Insurance and Asbestos Fires: What Property Owners Need to Know
A Practical Guide for NSW Property Owners After a Fire Involving Asbestos
If you’ve had a shed, garage, house, or commercial building catch fire—and suspect or know it contained asbestos—you’re probably asking: what now? Who pays for the cleanup? Can you lodge an insurance claim? Is the site safe?
At Confluence Environmental, we regularly support clients across NSW dealing with the aftermath of fire-damaged asbestos. Here’s what you need to know about insurance, risk, and your responsibilities after an asbestos fire.
Why Fires Involving Asbestos Are So Serious
When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) burn, they may fracture, splinter, or become friable, releasing dangerous airborne fibres. Common materials like asbestos cement walls, eaves, or roofing don’t always completely incinerate—they break apart into dust and debris, which can contaminate surrounding soil, air, and neighbouring properties.
The risk is twofold:
Immediate health risk from fibre inhalation during or after the fire
Long-term contamination of surfaces, soil, and structures that weren’t directly burned
This has major implications for insurance claims, clearance requirements, and professional cleanup.
Can You Claim Insurance for Asbestos Fire Damage?
Yes — in most cases, asbestos-related contamination and cleanup are covered by building or landlord insurance policies, provided the asbestos was pre-existing and the fire was accidental or caused by an insured event.
However, there are some key things to understand:
Most insurance policies will cover:
Rebuilding of damaged structures
You may run into issues if:
The structure was not legally approved or insured (e.g. unregistered sheds)
You fail to engage licensed professionals and attempt your own cleanup
What You Must Do After an Asbestos Fire (Before Claiming)
1. Stop all access to the site
Isolate the area and prevent disturbance. Do not sweep, move debris, or attempt to clean up.
If it’s on your land but near neighbours, notify them and install temporary signage or fencing.
2. Engage a Licensed Asbestos Assessor (LAA)
A SafeWork NSW–licensed assessor must:
Inspect the site
Take samples if needed
Provide a report identifying asbestos risk
Advise on cleanup strategy
3. Contact your insurer
Submit the LAA report with your claim
Ask if the insurer has preferred asbestos consultants or removal contractors (you don’t need to wait for this, but it helps with claim processing)
4. Document everything
Take photos (without entering the area)
Keep copies of reports, emails, and invoices
Ask your assessor for an Asbestos Clearance Certificate post-remediation (your insurer will require it)
Do You Need Air Monitoring or Soil Testing?
Yes—especially if the fire occurred near homes, childcare centres, or public land.
Your assessor may recommend:
Air monitoring to confirm fibres are not airborne
Soil sampling if debris has spread onto gardens, driveways, or neighbouring lots
At Confluence Environmental, we conduct NATA-accredited air monitoring and asbestos-contaminated soil assessments, ensuring you meet your insurance and regulatory obligations.
Who Can Clean Up an Asbestos Fire Site?
You must use licensed asbestos removalists (Class A for friable, Class B for bonded ACMs)
A Licensed Asbestos Assessor must verify that the site is safe before re-entry or rebuilding
Attempting to clean it yourself—especially with tools, rakes, brooms, or pressure washers—is illegal and highly dangerous.
Don’t Risk It: Get the Right Support
At Confluence Environmental, we help property owners through:
Asbestos risk assessment and site inspection
Insurance-ready reporting
Independent air monitoring and validation
Advice on next steps and coordination with removalists
We know how stressful fire damage is—and how complex the rules can be when asbestos is involved. That’s why we offer responsive, straight-talking support that helps you stay safe, compliant, and on track with your insurer.
Had a fire and worried about asbestos?
Contact Confluence Environmental for professional guidance, fast assessment, and insurance-ready reporting—available across Newcastle, the Central Coast, and NSW.
Call 0493 042 642 or Request a Quote