Does Commercial Building Insurance Cover Asbestos Removal?
Despite asbestos being banned from new buildings in the UK in 1999, that doesn’t mean it vanished from our shores altogether. In fact, commercial properties built during the 1960s and 70s – such as offices, factories, and industrial buildings – often contain asbestos in some form or another. And due to the active nature of these properties, this asbestos very often needs to be removed.
This leads to a critical question: is asbestos removal covered by a commercial property’s building insurance, or do asbestos removal contractors need their own specialist asbestos insurance cover? In this blog, we’ll explore the ins and outs of asbestos insurance and provide guidance for contractors who work in asbestos removal.
Understanding the Risks & Implications of Asbestos
For those not in the know, asbestos is a group of fibrous minerals that don’t dissolve in water or evaporate. What’s more, these fibres are also resistant to heat, fire, and chemical and biological degradation. It’s these qualities that made asbestos so prevalent in construction during certain periods in the 1960s and 70s, providing a strong source of insulation and fire resistance. However, it’s also these very same qualities that cause asbestos to pose such a risk to our health.
When disturbed and released into the air, asbestos fibres can easily be inhaled. Once in the lungs, it’s very difficult to break these fibres down, which can lead to potentially serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. It’s no surprise then that the removal of asbestos is an essential process for many commercial properties.
How to Have Asbestos Removed from a Commercial Property
Removing asbestos is a delicate and complex process that requires specialised knowledge and equipment. It involves several steps including an initial asbestos survey, sealing off the affected areas, and using specific methods and tools to safely remove the asbestos-containing materials. Given the hazardous nature of asbestos, this is not a DIY task. Instead, professionals are required to undertake the work, with their own specialist asbestos insurance providing coverage in case anything goes wrong.
The Coverage Gap in Standard Commercial Building Insurance
Typically, standard commercial building insurance policies do not include cover for asbestos insurance or removal. The reason is that asbestos removal is often viewed as a pollutant exclusion, which means it’s considered a general maintenance issue rather than a sudden and accidental event covered by insurance. As such, if a contractor were to remove asbestos from a property, it’s very unlikely they’d be able to rely on the commercial building insurance for cover. Instead, they would need to take out their own specialist asbestos removal insurance.
Bespoke Asbestos Removal Insurance from Higos
At Higos, we understand the unique risks associated with asbestos removal and offer tailored asbestos insurance solutions. If you’re a contractor specialising in asbestos removal, we have the expertise to ensure you’re adequately covered. We’ll take the time to understand the exact requirements you face and tailor you a policy to match.
Are you interested in learning more about our asbestos and asbestos removal insurance policies? Get in touch today on 01458 675631. Our commercial insurance team are always on hand to help and answer any questions you might have. For asbestos insurance, it has to be Higos.