Does home insurance cover asbestos?

Home insurance will not cover the costs for anything asbestos related. The only exception is if it’s needed as part of a broader claim.

Nicola Middlemiss's headshot

By

Nicola Middlemiss

Updated

Fact checked

Start comparing

Key takeaways

  • If you need to remove asbestos from your home or you've been affected by asbestos, home insurance will not cover you for this.
  • You would only be covered if the asbestos removal is occurring as part of a broader claim.
  • Asbestos is very dangerous and you should do all you can to avoid exposure, even if home insurance can't help you.

Why doesn't home insurance cover asbestos?

Asbestos is in around one third of Aussie homes. If home insurance companies paid for asbestos removal in all of them, premiums would skyrocket. So instead, insurance companies generally rule out any asbestos-related costs.

There is one exception to this. If part of your home needs to be repaired due to a different claim that has been accepted, your insurance company should cover the proper removal of this asbestos. However, they'll only remove the asbestos from the area of the home that needs repairs.

How can I protect my home from asbestos?

If you think you've got asbestos in your home, don't immediately panic. As long as it's left undisturbed, asbestos is relatively harmless. However, if you have a home which was built before 1990 or are thinking about buying a home from that period, you should get an asbestos survey from a licensed assessor. It may even be a government requirement before any renovation or demolition.

Safely removing asbestos is complicated and highly regulated. You'll need to get a licensed builder in to do the work and dispose of it legally. It is far too dangerous, and there are massive penalties, if you skip this step.

FAQs

Sources

Nicola Middlemiss's headshot
Journalist

Nicola Middlemiss is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance and insurance. She has contributed to Domain, Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine and Insurance Business Australia, offering in-depth insights into commercial insurance in the Australian market. Nicola holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Leeds and a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification, which complies with ASIC standards. See full bio

Nicola's expertise
Nicola has written 251 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Personal finance
  • Personal insurance, including car, health, home, life, pet and travel insurance
  • Commercial business insurance
More resources on Finder

Get rewarded $$ for switching with Finder Rewards

Find a better deal, save on your bills and get a free gift card. Sign up to be the first to hear about new Finder Rewards.

Ask a question

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms Of Service and Finder Group Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

More guides on Finder

  • How useful is a home insurance calculator?

    A home insurance calculator can give you a rough estimate on the value of your home and contents. But is that what you really want? Find out how to not underinsure or overinsure your home.
  • Home insurance for water damage

    Find out how home insurance can cover water damage and how to avoid some of the pitfalls. 
  • Landlord insurance vs home insurance

    Landlord insurance offers much more than just home insurance because it also protects your property as a business.
  • Accidental damage insurance

    Your guide to taking out accidental damage cover for your home.

  • Home insurance QLD

    Compare home insurance providers in Queensland. Protect your home from cyclones, floods, fire and more.
  • Home Insurance Victoria

    Be ware of the unique risks faced by Victorian homeowners. Discover how to find a home insurance policy that gives you the cover you really need with this handy guide.

  • Phone insurance – all you need to know

    With a variety of insurance options to protect your mobile phone, here's what you need to know.
  • Bushfire insurance

    Compare policies that cover bushfires, including smoke damage and accommodation due to evacuation.
  • Best home insurance Australia

    What you need to know about finding the best home insurance for you. Compare policies and learn what questions to ask when researching insurance policies.

  • Compare building insurance

    Building insurance covers your home structure only, not the contents inside. Learn more about what is covered, what isn’t covered and compare your options today.
Go to site