Skip to Content
Asbest LR Shutterstock 1498147817

Some insurers do not offer coverage for asbestos roofs when taking out a new (building) insurance. There are insurers who only do this as long as the insured can demonstrate (remediation plan) that he has plans to remove the asbestos. There are also insurers who still insure asbestos roofs at an appropriate premium. How insurers deal with asbestos roofs is a matter for each insurer to assess.

Asbestos ban

In June 2019, the Senate rejected the bill that would ban asbestos roofs from 31 December 2024. The majority of the Senate is in favour of a ban on asbestos roofs, but believes that the government has acted too hastily and too rigorously. It was feared that replacing asbestos roofs would be impossible and unaffordable for many homeowners. Now that the bill has been rejected, insurers must assess for themselves how they deal with asbestos roofs. The youngest asbestos roof is more than 30 years old and therefore depreciated. This may be a reason for some insurers not to pay out more or only part of the value of the roof in the event of damage.

Role of insurers

Insurers are not parties to the preventive remediation of asbestos roofs. This responsibility lies with the roof owner. Insurers are of course aware of the problem and think along with the government to make the Netherlands asbestos-safe. The Dutch Association of Insurers will therefore remain involved in the Asbestos Acceleration Programme Office set up by I&M and will share its knowledge with various parties in the field. In addition, the Association informs its members about current developments. Even though the ban has been rejected, insurers remain involved in this case.