{
  "name": "Underground storage tank financial responsibility minimum coverage amounts",
  "description": "Owners and operators of petroleum underground storage tanks (USTs) must prove they can cover the cost of corrective action and third-party damage from a release, in specific dollar amounts set by federal regulation and, in some states, by an alternative state-run mechanism. 40 CFR 280.93 sets the federal baseline: $1 million per occurrence for petroleum marketers, $500,000 for other owners, scaling to $2 million annual aggregate for owners of more than 100 tanks. States can adopt these amounts directly (Florida's own DEP quick-guide reproduces the identical figures) or substitute their own compliance route (California lets an owner use the state UST Cleanup Fund as the mechanism, which caps what the Fund pays and leaves a much smaller amount to be carried privately, sized by the claimant's priority class). Each record is one coverage tier: the dollar amount, whether it is a per-occurrence limit, an annual aggregate or a deductible, who it applies to, and the source section, quoted verbatim. Answers 'how much UST insurance coverage do I need', 'what financial responsibility amount applies to my tanks', 'does my state require more than the federal minimum'.",
  "url": "https://referencesource.org/ust-financial-responsibility-minimum-coverage/",
  "licence": "Federal regulatory text (40 CFR) is a US government work, not copyrightable; state agency guidance documents cited for their facts, not reproduced in full",
  "last_verified": "2026-08-26",
  "stale_after": "2027-08-26",
  "sources": [
    "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC&sectionNum=25299.32",
    "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-I/part-280/subpart-H/section-280.93",
    "https://floridadep.gov/sites/default/files/STFR_QuickGuide2018.pdf",
    "https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/ustcf/faqs/",
    "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC&sectionNum=25299.57"
  ],
  "records": [
    {
      "jurisdiction": "California",
      "coverage_tier": "a claimant meets the qualifications of paragraph (2) or (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 25299.52",
      "basis": "annual aggregate",
      "coverage_amount": "five thousand dollars ($5,000)",
      "mechanism_note": "annual aggregate coverage for taking corrective action",
      "source_citation": "California Code, HSC 25299.32",
      "id": "annual-aggregate-california-a-claimant-meets-the-qualifications-of-paragraph-2-or-3-of-subdivision-b-of-sect",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/ust-financial-responsibility-minimum-coverage/annual-aggregate-california-a-claimant-meets-the-qualifications-of-paragraph-2-or-3-of-subdivision-b-of-sect/",
      "source": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC&sectionNum=25299.32",
      "source_quote": "(2) If a claimant meets the qualifications of paragraph (2) or (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 25299.52, the level of financial responsibility required to be obtained pursuant to Section 25299.31 shall be at least five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each occurrence and at least five thousand dollars ($5,000) annual aggregate coverage for taking corrective action.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "coverage_amount",
        "coverage_tier",
        "jurisdiction",
        "mechanism_note",
        "source_citation"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "basis"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "California",
      "coverage_tier": "a claimant meets the qualifications of paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 25299.52",
      "basis": "annual aggregate",
      "coverage_amount": "ten thousand dollars ($10,000)",
      "mechanism_note": "annual aggregate coverage for taking corrective action",
      "source_citation": "California Code, HSC 25299.32",
      "id": "annual-aggregate-california-a-claimant-meets-the-qualifications-of-paragraph-4-of-subdivision-b-of-section-2",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/ust-financial-responsibility-minimum-coverage/annual-aggregate-california-a-claimant-meets-the-qualifications-of-paragraph-4-of-subdivision-b-of-section-2/",
      "source": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC&sectionNum=25299.32",
      "source_quote": "(3) If a claimant meets the qualifications of paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 25299.52, the level of financial responsibility required to be obtained pursuant to Section 25299.31 shall be at least ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for each occurrence, and at least ten thousand dollars ($10,000) annual aggregate coverage for taking corrective action.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "coverage_amount",
        "coverage_tier",
        "jurisdiction",
        "mechanism_note",
        "source_citation"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "basis"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "Federal",
      "coverage_tier": "owners or operators of 1 to 100 petroleum underground storage tanks",
      "basis": "annual aggregate",
      "coverage_amount": "$1 million",
