Does homeowners insurance cover asbestos removal?

When may homeowners insurance cover asbestos removal?

Homeowners insurance policies typically exclude coverage for pollutants, so asbestos removal won't be covered unless the asbestos was disturbed or exposed by a covered peril.

For example, your homeowners insurance may cover the cost of asbestos remediation, minus any deductible and up to your policy's limits, if asbestos was exposed or disturbed by a tree falling on your house, snow damaging your roof, a pipe bursting, or someone vandalizing your walls.

What is asbestos, and why is it dangerous?

Asbestos is a natural mineral composed of soft, flexible fibers. The fibrous texture combined with the mineral's durability and resistance to fire made it a popular building material, particularly for insulation. The use of asbestos goes back to ancient times but saw its peak in the United States between the 1930s and 1970s, and traces of it are still commonly found in both houses and commercial properties that were built during that period.

Scientists studying the effects of asbestos have published research indicating that exposure to the dust from asbestos over time could lead to cancer, mesothelioma, and other lung diseases. According to the EPA, if asbestos is safely sealed away, it poses little threat to you and your family. It's generally when asbestos gets disturbed and particles are released into the air that you'll need to consider remediation.

Where can asbestos be found in your home?

If your home is on the older side and was built before 1980, there's a chance it may contain traces of asbestos. Before 1980, asbestos was typically used in various ways, such as:

• Exterior siding on homes
• Vermiculite attic and wall insulation
• Roofing and siding shingles
• Vinyl floor tiles and sheet flooring, plus adhesives for these
• Ceiling tiles
• Insulation, coating, coverings, or tape on hot water and steam pipes
• Asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets on walls and floors near wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, and boilers
• Certain paints and plasters and in cement

How to test for asbestos in your home

It can be difficult to detect asbestos without extensive testing, so if you suspect you have a problem, get a professional inspection. Check with your state's environmental agency or health department to see if they allow home asbestos tests. If you're unable to test for asbestos yourself, or if you come up with a positive result, it may not be prudent to perform any repair or removal on your own. Because of the danger that asbestos fibers present, consider working with licensed professionals to identify and remove any asbestos in your home.

Getting professional help for asbestos testing and removal

Attempting to remove asbestos on your own could pose serious health risks. Consider hiring a licensed specialist trained in asbestos abatement. Environmental consultants and contractors are two types of licensed professionals who help homeowners deal with asbestos testing and removal. They should know all the proper safety protocols involved and should have the tools and materials to remove and dispose of the pollutant safely.

How much is asbestos removal?

According to Angi, the range for asbestos removal is $1,190 to $3,254 and on average it costs $2,210. Costs vary due to several factors, including how much removal is required, the type of asbestos, and where it's located in the home.

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