Does building and contents insurance cover removal of Asbestos in kitchen

Malung

I have had the plumber in to deal with a leaking pipe in the kitchen. On breaking the floor tile he discovered what he suspected was asbestos apart of the adhesive used to tile the floor.  The plumber was through British Gas homecare cover. An asbestos expert came to take a sample. I am waiting for confirmation that it is asbestos. He suspected that it may be in the ceiling too. 
Assuming it is asbestos, is its removal covered by building and contents insurance?
have not called the insurance company yet. Any ideas/advice?

davidmcn

No, it's not any sort of normal insured risk. Read your policy if you want to check what you're actually covered for.

Aretnap

Unfortunately not. Buildings and contents insurance covers events which cause damage to your home, like fires, floods, storms etc. It doesn't cover defects which were already there, even if you didn't know about them before (like asbestos). 

TELLIT01

The likelihood is 'No' but check with your insurer, you may get a pleasant surprise.

eddddy

It won't be covered by a home insurance policy.

And FWIW, it's best not to contact your insurer - unless you're reasonably sure you're covered, and you're reasonably sure you want to make a claim.

Your call might be regarded as an incident "which may or may not give rise to a claim" - which might be recorded on the CUE database, and result in increased premiums in future..

Somebody who it happened to: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2013/sep/30/insurance-query-higher-premiums

And...

The Claims and Underwriting Exchange (CUE) is a central database of motor, home and personal injury incidents reported to insurance companies, which may or may not give rise to a claim. 

Link: https://uk-insurance.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/27/~/claims-and-underwriting-exchange-(cue)

nottsphil

The Claims and Underwriting Exchange (CUE).... an apt acronym as it is something they can beat you with! 
I never realised there was such a body outside of the motor industry. I believe any organisation is obliged to give you computerised information they hold on you, but what about your property? A freedom of information request, perhaps ? 

davidmcn

nottsphil said:

I believe any organisation is obliged to give you computerised information they hold on you, but what about your property? A freedom of information request, perhaps ? 

FOI is only for public bodies. There's no general right to info about previous owners/occupiers' dealings with the property.