      "source_citation": "40 CFR 280.93",
      "id": "annual-aggregate-federal-owners-or-operators-of-1-to-100-petroleum-underground-storage-tanks",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/ust-financial-responsibility-minimum-coverage/annual-aggregate-federal-owners-or-operators-of-1-to-100-petroleum-underground-storage-tanks/",
      "source": "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-I/part-280/subpart-H/section-280.93",
      "source_quote": "(b) Owners or operators of petroleum underground storage tanks must demonstrate financial responsibility for taking corrective action and for compensating third parties for bodily injury and property damage caused by accidental releases arising from the operation of petroleum underground storage tanks in at least the following annual aggregate amounts: (1) For owners or operators of 1 to 100 petroleum underground storage tanks, $1 million; and",
      "verified_fields": [
        "coverage_amount",
        "coverage_tier",
        "jurisdiction",
        "source_citation"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "basis"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "Federal",
      "coverage_tier": "owners or operators of 101 or more petroleum underground storage tanks",
      "basis": "annual aggregate",
      "coverage_amount": "$2 million",
      "source_citation": "40 CFR 280.93",
      "id": "annual-aggregate-federal-owners-or-operators-of-101-or-more-petroleum-underground-storage-tanks",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/ust-financial-responsibility-minimum-coverage/annual-aggregate-federal-owners-or-operators-of-101-or-more-petroleum-underground-storage-tanks/",
      "source": "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-I/part-280/subpart-H/section-280.93",
      "source_quote": "(b) Owners or operators of petroleum underground storage tanks must demonstrate financial responsibility for taking corrective action and for compensating third parties for bodily injury and property damage caused by accidental releases arising from the operation of petroleum underground storage tanks in at least the following annual aggregate amounts: (1) For owners or operators of 1 to 100 petroleum underground storage tanks, $1 million; and (2) For owners or operators of 101 or more petroleum underground storage tanks, $2 million.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "coverage_amount",
        "coverage_tier",
        "jurisdiction",
        "source_citation"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "basis"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "Federal",
      "coverage_tier": "the number of petroleum underground storage tanks for which assurance must be provided exceeds 100",
      "basis": "annual aggregate",
      "coverage_amount": "$2 million",
      "mechanism_note": "by the anniversary of the date on which the mechanism demonstrating financial responsibility became effective",
      "source_citation": "40 CFR 280.93",
      "id": "annual-aggregate-federal-the-number-of-petroleum-underground-storage-tanks-for-which-assurance-must-be-pr",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/ust-financial-responsibility-minimum-coverage/annual-aggregate-federal-the-number-of-petroleum-underground-storage-tanks-for-which-assurance-must-be-pr/",
      "source": "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-I/part-280/subpart-H/section-280.93",
      "source_quote": "(f) Owners or operators shall review the amount of aggregate assurance provided whenever additional petroleum underground storage tanks are acquired or installed. If the number of petroleum underground storage tanks for which assurance must be provided exceeds 100, the owner or operator shall demonstrate financial responsibility in the amount of at least $2 million of annual aggregate assurance by the anniversary of the date on which the mechanism demonstrating financial responsibility became effective.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "coverage_amount",
        "coverage_tier",
        "jurisdiction",
        "mechanism_note",
        "source_citation"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "basis"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "Florida",
      "coverage_tier": "Petroleum Marketers",
      "basis": "annual aggregate",
      "coverage_amount": "$2 Million for more than 100 Tanks",
      "source_citation": "AST & UST Quick Guide",
      "id": "annual-aggregate-florida-petroleum-marketers",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/ust-financial-responsibility-minimum-coverage/annual-aggregate-florida-petroleum-marketers/",
      "source": "https://floridadep.gov/sites/default/files/STFR_QuickGuide2018.pdf",
      "source_quote": "UST Owner Per Occurrence Coverage Aggregate Coverage $1 Million for 100 or fewer Group 1: Tanks Petroleum Marketers $1 Million OR (including Producers and Refiners) $2 Million for more than 100 Tanks",
      "verified_fields": [
        "coverage_amount",
        "coverage_tier",
        "jurisdiction",
        "source_citation"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "basis"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "California",
