Asbestos Removal Insurance is essential for businesses and contractors involved in the identification, handling, removal, transport, or disposal of asbestos-containing materials. This typically includes:
Licensed asbestos removalists (Class A and Class B)
Demolition and strip-out contractors undertaking asbestos works
Building and maintenance contractors performing asbestos remediation
Contractors involved in asbestos transport and disposal
Businesses engaged in site remediation or decontamination works
Even where asbestos removal is only part of your operations, standard public liability policies often exclude asbestos-related risks. Having specialist cover in place is critical to protecting your business and maintaining compliance.
Asbestos removal presents unique exposures that require carefully structured insurance. Common risks include:
Allegations of asbestos fibre release causing third-party exposure or illness
Contamination of neighbouring properties or areas outside the approved work zone
Injury to workers or the public during removal or site works
Transport or disposal incidents involving asbestos-containing waste
Regulatory investigations, improvement notices, or prosecutions following an incident
Without appropriate insurance, these events can result in significant legal costs, clean-up expenses, and long-term financial strain. We’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen.
To illustrate the types of risks asbestos removal contractors face, here are examples of claims Tudor Insurance has assisted with:
Fire door replacement in a public hospital: A door containing asbestos was accidentally punctured during removal. While no fibres were actually released, the site was shut down for two days and required clearance before resuming. Clean-up and associated costs of approximately $75,000 were covered under the insured’s Asbestos Liability Policy.
Transport incident involving asbestos-containing material (ACM): A vehicle carrying ACM to a registered disposal site was involved in an accident, dispersing asbestos across the accident site. Standard motor vehicle policies did not cover clean-up, but the insured’s Asbestos Liability Policy covered costs of $25,000 for site remediation.
Specialist Asbestos Removal Insurance can be structured to include a range of covers, depending on the nature of your work and contractual obligations:
Public and Products Liability: Provides cover for third-party injury or property damage arising from your asbestos removal activities, including incidents occurring after works are completed, where asbestos exposure is alleged.
Asbestos Liability Extension: Specifically addresses asbestos-related risks that are commonly excluded under standard liability policies, including claims involving airborne fibres, contamination, or exposure.
Environmental Impairment or Pollution Liability: Covers unintentional pollution or contamination events, including clean-up costs, third-party claims, and associated legal expenses.
Professional Indemnity Relevant where advice, reporting, or certification forms part of your services, such as clearance sign-offs or compliance documentation.
Defence and Legal Costs: Covers legal expenses associated with defending claims, responding to regulatory investigations, or attending inquiries and proceedings.
We commonly arrange Public and Products Liability with Asbestos Extension or Full Environmental Liability. Anyone involved in consulting work (reporting on asbestos) will also require Professional Indemnity cover.
Asbestos removal requires more than a generic insurance solution. It calls for a broker who understands regulatory expectations, insurer appetite, and the realities of operating in a high-risk environment.
With more than 30 years of experience in specialist and commercial insurance, Tudor Insurance supports asbestos removal contractors across Australia. As a member of the Steadfast Group, we have access to specialist insurers and underwriters who understand asbestos-related risks and are prepared to provide appropriately structured cover.
We take the time to understand your licensing, scope of work, and contractual requirements, and work with you to arrange insurance that supports compliance and protects your business. From initial policy placement to claims advocacy, our role is to guide you through complexity and protect your interests at every stage.