Home insurance policies widely vary in their coverage and the specific items they’ll cover. Owners with homes built between the 1930s and 1980s will often ask: Does homeowners insurance cover asbestos removal?
If you’re curious about home owners insurance and how it might apply to asbestos removal you’re not alone!
Before determining if your insurance covers its removal, a good place to start is learning more about what asbestos is.
Asbestos is a construction material that was once used to manufacture everything from insulation to flooring tiles. Because of its fiber strength and resistance to fire, it was considered to be an excellent material and used in many products found in American-built homes from the 1930’s through the 1980’s. It was later determined that asbestos can be very hazardous to humans. It can potentially cause a range of health problems from mesothelioma and other forms of lung cancers.
In most cases, asbestos in the home is not dangerous if it remains undisturbed. However, during renovations or if damaged during a storm or fire, asbestos fibers can become airborne, posing a serious health hazard when inhaled.
Free Home Insurance Comparison - Save up to 30%
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.
No Signup required
Those living in homes built during the era mentioned above will ask: Is asbestos removal covered by home insurance?
Most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover the removal of asbestos as a stand-alone claim. This is because asbestos in good condition is not considered a sudden or accidental problem, which is the type of event typically covered by homeowners insurance. Instead, it’s often classified as a maintenance issue or a pre-existing condition—both of which are generally excluded from coverage.
Insurance companies view the presence of asbestos as a known risk in older homes, and policies are written with the expectation that homeowners are responsible for regular upkeep and the safety of their property. As a result, routine removal or remediation of asbestos—such as part of a renovation—is almost always considered the homeowner’s responsibility.
While standard policies exclude asbestos removal, coverage may be offered if asbestos contamination results from a covered peril. For example:
However, insurers usually cover only the costs directly related to restoring the home to its previous condition. They won’t pay to remove asbestos from undamaged parts of the home.
Free Home Insurance Comparison - Save up to 30%
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.
No Signup required
While there may not be a proper asbestos removal insurance product available, there are endorsements and riders available from some insurance companies that you can add to your plan. These will provide limited coverage for environmental hazards, including asbestos.
Protections like these are not standard and often come with strict conditions and low coverage limits. Typically they are found in commercial real estate insurance plans, but your insurance company may offer something similar for your home.
