Updated: November 10, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
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.
Usually, 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.
Coverage varies by insurer and policy terms, so compare the best home insurance companies to find one that suits your needs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 make it difficult for providers to keep home insurance affordable, as premiums would rise across the board.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Self-removal of asbestos poses serious health risks, so you must hire an asbestos removal expert. Licensed 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:
Don't touch asbestos-containing materials if they're intact and unlikely to be disturbed. Any removal attempt releases fibers into the air.
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 method if the material has started to degrade.
Cover or enclose the asbestos material with a protective barrier, such as a sleeve over insulated pipes or new flooring over asbestos tiles.
Homeowners insurance doesn't cover asbestos removal, but don't attempt this yourself. Licensed professionals have the training and equipment to encapsulate, enclose or remove asbestos safely.
Since homeowners insurance usually excludes asbestos removal, you'll need other ways to cover the cost. Here are options that can make professional remediation more affordable:
Local or state assistance programs: Some states and municipalities offer grants, tax credits or low-interest loans for asbestos abatement in older homes. Check with your local housing authority or environmental agency.
Payment plans from contractors: Many licensed asbestos removal companies provide financing or installment plans to spread costs over time.
Home equity loan or HELOC: If you have home equity, you can use it to finance asbestos removal. HELOCs typically offer lower interest rates than credit cards or personal loans.
Personal loans: Unsecured personal loans provide another financing option, though rates are usually higher than HELOCs. Compare lenders to find competitive terms.
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 |
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.
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:
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.
No, don't attempt this. Asbestos removal is hazardous and regulated. Improper handling can lead to health risks. Always hire certified professionals.
Yes, undisturbed asbestos in good condition poses minimal risk. Encapsulation or enclosure may be safer and more cost-effective alternatives to removal.
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.
No, standard homeowners insurance does not cover asbestos testing since it’s considered a maintenance issue. You’ll need to hire a licensed professional and pay out of pocket for testing.
Our Research Approach
Asbestos removal raises coverage questions because standard homeowners policies exclude it as a pollutant and maintenance issue. We gathered quotes from multiple insurers to show baseline policy costs, though actual asbestos-related claims depend on whether damage stems from a covered peril like fire or storm damage.
We created a sample homeowner profile representing typical policyholders in homes built around 2000 (when asbestos use had declined, but older building materials might still be present). The profile includes:
These baseline limits show what standard policies cost. For context on expensive homes, we also gathered quotes with higher limits: $1 million dwelling coverage, $500,000 personal property and $1 million liability coverage.
What this methodology tells you: Baseline policy costs and coverage structures across insurers. Asbestos removal costs thousands and typically falls outside these standard policies unless directly caused by covered damage.
What to ask your insurer: Whether your specific policy covers asbestos remediation tied to covered perils, and what documentation you'd need to file such a claim.
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!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
