The director may not issue a commercial applicator’s license until the applicant has furnished evidence of financial responsibility with the director which may include, but is not limited to, a surety bond or a liability insurance policy or certification protecting persons who may suffer legal damages as a result of the application of pesticides by the commercial applicator or his agents or employees.

(1) The amount of the financial responsibility provided in this section must be not less than twenty-five thousand dollars for property damage and public liability insurance. The director by regulation may increase the financial responsibility to not more than one hundred thousand dollars by category or classification. Financial responsibility must be maintained at not less than that sum at all times during the licensed period. The director must be notified ten days before a reduction or cancellation at the request of the applicant or cancellation or nonrenewal of surety financial responsibility by the surety or insurer. The director may accept a liability insurance policy or surety bond in the proper sum which has a deductible clause in an amount not exceeding one thousand dollars. If the applicant has not satisfied the requirement of the deductible clause it must not be accepted by the director unless the applicant furnishes the director with a surety bond or liability insurance which satisfies the amount of the deductible as to all claims that may arise in his application of pesticides. A surety bond or insurance policy must be issued by a company authorized to do business within this State. The bond must be filed with the department and exists for the benefit of a holder of a final judgment against the person who filed the bond for personal liability or property damages, or both, as contemplated in item (4). Aerial applicators insured or bonded under § 55-8-50, may utilize the coverage provided by that policy or bond if the policy or bond specifically covers personal injury or property damage, or both, caused by the aerial application of pesticides in the required amount. The aerial applicator shall furnish appropriate documentation of the coverage to the director.

(2) The director may provide by regulation for self insurance.

(3) Nothing in this chapter relieves a person from liability for damage to the person or lands of another caused by the use of pesticides even though the use conforms to the regulations promulgated by the director.

(4) The insurance or bond coverage required of commercial applicators must provide specifically for personal injuries or property damages, or both, caused by the application of pesticides by the commercial applicator or his agents or employees. However, this requirement does not guarantee control of the pest for which the application is made.