Does homeowners insurance cover asbestos removal? Finding out that your home has asbestos can be stressful. Asbestos is a dangerous material that was commonly used in homes built before the 1980s, especially in insulation, roofing, flooring, and ceiling tiles.
When disturbed, it can release tiny fibers into the air that are harmful to your health. If you’re a homeowner facing asbestos removal, one of your first questions might be whether your insurance will help cover the cost.
The answer isn’t always simple; it depends on your policy and how the asbestos was discovered.
In this article, we’ll break down when homeowners insurance may cover asbestos removal, so you can better understand your options and make informed decisions.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a natural mineral that was commonly used in homes built before the 1980s. It was added to materials because it resists heat, fire, and chemicals.
However, once disturbed, asbestos can break into tiny fibers that float in the air. Breathing in these fibers can cause diseases like lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Is Asbestos Removal Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
In most cases, homeowners insurance does not cover asbestos removal. That’s because insurance is designed to protect against sudden and accidental damage, not long-term problems or hazards that were already present in the home.
If asbestos is found during a home renovation or inspection, and it’s not causing any immediate damage, insurance won’t cover the cost to remove it. It’s seen as part of the normal maintenance or upkeep that comes with owning an older home.
When Is Asbestos Removal Covered?
There are a few rare situations where your insurance might help with asbestos removal:
After a Covered Loss
If there’s a fire, storm, or burst pipe and the repair work disturbs asbestos, the insurance company may help pay to remove it as part of the cleanup.
In this case, asbestos removal is considered part of fixing the damage.
If It Was Hidden and Accidentally Released
If asbestos was hidden behind a wall or ceiling and became disturbed by accident (not during planned renovations), your policy might help. But this depends on your insurance provider and your exact policy.
Keep in mind that even if your insurance helps with removal, it may only pay to fix the part of the home that was damaged; not for full asbestos removal across the entire property.
Why Is It Usually Not Covered?
Insurance companies don’t usually cover asbestos removal because:
- It’s considered a pre-existing issue, especially in older homes.
- It’s not the result of a sudden accident or disaster.
- It’s treated as home maintenance, and insurance doesn’t pay for maintenance or upgrades.
This means homeowners are usually responsible for the full cost, which can range from a few thousand dollars to over $20,000, depending on how much asbestos is found and where it is.
What Should You Do If You Find Asbestos?
If you think your home may contain asbestos, don’t try to remove it yourself. Disturbing it can release harmful fibers into the air.
Here’s what to do:
- Leave it alone if it’s in good condition and not being disturbed.
- Hire a licensed asbestos professional to inspect your home.
- Get a cost estimate for removal or sealing.
- Check your insurance policy or talk to your agent to see if any part of the cost is covered.
Can You Add Coverage?
Standard homeowners insurance usually won’t let you add asbestos coverage. However, some specialty insurance companies or policies for older homes may offer limited help for hazardous material removal. It’s worth asking your agent if you’re buying or updating a policy.
Final Thoughts
Asbestos removal is important for health and safety, but it usually isn’t covered by homeowners insurance unless it’s part of a covered loss.
If your home was built before the 1980s, it’s a good idea to have it checked by a professional before starting any renovation.
And always read your insurance policy carefully so you know what’s covered and what’s not.