      "coverage_tier": "On and after January 1, 2035, an owner or operator of a tank for which a permit that is issued pursuant to Section 25284 is in effect",
      "mechanism_note": "shall not use the fund as a mechanism to demonstrate compliance with the financial responsibility requirements of Sections 25292.2 and 25299.31 and with the federal act",
      "source_citation": "California Code, HSC 25299.32",
      "id": "california-on-and-after-january-1-2035-an-owner-or-operator-of-a-tank-for-which-a-permit-th",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/ust-financial-responsibility-minimum-coverage/california-on-and-after-january-1-2035-an-owner-or-operator-of-a-tank-for-which-a-permit-th/",
      "source": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC&sectionNum=25299.32",
      "source_quote": "(f) (1) On and after January 1, 2035, an owner or operator of a tank for which a permit that is issued pursuant to Section 25284 is in effect shall not use the fund as a mechanism to demonstrate compliance with the financial responsibility requirements of Sections 25292.2 and 25299.31 and with the federal act.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "coverage_tier",
        "jurisdiction",
        "mechanism_note",
        "source_citation"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "California",
      "coverage_tier": "Claimants who comply after December 22, 1998",
      "basis": "deductible",
      "coverage_amount": "in no event less than $20,000",
      "mechanism_note": "must pay a deductible that is four times the amount that would otherwise apply to the claim, but in no event less than $20,000",
      "source_citation": "Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund FAQs",
      "id": "deductible-california-claimants-who-comply-after-december-22-1998",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/ust-financial-responsibility-minimum-coverage/deductible-california-claimants-who-comply-after-december-22-1998/",
      "source": "https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/ustcf/faqs/",
      "source_quote": "It is important to note that when the State Water Board grants a waiver of the permit requirements, claimants must pay a higher deductible on their claim, depending upon the date that the claimant complied with the UST permitting or closure requirements. Claimants who comply on or before December 22, 1998, must pay twice the amount of deductible that would otherwise apply to the claim, but in no event less than $10,000. Claimants who comply after December 22, 1998, must pay a deductible that is four times the amount that would otherwise apply to the claim, but in no event less than $20,000.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "coverage_amount",
        "coverage_tier",
        "jurisdiction",
        "mechanism_note",
        "source_citation"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "basis"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "California",
      "coverage_tier": "Claimants who comply on or before December 22, 1998",
      "basis": "deductible",
      "coverage_amount": "in no event less than $10,000",
      "mechanism_note": "must pay twice the amount of deductible that would otherwise apply to the claim, but in no event less than $10,000",
      "source_citation": "Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund FAQs",
      "id": "deductible-california-claimants-who-comply-on-or-before-december-22-1998",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/ust-financial-responsibility-minimum-coverage/deductible-california-claimants-who-comply-on-or-before-december-22-1998/",
      "source": "https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/ustcf/faqs/",
      "source_quote": "It is important to note that when the State Water Board grants a waiver of the permit requirements, claimants must pay a higher deductible on their claim, depending upon the date that the claimant complied with the UST permitting or closure requirements. Claimants who comply on or before December 22, 1998, must pay twice the amount of deductible that would otherwise apply to the claim, but in no event less than $10,000. Claimants who comply after December 22, 1998, must pay a deductible that is four times the amount that would otherwise apply to the claim, but in no event less than $20,000.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "coverage_amount",
        "coverage_tier",
        "jurisdiction",
        "mechanism_note",
        "source_citation"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "basis"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "Federal",
      "coverage_tier": "The amounts of assurance required under this section exclude legal defense costs",
      "mechanism_note": "The required per-occurrence and annual aggregate coverage amounts do not in any way limit the liability of the owner or operator.",
      "source_citation": "40 CFR 280.93",
      "id": "federal-the-amounts-of-assurance-required-under-this-section-exclude-legal-defense-costs",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/ust-financial-responsibility-minimum-coverage/federal-the-amounts-of-assurance-required-under-this-section-exclude-legal-defense-costs/",
