When Asbestos Is “Removed” — But Not Legally: How Unlicensed Work Can Derail Insurance Recovery
When unlicensed work is performed as part of an insurance loss—particularly in regulated areas like asbestos removal—it can place appraisers in a difficult position. While the work may have been intended to advance the policyholder’s recovery, the lack of licensing, documentation, and verification creates uncertainty about how those costs can be defensibly valued. Appraisers must balance their role in supporting the policyholder with a professional duty to remain objective and avoid endorsing costs that cannot be substantiated or may raise compliance concerns. In these situations, valuation decisions often require careful judgment, clearly stated assumptions, and measured treatment of disputed items to preserve the integrity of the appraisal process while allowing the claim to move toward resolution.
