Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Asbestos Removal?

Key Takeaways

Home insurance doesn’t cover asbestos removal because it’s considered a maintenance issue and a pollutant, two common exclusions in standard policies.

Asbestos is a hazardous mineral once commonly used in building materials, requiring licensed professionals, specialized equipment and strict regulatory compliance to remove.

To handle asbestos safely, avoid DIY work and hire licensed professionals to inspect, encapsulate, enclose or remove it.

Is Asbestos Removal Covered by Home Insurance?

Homeowners insurance doesn't cover asbestos removal in most cases. Insurers classify asbestos as a pollutant, and standard policies exclude pollution-related cleanup. Insurance companies also treat asbestos remediation as a maintenance issue rather than sudden or accidental damage.

But coverage exceptions exist. If a covered peril like fire or storm damage disturbs asbestos-containing materials, your policy may cover removal as part of the larger repair claim.

Review your specific policy or contact your insurer to understand your coverage. Compare the best home insurance companies to find one that suits your needs and offers comprehensive coverage options.

When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Asbestos Removal?

Homeowners insurance provides financial protection for asbestos removal only if it's exposed or disturbed due to a covered peril. In these cases, asbestos remediation is included as part of the larger repair process, depending on your policy and insurer. Consult your insurance provider to find out what your home insurance covers regarding asbestos removal.

Fire damage

A house fire can damage walls, ceilings or insulation, exposing asbestos-containing materials. If fire is a covered peril in your policy, removal of the disturbed asbestos could be included in the claim.

Wind or hail damage

Strong winds or hail can tear through roofing or siding materials that contain asbestos. If the storm damage is covered, your insurer could also cover asbestos remediation as part of structural repairs.

Falling objects (e.g., trees)

A fallen tree or debris from a storm can break open asbestos-insulated areas in the home. If the incident is sudden and covered, asbestos removal related to the impact could be reimbursed.

Vandalism

Intentional destruction of property can damage materials that contain asbestos. If your policy covers vandalism, the cleanup and safe removal of exposed asbestos could be part of the settlement.

Water or snow damage

Water from a burst pipe or heavy snow can damage ceilings or walls and disturb asbestos-laden materials. If the water damage itself is covered, the associated asbestos remediation could be as well.

Why Doesn’t Homeowners Insurance Cover Asbestos Removal?

Insurers treat asbestos remediation as a maintenance issue rather than sudden or accidental damage. Standard policies cover unexpected events like fires or storms, not ongoing property upkeep or pre-existing conditions.

Asbestos removal is also expensive and complex. Including it in standard coverage would make it difficult for providers to keep home insurance affordable because premiums would rise across the board.

Homes built before the 1980s often have asbestos in insulation, floor tiles and roofing materials. Undisturbed asbestos poses minimal health risk, so insurers don't cover proactive or preventive removal. Coverage applies only when a covered peril disturbs the material and makes removal necessary for safe repairs.

How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost?

Asbestos removal costs vary widely based on your home's specifics and contamination extent. Removal requires strict safety measures and specialized handling. Only licensed professionals should do this work.

Type of material being removed

Asbestos appears in multiple materials, including insulation, floor tiles, roofing and pipe wrap. Some materials are more difficult and hazardous to remove, requiring more time and resources.

Size and location of the contaminated area

Larger or hard-to-reach areas, such as attics or behind walls, require more labor and equipment. The scope and accessibility of the affected space impact overall cost.

Disposal and labor costs in your area

Local regulations and labor rates affect the price of asbestos removal. Disposal of hazardous materials like asbestos must follow strict environmental guidelines, which increases costs.

Extent of damage or degradation

If the asbestos-containing materials are already crumbling or severely damaged, more intensive containment procedures are required. This adds complexity and can increase the time and resources needed for safe removal.

To get an accurate estimate, consult licensed asbestos abatement contractors in your area. Contractors can assess your home and provide detailed pricing.

WHY IS ASBESTOS REMOVAL EXPENSIVE?

Professional requirements drive costs higher, and disposal adds significant expense. Only licensed asbestos abatement contractors can legally remove asbestos in most states. These professionals undergo specialized training, carry specific insurance and follow EPA regulations, all of which increase labor costs compared to standard contractors.

Asbestos waste also can't go to regular landfills. Contractors must transport it to EPA-approved hazardous waste facilities, which charge premium disposal fees. Transportation and disposal can account for 20% to 30% of total removal costs.

How to Deal With Asbestos Removal

Never attempt DIY asbestos removal. Self-removal creates serious health risks and violates regulations in most states. Licensed asbestos abatement professionals have specialized training, equipment and insurance to handle removal safely and legally.

