In most cases, homeowners insurance does not cover asbestos removal. Asbestos is classified as a pollutant, and pollution-related cleanup is excluded from standard policies. Insurers also view asbestos remediation as a maintenance issue, not the result of sudden or accidental damage.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Asbestos Removal?
Updated: August 3, 2025
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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.
Once used in building materials, asbestos is a hazardous mineral and classified pollutant, and removing it can cost thousands due to the need for licensed professionals, specialized equipment and strict safety regulations.
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?
When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Asbestos Removal?
Homeowners insurance may provide financial protection for asbestos removal, but only if it’s exposed or disturbed due to a covered peril. In these cases, asbestos remediation may be included as part of the larger repair process, depending on your policy and insurer. Review your policy and consult your insurance provider for coverage details specific to your situation.
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 may 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 may 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 may 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 may 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 may be as well.
Why Doesn’t Homeowners Insurance Cover Asbestos Removal?
Insurers consider asbestos remediation a maintenance issue, not sudden or accidental damage. Because asbestos removal can be complex and expensive, including it in standard coverage would raise premiums for all policyholders.
Additionally, asbestos is commonly found in homes built before the 1980s, often in insulation, floor tiles or roofing materials. It doesn't pose a health risk unless disturbed, which is why insurers don't cover proactive or preventive removal.
How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost?
The cost of asbestos removal varies widely depending on your home's specifics and the extent of contamination. Because removal involves strict safety measures and specialized handling, it’s a job that should only be done by licensed professionals.
Here are a few factors that affect the cost of asbestos removal:
Type of Material Being Removed
Asbestos can be found in various 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. They can assess your home and provide detailed pricing based on your specific situation.
How to Deal With Asbestos Removal
Self-removal of asbestos poses serious health risks. You must hire an asbestos removal expert. These professionals know all relevant safety measures and have the necessary equipment and supplies to extract and dispose of asbestos safely.
If asbestos-containing materials aren't properly labeled, they're hard to identify. A professional asbestos inspector can test questionable items for asbestos content. Never conduct your own asbestos testing; sample collection can release asbestos fibers into the air.
If you choose not to have the material tested, assume that it contains asbestos and take these precautionary measures:
- 1
Leave the Contaminated Substance Alone
Leave the substance alone if it's not disturbed or expected to be disturbed. Any removal effort increases the likelihood of asbestos being released into the air.
- 2
Encapsulate the Affected Material
Encapsulation prevents asbestos fibers from becoming airborne by covering the surface of asbestos-containing materials. Use this method only if the substance is in good condition and is neither soft nor crumbly. Don't use this method for materials that have already begun to degrade.
- 3
Enclose the Asbestos-Containing Material
Enclose or cover the asbestos-containing material. Covering means placing something over or around asbestos-containing components, such as a sleeve over asbestos insulation products or a new floor over asbestos-tiled flooring.
- 4
Hire a professional
Homeowners insurance doesn't cover asbestos removal, but this isn't a DIY job. Leave this task to the specialists. Encapsulation and enclosing asbestos-containing materials should be performed by trained and licensed personnel.
Where Is Asbestos Found In Homes?
Asbestos was commonly used in residential construction materials before the 1980s due to its heat resistance and durability. Many products have since been banned or phased out, but older homes may still contain asbestos in hidden or overlooked areas. Identifying these materials can be difficult without professional testing.
- Insulation: Commonly found around pipes, boilers, ducts or attics in older homes.
- Floor Tiles and Adhesives: Vinyl tiles and the mastic used to install them may contain asbestos.
- Roofing and Siding Shingles: Asphalt or cement shingles installed before asbestos bans may still be present.
- Ceiling Tiles and Textured Paint: Popcorn ceilings and acoustic tiles may have asbestos used for fire resistance.
- Wallboard and Joint Compound: Older drywall and patching products may include asbestos fibers.
- Pipe Wrapping and Duct Tape: Asbestos-based materials were often used to insulate pipes and HVAC components.
Where to Buy Homeowners Insurance
Many reputable insurance companies, such as State Farm and GEICO, offer homeowners coverage. You can also buy homeowners insurance from smaller insurers such as Lemonade and Hippo. Coverage costs around $175 per month.
However, costs may differ depending on the insurance provider and the number of items you own. So shop around and compare home insurance policies.
To estimate how much coverage you'll need, use MoneyGeek’s personal property calculator below.
Personal Property Coverage Calculator
When figuring out how much renters insurance you need, experts recommend the standard $100,000 in liability insurance and enough personal property protection to cover your possessions. Use MoneyGeek's calculator to estimate the value of your possessions so you know how much personal property coverage to buy.
clothing & accessories
Clothes, shoes, bags, belts, hats, gloves, etc.
Does Homeowners Insurance Pay for Asbestos Removal: Bottom Line
While homeowners insurance generally excludes asbestos removal, exceptions exist when asbestos is disturbed due to a covered peril. To understand your coverage, review your policy and consult your insurer. Always hire licensed professionals for asbestos inspection and abatement for safety and compliance.
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? Here are helpful answers to 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 attempt this. Asbestos removal is hazardous and regulated. Improper handling can lead to health risks. Always hire certified professionals.
Is it safe to leave asbestos in place?
Yes, if it's undisturbed and in good condition. Encapsulation or enclosure may be safer and more cost-effective alternatives to removal.
How do I know if something in my home contains asbestos?
Only certified inspectors can safely collect and test materials for asbestos. If you suspect it, treat it as contaminated and consult an expert.
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.
Asbestos Removal Insurance: Our Review Methodology
MoneyGeek analyzed quotes from multiple insurance providers across the U.S. using a profile that reflects the average homeowner. By considering different locations and companies, we provide a reliable estimate of how much homeowners pay and show why they should compare rates.
Homeowner Profile
For our analysis, we created a sample homeowner profile with the following characteristics:
- Good credit score (769 to 792)
- Home constructed in 2000
- Wood-frame construction
- Composite shingle roof
Homeowners Insurance Coverage Details
Unless otherwise specified, we used the following coverage limits to collect quotes for our comparison:
- $250,000 in dwelling coverage
- $125,000 in personal property coverage
- $200,000 in personal liability coverage
- $1,000 deductible
We also compiled data for policies with broader coverage to determine the best companies for insuring expensive homes, increasing limits to $1 million in dwelling coverage, $500,000 in personal property coverage and $1 million in liability coverage.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like 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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
- EPA. "Asbestos Frequently Asked Questions." Accessed June 2, 2025.