Asbestos removal is a critical, often costly, part of maintaining a safe home or workplace. If you’ve recently discovered asbestos in your building, you might be wondering if your insurance can help cover the expenses. In this article, we’ll break down what’s covered, what’s not, and how you can move forward with confidence.
Understanding Asbestos and Its Health Risks
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction, insulation, and various building materials throughout much of the 20th century. While it’s not a risk on its own, when disturbed, asbestos fibers can be inhaled, causing serious health problems like lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
Given these health risks, it’s important to remove asbestos from your home or workplace as soon as it’s discovered. But before jumping into the removal process, you need to understand whether your insurance will cover the costs involved.
Types of Insurance That Might Cover Asbestos Removal
Your insurance coverage for asbestos removal depends on the type of insurance you have and the situation in which asbestos is discovered.
Homeowners Insurance
In Canada, homeowners insurance may cover asbestos removal, but only in specific circumstances. Typically, if asbestos is discovered during the course of a covered event—like a fire, water damage, or storm—the cleanup and removal might be included in your claim. However, if the asbestos was already present before the damage occurred, it’s less likely that removal will be covered. Always check your policy or talk to your insurer for specifics.
Health Insurance
Health insurance in Canada won’t cover the cost of asbestos removal, but it can help with medical expenses related to asbestos exposure. If you’re diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, like mesothelioma, your health insurance can assist with treatments, doctor visits, and medications. Removal costs, however, are typically the homeowner’s responsibility.
Workers’ Compensation
If you were exposed to asbestos at work, workers’ compensation may cover your medical treatment and lost wages. However, this coverage doesn’t extend to the removal of asbestos in the workplace. It’s important to speak to your employer and your workers’ compensation representative to understand your rights if you’ve been exposed.
Specialized Asbestos Insurance
In some cases, homeowners may choose to purchase specialized asbestos insurance. This type of policy can cover removal and disposal, but it’s not part of standard insurance packages. If you live in an older home, it might be worth checking with your insurance provider to see if this type of coverage is available.
When Asbestos Removal Is Not Covered by Insurance
In many cases, asbestos removal is not covered by insurance. Here are the most common scenarios when insurance will not help:
Pre-existing Asbestos
If asbestos was present in your home or business before any damage occurred, your insurer is unlikely to cover its removal. Insurance is designed to cover damage caused by unforeseen events, not the long-term maintenance of your property. If you’re concerned about the presence of asbestos, it’s best to have it inspected and removed before any issues arise.
Negligence or Poor Maintenance
If asbestos was discovered because of neglect or poor maintenance on your part, it’s unlikely that your insurance will cover the cost of removal. Insurance companies expect property owners to maintain their homes and address hazards proactively. Failing to do so could result in a claim denial.
Home Renovations or DIY
If you’re planning a home renovation and discover asbestos, the cost of removing it may not be covered, especially if you decide to tackle the job yourself. DIY asbestos removal is risky and often not covered by insurance. Always hire a professional to ensure safe removal and to avoid jeopardizing your coverage.
Steps to Take When Asbestos Is Found
Finding asbestos can be alarming, but there are steps you can take to ensure the situation is handled safely and efficiently.
1. Contact a Professional
Asbestos removal is not a DIY job. Always contact a licensed asbestos abatement contractor to safely handle the removal. These professionals have the proper equipment and knowledge to protect you and your property.
2. Review Your Insurance Policy
Before proceeding with removal, review your insurance policy or speak to your insurer to understand your coverage. Make sure you know exactly what’s covered and whether you need to pay out-of-pocket for any part of the process.
3. Get Multiple Quotes
The cost of asbestos removal can vary significantly, so it’s a good idea to get multiple quotes from different contractors. Compare pricing and services to find the best deal. Keep in mind that some contractors may also help you with paperwork for insurance claims.
How to Save Money on Asbestos Removal
Asbestos removal can be expensive, but there are ways to reduce the financial burden.
Negotiate with Your Insurer
If you’re unsure whether your policy will cover asbestos removal, it’s worth negotiating with your insurer. If you’re dealing with a covered peril, you might be able to get a larger payout or request additional coverage for removal. Your insurer might not offer it upfront, so don’t hesitate to ask.
Look for Government Grants or Subsidies
In some provinces, there are government programs that provide financial assistance for asbestos removal, especially for low-income homeowners or those facing health risks. Check with your local government to see if you qualify for any grants or subsidies.
Choose the Right Contractor
When choosing a contractor for asbestos removal, it’s important to consider more than just the price. The experience, licensing, and insurance of the contractor are key to ensuring the job is done safely and in compliance with regulations. A reliable contractor will not only handle the removal process properly but will also assist you in navigating insurance claims.
For those living in Vancouver, Synchron Demolition is a trusted choice for professional asbestos removal services. We provide top-notch services in the following areas:
- Asbestos removal in East Vancouver
- Asbestos removal in West Vancouver
- Asbestos removal in North Vancouver
- Asbestos removal in Burnaby
With years of experience and a fully licensed, insured team, Synchron Demolition ensures safe, efficient removal of asbestos from your property. Whether you need residential or commercial asbestos removal, we are here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring peace of mind and compliance with all regulations.
Conclusion
Asbestos removal is essential for your safety and the safety of those around you. While insurance can help cover removal costs in some situations, it’s important to know when it won’t. Always review your insurance policy and consult with your insurer before beginning the removal process. By understanding your coverage options and taking the right steps, you can ensure a smooth and safe asbestos removal experience.