      "source": "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-I/part-280/subpart-H/section-280.93",
      "source_quote": "(g) The amounts of assurance required under this section exclude legal defense costs. (h) The required per-occurrence and annual aggregate coverage amounts do not in any way limit the liability of the owner or operator.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "coverage_tier",
        "jurisdiction",
        "mechanism_note",
        "source_citation"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "California",
      "coverage_tier": "a claim filed on or after January 1, 2015",
      "basis": "per occurrence",
      "coverage_amount": "one million dollars ($1,000,000)",
      "mechanism_note": "the board may only pay for the costs of a corrective action that exceed the level of financial responsibility required to be obtained pursuant to Section 25299.32",
      "source_citation": "California Code, HSC 25299.57",
      "id": "per-occurrence-california-a-claim-filed-on-or-after-january-1-2015",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/ust-financial-responsibility-minimum-coverage/per-occurrence-california-a-claim-filed-on-or-after-january-1-2015/",
      "source": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC&sectionNum=25299.57",
      "source_quote": "(2) If the board makes the determination specified in subdivision (d) for a claim filed on or after January 1, 2015, the board may only pay for the costs of a corrective action that exceed the level of financial responsibility required to be obtained pursuant to Section 25299.32, but not more than one million dollars ($1,000,000) for each occurrence.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "coverage_amount",
        "coverage_tier",
        "jurisdiction",
        "mechanism_note",
        "source_citation"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "basis"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "California",
      "coverage_tier": "a claim filed on or before December 31, 2014",
      "basis": "per occurrence",
      "coverage_amount": "one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000)",
      "mechanism_note": "the board may only pay for the costs of a corrective action that exceed the level of financial responsibility required to be obtained pursuant to Section 25299.32",
      "source_citation": "California Code, HSC 25299.57",
      "id": "per-occurrence-california-a-claim-filed-on-or-before-december-31-2014",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/ust-financial-responsibility-minimum-coverage/per-occurrence-california-a-claim-filed-on-or-before-december-31-2014/",
      "source": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC&sectionNum=25299.57",
      "source_quote": "(a) (1) If the board makes the determination specified in subdivision (d) for a claim filed on or before December 31, 2014, the board may only pay for the costs of a corrective action that exceed the level of financial responsibility required to be obtained pursuant to Section 25299.32, but not more than one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) for each occurrence.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "coverage_amount",
        "coverage_tier",
        "jurisdiction",
        "mechanism_note",
        "source_citation"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "basis"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "California",
      "coverage_tier": "a claimant meets the qualifications of paragraph (2) or (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 25299.52",
      "basis": "per occurrence",
      "coverage_amount": "five thousand dollars ($5,000)",
      "mechanism_note": "the level of financial responsibility required to be obtained pursuant to Section 25299.31",
      "source_citation": "California Code, HSC 25299.32",
      "id": "per-occurrence-california-a-claimant-meets-the-qualifications-of-paragraph-2-or-3-of-subdivision-b-of-sect",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/ust-financial-responsibility-minimum-coverage/per-occurrence-california-a-claimant-meets-the-qualifications-of-paragraph-2-or-3-of-subdivision-b-of-sect/",
      "source": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC&sectionNum=25299.32",
      "source_quote": "(2) If a claimant meets the qualifications of paragraph (2) or (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 25299.52, the level of financial responsibility required to be obtained pursuant to Section 25299.31 shall be at least five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each occurrence and at least five thousand dollars ($5,000) annual aggregate coverage for taking corrective action.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "coverage_amount",
        "coverage_tier",
        "jurisdiction",
        "mechanism_note",
        "source_citation"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "basis"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "California",
      "coverage_tier": "a claimant meets the qualifications of paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 25299.52",
      "basis": "per occurrence",
      "coverage_amount": "ten thousand dollars ($10,000)",
