Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Asbestos Removal?

In general, homeowners insurance doesn't cover asbestos removal because asbestos is classified as a pollutant, which is excluded from most standard policies.

Coverage may apply if the asbestos is disturbed or exposed due to a covered peril, such as fire, wind, snow damage, vandalism or a falling tree.

For example, if storm damage exposes asbestos-containing materials in your roof or walls, your insurer may cover the remediation cost as part of the overall repair.

Since coverage depends on how the exposure occurred, review your policy details or speak with your insurer. If asbestos removal isn't covered, don't attempt to handle it yourself. Hire a licensed asbestos removal professional trained in proper containment and disposal to be safe.

Asbestos remediation is considered a maintenance issue, not sudden or accidental damage, from the insurer's perspective. Because asbestos removal can be complex and expensive, including it in standard coverage would raise premiums for all policyholders.

Also, asbestos is commonly found in homes built before the 1980s, often in insulation, floor tiles or roofing materials. It usually doesn't pose a health risk unless disturbed, which is why homeowners insurance companies don’t cover proactive or preventive removal.

Asbestos removal costs vary based on these factors:

• The type of material being removed
• The size and location of the contaminated area
• Disposal and labor costs in your area 

On average, homeowners pay between $1,160 and $3,040, with a national average of $2,080. More extensive projects or those requiring full-scale remediation can cost much more.

Because asbestos removal requires strict safety protocols, containment measures and proper disposal, it’s a task best left to licensed professionals. Attempting removal yourself can increase health risks and lead to contamination of your home.

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.

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.

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:

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.