Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Asbestos Removal?

Typically, homeowners' insurance does not cover the removal of contaminants like asbestos. If asbestos is discharged into your house due to a covered loss, however, some insurance carriers may cover the cost of removal and restoration.

When does homeowner's insurance cover asbestos removal?

Because home insurance policies exclude pollutants, asbestos removal is often not covered unless the asbestos was disturbed or exposed due to a covered risk. For example, suppose asbestos was exposed or disturbed due to a tree falling on your property, snow destroying your roof, or someone vandalizing your walls. In that case, your home insurance may pay the cost of asbestos remediation. The deductible wouldn't be included and up to the policy's limitations.

What is asbestos, and how toxic is it?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of soft, malleable fibers. The fibrous texture made it a popular building material, particularly for insulation, with the mineral's toughness and resistance to fire. Although asbestos use dates back to ancient times, it peaked in the United States between the 1930s and 1970s, and traces of it are still frequently discovered in residential and commercial structures erected during that period. Scientists researching the impacts of asbestos have released findings indicating that prolonged exposure to asbestos dust may result in cancer, mesothelioma, and other lung ailments. Asbestos offers little danger to you and your family if adequately sealed away. Only when asbestos is disturbed and particles are discharged into the air that remediation becomes necessary.

How can I know if my property contains asbestos?

Was your home constructed before 1980? If this is the case, it may contain asbestos residues. Due to asbestos's versatility, it was frequently used in a variety of ways, including:

• Residences' exterior siding
• Walls and attics insulation
• Roofing
• Floor tiles made of vinyl
• Tiles for the ceiling
• Pipe insulation
• Several types of paints and plasters
• In concrete
• Within the walls and floors immediately adjacent to wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, and boilers

Due to the difficulty of detecting asbestos without comprehensive testing, you should get professional assistance if you feel you have a problem. If the asbestos has not been revealed, the best course of action is to leave it alone. However, having it removed may provide you with additional peace of mind. Because asbestos removal costs are unlikely to be covered by your home's insurance, you'll need to consider whether you're willing to pay for remediation out of pocket.

Is it possible for me to remove asbestos on my own?

If you are attempting to remove asbestos on your own could result in catastrophic health consequences. You'll want to contact a professional asbestos abatement specialist. They are familiar with all applicable safety regulations and have the necessary tools and materials to safely remove and dispose of the pollution.