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 must be assessed by each insurer for itself.
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 thinks that the government has proceeded too hastily and too rigorously. It was feared that replacing asbestos roofs is 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. That may be a reason for some insurers to no longer pay out or only part of the value of the roof in the event of damage.
Role of insurers
Insurers are not a party to the preventive remediation of asbestos roofs. This responsibility lies with the roof owner. Insurers are of course familiar with the problem and think along with the government to make the Netherlands asbestos-safe. The Dutch Association of Insurers therefore remains involved in the Asbestos Acceleration Programme Office set up by I&M and shares 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 file.