Executive Summary
- Typically, asbestos abatement is not covered by standard home insurance policies; however, exceptions may apply.
- Most home insurance plans may help cover asbestos removal costs if the asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed by a covered peril, such as a fire, storm, broken pipes, etc.
- Homeowners should consult their insurance providers to understand specific policy details and confirm coverage.
- Regardless of insurance coverage, you should schedule professional ACM removal to ensure safety. You should choose experienced specialists with competitive pricing.
Understanding How Home Insurance Applies to Asbestos
Since asbestos is typically classified as a pollutant, most homeowners insurance policies usually exclude coverage for asbestos abatement; however, special circumstances may impact coverage potential For instance, if asbestos-containing materials like insulation, roofing materials, or flooring are disturbed due to a covered peril, such as a fire, storm, or vandalism, insurance companies may cover the cost of asbestos removal as part of the overarching insurance claim.
This guide can equip building owners with the necessary knowledge to navigate complex claims related to asbestos. Read through the considerations below to better understand what may or may not be covered. Still, it is essential to review your specific home insurance policy with your provider to accurately gauge the extent of coverage related to asbestos abatement.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a durable, heat-resistant mineral that occurs naturally. Historically, many types of asbestos have been used in common building materials, from insulation in steam pipes to ceiling tiles and vinyl flooring, due to its resilience. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are particularly common in homes built before the 1980s, due to recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations that have restricted their use in modern home construction.
In March 2024, EPA banned the use of chrysotile asbestos under the Toxic Substances Control Act—this was the only form of asbestos still imported into the United States. Nevertheless, homeowners and business owners should still consult qualified professionals before renovations to identify and manage any existing ACMs appropriately.
Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure
While ACMs are generally safe when undisturbed, they can pose health risks if agitated through damage, deterioration, or construction services, because the harmful fibers can release into the air. Inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers over extended periods can lead to health issues like lung disease. Some other potential health effects of asbestos are:
- Asbestosis
- Pleural disease
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
The conditions above are most common after significant exposure and may manifest as shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest discomfort, or fatigue. Having an environmental professional address asbestos materials can promote safety.
Common Locations of Asbestos in Homes
Some examples of places where asbestos is commonly found in older homes are:
- Pipe and attic insulation
- Shingles or cement roofing
- Linoleum or vinyl floor tiles
- Flooring adhesives and mastics
- Textured/popcorn ceilings
- Caulking, putties, and joint compounds
- Siding materials, such as asbestos cement siding
Identifying asbestos in your home can be a challenging task without the right tools and knowledge. Therefore, if you suspect the presence of ACMs, especially in older homes, it is advisable to consult certified professionals who can safely assess and remove these materials and carry out the restoration process.
Do Standard Home Insurance Policies Cover Asbestos Abatement?
No, standard home insurance policies generally exclude coverage for asbestos abatement, as asbestos is often classified as a pollution issue rather than sudden damage, which is the focus of home insurance. Nevertheless, this is not a hard-and-fast rule—insurance companies may handle this issue differently depending on what agitated the ACMs.
Typical Coverage and Exclusions
Some insurance policies may cover asbestos abatement and the restoration process if asbestos is released into the air due to a covered peril, such as:
- Damage from a fallen tree
- Vandalism
- Fires
- Storms or other severe weather conditions
However, asbestos removal costs resulting from the spread of asbestos fibers due to poor maintenance, a standard renovation, or remodel are typically not covered by home insurance and must be borne by the building owner. To gain clarity on asbestos-related coverage, property owners should verify specific details with their insurance provider and inquire about what constitutes a covered peril.
Why Asbestos Abatement Is Often Excluded
Homeowners insurance policies generally do not cover asbestos abatement because they often exclude a wide range of pollutants and contaminants, including asbestos, to conserve the insurance company’s resources. Nevertheless, some policies may offer asbestos removal coverage through an endorsement or rider; however, these options are not universally available and must be verified with the specific insurance company.
Exceptions That May Lead to Full or Partial Coverage
Although it is not typically offered for a standalone remediation job, home insurance may provide full or partial coverage for asbestos removal if it is linked to repairs resulting from specific insured events, such as storm damage.
As an example, suppose water damage from a covered peril causes asbestos-containing materials, such as pipe wrap or vinyl floor tiles, to get wet. In that case, an insurance policy may cover the cost of asbestos remediation as part of the total repair claim, especially if the ACM removal is essential for completing the other aspects of the restoration process.
