Does homeowners insurance cover asbestos removal?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that's known for its extreme durability and resistance to fire, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Organization (OSHA). It was used in both commercial and industrial building materials due to its ability to insulate well.

Asbestos was discovered to be a carcinogen in the 1970s (linked to cancers like mesothelioma and other lung diseases after breathing in particles of the material) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enacted strict regulations that resulted in a sharp decline in use.

Asbestos removal is not typically covered by home insurance. There may be coverage in some insurance policies for remediation, for instance up to a certain dollar limit such as $10,000, for remediation due to a covered loss. Asbestos removal by itself without a covered insurance loss is not covered. So, if you are doing construction on a home that requires asbestos removal, you may need to pay out of pocket for remediation. Remediation includes special handling, debris removal and possibly testing. If that repair or removal is not related to a covered loss, that would not be something covered by your insurer. If the remediation is needed for repair or replacement from a covered loss, the remediation might be covered. Refer to your policy documents for information about what your particular homeowners insurance policy will cover.

Why aren’t asbestos removal and inspection covered by insurance?

Most home insurance policies have an exclusion for pollution, which includes things like chemical spills and asbestos. But the EPA notes that asbestos only poses safety issues when it's disturbed, and harmful fibers are released into the air. If you're renovating or remodeling an older home, call the professionals for an inspection.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), here are a few places asbestos can be found in older homes:

• House insulation in homes built between 1930 and 1950
• Attic insulation
• Cement roofing and siding shingles
• Plaster and some forms of paint
• Vinyl floor tiles and some forms of linoleum
• Some types of glue that attach floor tiles to wood or concrete
• Walls and floors surrounding wood-burning stoves

Because asbestos can break down into microscopically tiny pieces of fiber, it is incredibly dangerous, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. When these fibers are disturbed, they can remain airborne for multiple days. People living or working in these areas can unknowingly breathe asbestos fibers in, and due to their small size, the fibers can work their way deep into lung tissues. Over time, asbestos can damage the lungs, potentially leading to lung cancer, asbestosis (scarring) or mesothelioma.

The Minnesota Department of Health notes that if you’re exposed to asbestos, these factors help determine if you might experience harmful health effects:

• The amount of asbestos you’re exposed to
• The length of time you’re exposed
• How you’re exposed (eating, breathing or drinking)
• Other chemicals you may be exposed to

This is why it’s wise to consult an expert if you think you may have asbestos hiding somewhere in your home.

Removing asbestos can cost between $450 and $6,000, according to Angi.

What factors can affect the cost of asbestos removal?

Costs vary depending on the specifics of the particular job, explains Angi, such as the:

• Removal process
• Amount of asbestos present
• Repairs needed alongside the removal
• Size of the affected space

For example, Asbestos.com notes that there are different types of asbestos, and some are more dangerous than others. So, depending on which type of asbestos is present in your space and how much, you could be paying more or less than someone else seeking asbestos treatment due to the level of risk a worker is undertaking. Additionally, if you have a much larger affected area, you’re likely going to pay more for removal than someone with less square footage.

Considering the dangers of asbestos and the cost of removal, it’s recommended to have older homes inspected for asbestos before purchase.

Agitating areas in your house where asbestos may be lying dormant can pose a major health risk to you and your family members. Before starting DIY renovations, it’s best to have a licensed professional inspect your home first to determine if it contains asbestos.

Asbestos is a type of mineral that was used to build homes in the mid 1900s. It is not likely to pose any health risks if it remains undamaged or undisturbed, according to the EPA. However, it can cause serious health problems if it is stirred up and breathed in by humans.

Asbestos abatement and remediation are not generally covered by home insurance. However, due to the potential health risks, it’s important to have knowledgeable professionals inspect an older home before major work is done. If asbestos is present, it is best to have a trained expert address the problem, even if it means you paying for it out of pocket.