would terminate or cancel your protection.