Will my home insurance cover asbestos removal?

Finding asbestos in your home is never fun and, in most cases, the cost to remove it will fall to you as most standard homeowners policies exclude asbestos or other pollutants removal.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of six silicate minerals that occur naturally. It is made up of thin, microscopic fibers and it is known for its heat and chemical resistance properties as well as fireproofing. It was widely used in homes, up until the mid to late 1970s. 

Asbestos has been found to cause cancer and other diseases which led to it being banned for house building in most countries. If your home has asbestos in it, you should have it removed as it is a health hazard. Exposure to asbestos can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma or a separate lung disease called asbestosis.

Asbestos must be removed by a professional, it is never a DIY project. Unfortunately, most homeowner policies exclude asbestos mitigation so you will most likely have to cover the cost of removal. 

Does home insurance cover asbestos removal?

No, in most cases, a standard homeowners insurance policy will not cover the cost of asbestos removal. Homeowners insurance comes with an exclusion for pollution mitigation and asbestos falls into that category so you will have to cover the cost of the asbestos removal. 

However, if your home is damaged by a covered peril and the damage reveals or disturbs existing asbestos in your home, your insurer may cover the cost to mitigate the asbestos while making the repairs to your home. As an example, if a storm rips off your roof, revealing asbestos in your attic, your insurer may cover the cost of removing it while replacing your roof. 

Is asbestos dangerous to my family?

While all asbestos has the potential to cause serious illness, it generally isn’t a major problem unless it is damaged or disturbed which sends particles into the air that get inhaled. If the asbestos in your home is in good condition and is in an area where it will not be disturbed, it is less likely to cause heath issues. However, in most cases, if you discover asbestos in your home, it is best to have it removed. 

Where is asbestos most common?

Asbestos is most common in houses built before the 1980’s. Here are a few of the most common places that asbestos is found:

• Boiler, steam pipe, or furnace: Asbestos tape and blankets were common coverings for pipes and furnaces. 
• Floor tiles: Some floor tiles may have a backing or use adhesive that contains asbestos.
• Wall and ceiling sprays: Some decorative wall and ceiling sprays including textured paints often had asbestos in them. 
• Insulation: Some insulation, particularly in homes built between 1930 and 1950 may have asbestos in it.

How can I check for asbestos?

In most cases, searching your home for asbestos should be done by a professional. You can disturb the asbestos if you are unfamiliar with it and how to deal with hazardous materials. If you suspect you have asbestos in your home for any reason, particularly if it was built before 1980, you may want to have a professional asbestos contractor come out and have a look.

If your home was built before 1980 and you are considering a renovation that will demo parts of your home you may want to have an asbestos inspection done before you get started as any type of demolition can disturb asbestos and send it into the air. 

How do I remove asbestos?

In almost all situations, you should hire a professional to remove any asbestos you find in your home. The EPA has issued warnings against dusting, sweeping, or even touching anything you suspect is asbestos. Once asbestos is disturbed it can end up in the air and be inhaled by your or family members. 

A professional will completely seal off the area, wear a hazardous materials suit when dealing with the asbestos and make sure it removed properly and safely. They will also dispose of the asbestos in the required manner. 

While asbestos mitigation can be expensive, it can literally be a lifesaver for you and your family.