Depending on the scenario, some insurance companies will only provide partial coverage for asbestos removal costs up to a specific dollar limit, even if it is part of the expenses incurred due to a covered loss. Similarly, some insurance providers only cover the costs for asbestos encapsulation rather than full-scale abatement.
Opt for Professional Asbestos Abatement
When dealing with asbestos, it is essential to hire licensed specialists who possess the necessary equipment and training to remove and dispose of ACMs safely. Doing so will ensure compliance with all relevant local and federal regulations and safeguard the health of inhabitants.
Some companies, like Alpha Environmental, can go beyond their construction contracts and assist their clients with complex claims by communicating directly with the insurance provider. During this mediation process, a trained professional can supply helpful documentation of damages that substantiate your claim and increase your chances of achieving fair compensation, assuming your home insurance policy covers the asbestos-related remediation under an overarching property claim, such as vandalism or other similar events.
How to Confirm a Restoration Company’s Credentials
Certified asbestos abatement contractors will be listed by their relevant state organization or given a license number that can be used to verify their qualifications. For example, Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) lists Alpha Environmental as a reliable, licensed asbestos abatement contractor, informing property owners that our restoration company will ensure compliance with safety standards.
Health and Legal Implications of DIY Asbestos Removal
Although federal regulations in the United States do not explicitly prohibit homeowners from removing asbestos themselves, it is not recommended, even if they lack insurance coverage and are trying to save money. EPA strongly advises hiring professionals for asbestos removal to minimize health-related risks and costly cleanup expenses that can accompany improper handling and removal of ACMs.
The cost of asbestos removal may be cheaper with do-it-yourself (DIY) approaches, but professional asbestos removal is indisputably more reliable and effective. Unlike many DIYers, an experienced team has specialized equipment and training that can help guarantee contamination and cleanup are handled correctly during complex projects.
Importance of Professional Assessment
Before potential ACMs are removed, a professional asbestos survey conducted by a certified asbestos inspector is essential to accurately determine the presence of asbestos in your home. Professionals have access to advanced technology and can implement time-tested sampling methods, such as dust sampling, to safely collect and test suspected ACMs without disturbing them and releasing fibers into the air.
After receiving the test results from an accredited laboratory, an expert can provide helpful guidance on whether repair or removal is required, taking into account health concerns and federal, state, and local regulations. This will ultimately ensure that any subsequent actions are both safe and effective.
Consulting Your Insurance Provider
Since most insurance companies typically do not cover asbestos costs, as asbestos removal is generally viewed as a maintenance issue, homeowners should consult with their insurance provider to understand the specifics of coverage related to asbestos abatement, especially if the situation involves a separate covered peril, such as water damage.
Reviewing and Understanding Your Policy
Each insurance policy may have different coverages and exceptions—many do not cover a wide range of maintenance issues, such as asbestos removal. So, you should carefully review the specific terms in your policy to determine what is included. Speaking with your insurance provider can also help clarify any confusing aspects of your policy and give you insight into coverage options based on specific scenarios.
Asking About Asbestos-Specific Policy Riders
It is worth inquiring with your insurance provider to see if you can purchase a policy endorsement or rider that provides coverage for asbestos removal. The availability of asbestos-specific policy riders varies, as not every insurance company offers them. If it is offered, obtaining specialized coverage for asbestos abatement might require additional premium costs.
Alpha Environmental Makes Asbestos Abatement Affordable, Regardless of Insurance Coverage
Even if insurance companies do not cover the removal of asbestos-containing materials, it is essential not to cut corners or attempt DIY removal of these materials. Relying on a professional for asbestos abatement is strongly recommended to promote safety and proper handling.
Alpha Environmental brings over two decades of experience in asbestos abatement to the greater Portland, Oregon area. We offer comprehensive asbestos services, from inspection and removal to restoration, that are safe and dependable. Our licensed professionals adhere to strict safety standards to effectively manage asbestos in both residential and commercial properties.
As an experienced restoration company, we recognize that home insurance policies may not always cover asbestos-related work, so we offer affordable solutions to meet our clients’ needs, regardless of their insurance coverage. Our commitment to quality service and client satisfaction makes us a trusted choice for asbestos abatement in the Pacific Northwest.
Schedule a consultation with Alpha Environmental to get competitively priced asbestos abatement services that promote accessibility.
