Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Asbestos Removal?
Homeowners insurance generally excludes asbestos removal, but coverage may apply if damage makes removal necessary.
Is asbestos removal covered by home insurance?
Probably not. Even though asbestos can be dangerous, most home insurance policies don’t cover removing it — unless it’s linked to another covered event.
Outside of this very specific situation of a covered peril unveiling or causing asbestos to be released into your home’s atmosphere, a standard policy will not cover asbestos removal or abatement, even with additional coverage and high coverage limits.
Why asbestos usually isn’t covered
Insurance companies classify asbestos as a pollutant, and most homeowners policies exclude pollution cleanup. That means even broad “open peril” policies like HO-3 or HO-5 won’t pay to remove asbestos on its own.
Testing for and removing asbestos can be pricey, and since it’s found in many older homes, insurers generally consider it a maintenance issue — not a sudden or accidental loss.
When it might be covered
The rare exception is if asbestos is discovered because of a covered event. For example, if a tree falls on your house during a storm and damages your roof, your policy would likely pay for roof repairs. If that damage exposes asbestos in your roofing materials, your insurance may also help pay for safe removal and cleanup of any asbestos dust or debris.
Older homes and properties built pre-1980 are likely to incorporate asbestos in some form. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it must always be removed; asbestos is only dangerous if it’s degraded to the point of becoming inhalable particles, which are breathed in over a long period of time.
When is asbestos most dangerous?
Asbestos is a tough, fibrous material that was once used in tons of building materials because it’s strong and heat-resistant. For decades, it seemed harmless — until research in the 1960s showed it could cause serious health problems like lung cancer and mesothelioma.
The real danger comes when asbestos gets disturbed and breaks apart into tiny dust-like fibers. If those fibers are breathed in, they can get trapped in your lungs and stay there for years, leading to inflammation, scarring, and other long-term health issues.
If asbestos in your home is sealed and undamaged — like inside insulation or under floor tiles — it’s usually safest to leave it alone. The problems start when it crumbles or gets damaged and the fibers become airborne.
How to check your home for asbestos
You can’t spot asbestos just by looking at your walls or floors. It takes special equipment — and the expertise of a trained professional — to find and test it safely. An inspector will carefully collect small samples from suspected areas and send them to a certified lab for testing. If asbestos is confirmed, they can help you figure out the safest way to seal, remove, or replace the affected materials.
When it comes to serious issues like asbestos, termites, or other hazards, it’s always best to call in the pros. Even if you’re an experienced DIYer, asbestos removal requires strict safety measures to make sure no harmful fibers are left behind in the air.
Even though most homeowners insurance policies won’t cover asbestos removal, having solid coverage still matters. Your policy can protect you if your home is damaged in an event that does uncover asbestos — like a storm or fire — as well as from countless other risks. Enter your ZIP code below to compare homeowners insurance quotes and make sure your coverage is giving you the protection you need.
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