How does an insurance claim work on an asbestos roof?
Short answer. If storm damage hits a roof that contains asbestos, such as older asbestos cement shingles, the damage is handled like any other claim, but removal adds testing and abatement costs. Whether the policy pays for abatement depends on its pollutant exclusion and any ordinance or law coverage. Get a lab test before tear off and before the estimate is settled.
Which roofs may contain asbestos
- Asbestos cement shingles, the rigid, often gray or white shingles common on mid century homes.
- Some older roofing felts, mastics and flashing cements.
- Rarely, very old asphalt shingles.
You cannot tell by looking. A trained inspector takes a small sample and a lab confirms it.
How it changes the claim
- Damage is the trigger. Hail can crack cement shingles and wind can break them loose. That is covered like any roof storm damage, subject to your deductible.
- Removal becomes abatement. Asbestos removal is regulated by federal and state rules; in Georgia the Environmental Protection Division oversees asbestos abatement. Requirements can differ for homes and commercial buildings, so a qualified abatement contractor confirms what applies.
- Coverage for abatement varies. Many policies exclude pollutants, and insurers may argue asbestos falls under that exclusion. Others pay the extra cost as part of repairing covered damage, or under ordinance or law coverage when regulations require special handling.
- Matching is hard. Asbestos cement shingles are no longer made, so repairs rely on salvaged pieces or substitutes, which raises matching questions.
Practical steps
- Do not break, sand or pressure wash suspect material.
- Tell the adjuster you suspect asbestos so testing is part of the scope.
- Ask the insurer in writing whether abatement is covered and under which part of the policy.
- Keep the lab report with your claim file and your home records.