Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Asbestos Removal?
When it comes to maintaining a safe home, asbestos removal is an important consideration, especially for older properties. Asbestos, once a popular building material, is now known to pose serious health risks if disturbed.
Many homeowners are curious about whether their insurance will cover the cost of asbestos removal. With more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, I can guide you through what is typically covered and what might not be, helping you make informed decisions about your coverage. Keep reading to learn more about how homeowners insurance handles asbestos removal.
Key Takeaways
A regular home insurance policy usually doesn’t cover asbestos removal, also known as asbestos abatement.
If a covered event, like a storm, causes asbestos to be exposed, your insurance might cover the cost of its removal or sealing during the repair process.
Home insurance could also cover asbestos if it becomes disturbed due to a covered event, such as vandalism.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Asbestos Removal?
Whether or not asbestos removal is covered by your homeowners insurance depends on how the asbestos was found, the condition of your home, and the insurance company you’re with.
Although asbestos exposure is a serious health risk, most home insurance policies do not cover asbestos removal. This is because it falls under “pollution coverage,” which most insurance companies exclude. If asbestos is found due to normal wear and tear, it won’t be covered by your home insurance.
However, if asbestos is discovered because your home was damaged by a covered event, like a fire or storm, your homeowners insurance may cover some or all of the costs for asbestos removal.
What Is Asbestos And When Is It Dangerous?
Asbestos is a material that was once commonly used in homes, especially in insulation, roofing, tiles, and pipes. It is made up of tiny, strong fibers that are heat-resistant. While asbestos itself isn’t harmful when it’s intact, it becomes dangerous if the materials containing it start to break down or get disturbed.
When the asbestos fibers are released into the air and are inhaled, they can cause serious health problems, like lung cancer, breathing issues, or a condition called asbestosis. This is why it’s important not to disturb old materials in your home that might contain asbestos, and to hire professionals if you need to remove or repair anything that could have asbestos in it.
Where Would Asbestos Be In My Home?
Asbestos can be found in various places in older homes, especially those built before the 1980s. Some common areas where asbestos may be present include:
- Insulation: Asbestos was often used in attic and wall insulation.
- Flooring: Vinyl tiles, linoleum, and adhesive used to install flooring may contain asbestos.
- Ceiling Tiles: Older textured or acoustic ceiling tiles may have asbestos.
- Roofing and Siding: Some shingles, roofing materials, and siding materials used asbestos for durability.
- Pipes and Boilers: Insulation around pipes, boilers, and ducts might contain asbestos.
- Wallboard and Joint Compound: Some older drywall and joint compound may have asbestos.
If your home is older and you suspect it might have asbestos, it’s important not to disturb any materials. If you’re planning to renovate, it’s best to have a professional inspect for asbestos.
Can I Remove Asbestos By Myself?
It is not safe to remove asbestos by yourself. Asbestos fibers can be harmful when they are disturbed and released into the air. Breathing in these fibers can cause serious health problems, including lung disease and cancer.
If you suspect you have asbestos in your home, it’s best to hire a professional who is trained and equipped to handle asbestos removal safely. They will follow proper procedures to remove and dispose of it without putting your health at risk.
Asbestos Removal Costs
The cost of removing asbestos can differ greatly based on where it’s located in your home and how much needs to be removed.
On average, asbestos removal can cost between $1,300 and $3,450, with some cases reaching up to $6,500.
If the removal involves the entire home, you could be looking at costs anywhere from $14,000 to $30,000. It’s a good idea to get multiple quotes from contractors before choosing the right one for your job.
The Verdict
Homeowners insurance typically does not cover asbestos removal. This is because asbestos removal falls under “pollution coverage,” which is often excluded from standard home insurance policies. However, if asbestos is discovered as a result of damage caused by a covered peril, like a fire or storm, your insurance may cover some or all of the removal costs.
It’s essential to review your policy and speak with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage and any additional options available for asbestos removal.
FAQs
Is asbestos considered a pollutant?
Yes, asbestos is considered a pollutant because it can cause serious health problems when its fibers are inhaled. When disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne, leading to potential exposure and health risks such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
What should I do if my insurance won’t cover asbestos removal?
If your insurance doesn’t cover asbestos removal, you can explore other options. Consider getting a few quotes from certified asbestos removal contractors to compare prices. You may also want to look into government programs or grants that could assist with the costs of removal, especially if it poses a significant health risk.
What dangers are there with disturbed asbestos drywall?
When asbestos-containing drywall is disturbed, it can release harmful asbestos fibers into the air. Breathing in these fibers can cause serious health issues over time, including lung diseases and cancers. It’s important to handle asbestos with care and seek professional help for removal or repair to avoid exposure.
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