      "mechanism_note": "the level of financial responsibility required to be obtained pursuant to Section 25299.31",
      "source_citation": "California Code, HSC 25299.32",
      "id": "per-occurrence-california-a-claimant-meets-the-qualifications-of-paragraph-4-of-subdivision-b-of-section-2",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/ust-financial-responsibility-minimum-coverage/per-occurrence-california-a-claimant-meets-the-qualifications-of-paragraph-4-of-subdivision-b-of-section-2/",
      "source": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC&sectionNum=25299.32",
      "source_quote": "(3) If a claimant meets the qualifications of paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 25299.52, the level of financial responsibility required to be obtained pursuant to Section 25299.31 shall be at least ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for each occurrence, and at least ten thousand dollars ($10,000) annual aggregate coverage for taking corrective action.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "coverage_amount",
        "coverage_tier",
        "jurisdiction",
        "mechanism_note",
        "source_citation"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "basis"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "Federal",
      "coverage_tier": "all other owners or operators of petroleum underground storage tanks",
      "basis": "per occurrence",
      "coverage_amount": "$500,000",
      "source_citation": "40 CFR 280.93",
      "id": "per-occurrence-federal-all-other-owners-or-operators-of-petroleum-underground-storage-tanks",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/ust-financial-responsibility-minimum-coverage/per-occurrence-federal-all-other-owners-or-operators-of-petroleum-underground-storage-tanks/",
      "source": "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-I/part-280/subpart-H/section-280.93",
      "source_quote": "(a) Owners or operators of petroleum underground storage tanks must demonstrate financial responsibility for taking corrective action and for compensating third parties for bodily injury and property damage caused by accidental releases arising from the operation of petroleum underground storage tanks in at least the following per-occurrence amounts: (1) For owners or operators of petroleum underground storage tanks that are located at petroleum marketing facilities, or that handle an average of more than 10,000 gallons of petroleum per month based on annual throughput for the previous calendar year; $1 million. (2) For all other owners or operators of petroleum underground storage tanks; $500,000.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "coverage_amount",
        "coverage_tier",
        "jurisdiction",
        "source_citation"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "basis"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "Federal",
      "coverage_tier": "located at petroleum marketing facilities, or that handle an average of more than 10,000 gallons of petroleum per month",
      "basis": "per occurrence",
      "coverage_amount": "$1 million",
      "source_citation": "40 CFR 280.93",
      "id": "per-occurrence-federal-located-at-petroleum-marketing-facilities-or-that-handle-an-average-of-more-than",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/ust-financial-responsibility-minimum-coverage/per-occurrence-federal-located-at-petroleum-marketing-facilities-or-that-handle-an-average-of-more-than/",
      "source": "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-I/part-280/subpart-H/section-280.93",
      "source_quote": "(a) Owners or operators of petroleum underground storage tanks must demonstrate financial responsibility for taking corrective action and for compensating third parties for bodily injury and property damage caused by accidental releases arising from the operation of petroleum underground storage tanks in at least the following per-occurrence amounts: (1) For owners or operators of petroleum underground storage tanks that are located at petroleum marketing facilities, or that handle an average of more than 10,000 gallons of petroleum per month based on annual throughput for the previous calendar year; $1 million.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "coverage_amount",
        "coverage_tier",
        "jurisdiction",
        "source_citation"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "basis"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "Florida",
      "coverage_tier": "Petroleum Marketers",
      "basis": "per occurrence",
      "coverage_amount": "$1 Million",
      "source_citation": "AST & UST Quick Guide",
      "id": "per-occurrence-florida-petroleum-marketers",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/ust-financial-responsibility-minimum-coverage/per-occurrence-florida-petroleum-marketers/",
      "source": "https://floridadep.gov/sites/default/files/STFR_QuickGuide2018.pdf",
      "source_quote": "UST Owner Per Occurrence Coverage Aggregate Coverage $1 Million for 100 or fewer Group 1: Tanks Petroleum Marketers $1 Million",
      "verified_fields": [
        "coverage_amount",
        "coverage_tier",
        "jurisdiction",
        "source_citation"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "basis"
      ]
    }
  ]
}