Asbestos-containing materials are difficult to identify without proper testing. Hire a professional asbestos inspector to test questionable materials. Don't attempt your own testing, as sample collection releases dangerous fibers into the air, exposing you and your family to health risks.

1
Leave undisturbed asbestos alone
Don't touch asbestos materials if they're intact and unlikely to be disturbed. Any removal attempt releases fibers into the air.
2
Encapsulate the asbestos
Encapsulation seals asbestos fibers by covering the material's surface. This works only for materials in good condition that aren't soft or crumbly. Skip this if the material has started breaking down.
3
Enclose it
Cover or enclose the asbestos with a protective barrier, such as a sleeve over insulated pipes or new flooring over asbestos tiles.
4
Hire a pro
Homeowners insurance doesn't cover asbestos removal. Don't try this yourself. Licensed professionals have the training and equipment to encapsulate, enclose or remove asbestos safely.

Alternatives if Your Policy Doesn't Cover Asbestos Removal

Asbestos removal can cost several thousand dollars. Since homeowners insurance rarely covers it, you'll need other funding sources.

Review these options that make professional removal more affordable:

Local or state programs: Some states and cities offer grants, tax credits or low-interest loans for asbestos removal in older homes. Check with your local housing authority or environmental agency.
Contractor payment plans: Many licensed asbestos removal companies offer financing or installment plans to spread costs over time.
Home equity loan or HELOC: If you have home equity, use it to finance asbestos removal. HELOCs usually have lower interest rates than credit cards or personal loans.
Personal loans: Unsecured personal loans are another option, though rates are usually higher than HELOCs. Compare lenders to find competitive terms.

Signs You Might Have Asbestos in Your Home

Asbestos was commonly used in residential construction materials before the 1980s for its heat resistance and durability. The federal government has banned or phased out many asbestos products, but older homes can still contain it in hidden areas.

Only professional testing can confirm asbestos presence:


Popcorn Ceilings and Textured Paint	Rough, bumpy finishes on ceilings or walls in homes built before the 1980s
Vinyl Floor Tiles and Adhesives	Nine-inch or 12-inch vinyl tiles, often in basements or kitchens, with dark mastic glue beneath
Pipe and Boiler Insulation	White or gray fibrous or brittle insulation wrapping around pipes, furnaces or boilers
Roofing and Siding Shingles	Older cement or asphalt shingles cracking, brittle or breaking apart
Ceiling Tiles and Acoustic Panels	Lightweight, fibrous tiles (often in basements or attics) sagging or yellowing with age
Wallboard and Joint Compound	Drywall or patched walls in older homes cracking or crumbling when disturbed
Pipe Wrapping and Duct Tape	Cloth-like tape or layered insulation on HVAC systems or pipes producing dust when deteriorating

Does Homeowners Insurance Pay for Asbestos Removal: Bottom Line

Homeowners insurance excludes asbestos removal in most cases. You can get coverage if a covered peril like fire or storm damage disturbs the asbestos, making removal part of the repair process.

Don't attempt asbestos work yourself. Hire licensed professionals for inspection and removal. These professionals have the training and equipment to handle it safely and meet regulatory requirements.

Asbestos Removal and Homeowners Insurance: FAQ

Have questions about how insurance applies to asbestos or what actions to take if it's found in your home? We answer common concerns:

Does homeowners insurance ever cover asbestos removal?

Yes, but only if the asbestos is disturbed due to a covered peril, such as fire, wind damage or vandalism. Standard policies exclude asbestos pollution unless tied to an insured event.

Can I remove asbestos from my home myself?

No. Don't try to remove asbestos from your home yourself. Asbestos removal is hazardous and regulated. Improper handling causes health risks. Always hire certified professionals.

Is it safe to leave asbestos in place?

Yes. Undisturbed asbestos in good condition poses minimal risk. Encapsulation or enclosure is often safer and cheaper than removal.

Why is asbestos excluded from homeowners insurance?

It's classified as a pollutant, which is a common exclusion from most standard home insurance policies. Cleanup costs are also high and considered maintenance.

Does homeowners insurance cover asbestos testing?

No, homeowners insurance doesn't cover asbestos testing. Insurers classify testing as a maintenance issue, similar to routine inspections. You'll pay out of pocket for a licensed professional to inspect and test suspected materials. Testing costs vary by location and the number of samples collected.

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About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

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sources

EPA. "Asbestos Frequently Asked Questions." Accessed June 2, 2025.