Nerdy takeaways
- Your insurer may request a home inspection to assess your property’s risk and rebuilding costs.
- The inspector will typically look at the home’s exterior and might check interior systems like electricity and plumbing.
- A home insurance inspection may be more likely if your home is old or located in a high-risk area.
- Depending on the inspection results, you could pay more or less for insurance. You could also be denied coverage.
Before you buy a homeowners policy, your insurer might require a home insurance inspection.
This inspection isn’t the same as the one you had when you bought your house. Instead, it’s a way for insurance companies to see the condition of your home. This allows insurers to evaluate your coverage needs and decide whether to insure you. Keeping your home in good shape can help this process go smoothly so you can get the coverage you need.
What is a home insurance inspection?
A home insurance inspection helps insurers understand the risks of covering your house. Inspections can identify potential issues, like fire hazards or weak structures. These are risks that might lead to insurance claims in the future.
An inspection can provide your insurer with a better calculation of what it could cost to rebuild your house. It also helps the insurance company determine whether your home is insurable, and how much your premium should cost.
Home insurance inspections vs. home buyer's inspections
Buying and insuring a home can be an overwhelming process. It’s easy to confuse the different types of inspections that might be involved, especially since inspectors seem to have overlapping concerns when assessing homes.
However, there are notable differences. A general home inspection is more detailed and designed to identify issues before buyers sign on the dotted line. An insurance home inspection focuses only on risks and costs associated with insuring your home.
Learn more about home inspections during the buying process.
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Answer a few questions to see custom quotes and find the right policy for you. Why does my insurance company want to do an inspection?
Not all homes will undergo these inspections. Your insurer might require one if:
- You have a high-value or older home.
- You live in an area at risk of tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires or other hazards.
- The company needs more information to set your home’s replacement cost.
- It’s been 10 years or more since your last home insurance inspection.
Did you know...
Instead of home insurance inspections, some insurers rely on aerial images of your home. Of particular interest in these bird’s-eye view images is the condition of your roof, which could signal an increased risk of an insurance claim. Can I refuse a home insurance inspection?
As a homeowner, you can always refuse to allow someone on your property. That includes insurance inspectors. However, you should be aware of the consequences of denying access to an inspector.
Without an inspection, the insurer could refuse coverage or cancel your policy due to an inability to assess your property’s risk.
Nerdy Perspective
I’d never had a home insurer ask to conduct an inspection until I bought a nearly 200-year-old farmhouse. Fortunately, the process was pretty painless. An inspector turned up one day, walked around the outside of our home and snapped a few photos. The whole thing took less than 10 minutes and the insurer didn’t circle back with any issues.
What to expect during a home insurance inspection
It’s reasonable for homeowners to have some questions about the home insurance inspection process. These are the most common concerns.
Do I need to be present during the inspection?
You might not need to be present for an exterior inspection. But you will need to be there if the inspector is checking the interior of your home for things like wiring, plumbing and safety features.
How long will the home insurance inspection take?
It depends. If the inspector just needs to check a few things on the exterior of your home, it might be a few minutes. However, the inspection could take an hour or more, depending on how detailed it is.
What is the inspector looking for?
For an external inspection, the inspector may look at things like your roof, windows, doors and chimney. They may also check hazards like overhanging trees or cracks in the walkways.
An interior inspection may involve examining walls, ceilings and floors for signs of water damage or pests. The inspector may also assess the state of your plumbing, electrical, and heating and cooling systems. They often check for safety features like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as well as security systems.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
Your insurer may use your home insurance inspection to verify your eligibility for home insurance discounts. For example, many companies offer savings for having a home security system. Common red flags for home insurance inspectors
Home insurance inspections aren’t as detailed as general home inspections. But there are still a few things inspectors are on the lookout for. These home insurance red flags include:
- Foundation problems. Inspectors will be on the lookout for cracks or other evidence your home might have structural issues.
- Roof wear and tear. Visible water damage and missing shingles are often clues your roof is past its prime.
- Trees that pose a risk. Large trees overhanging your roof could be a source of damage if limbs come down during serious storms.
- Outdated systems. Old electrical wiring or panels might spark concerns about fire hazards. Inspectors could also consider aging pipes a potential risk.
- Evidence of infestations. Whether it creeps, crawls or flies, home insurance inspectors are trying to spot signs you have a serious pest problem.
- Safety hazards. Insurance inspectors look for things that pose a liability risk, like pools or trampolines where guests could get hurt. They’ll also keep an eye out for indoor safety issues such as missing smoke detectors.
How to prepare for a home insurance inspection
Before your home insurance inspection, do your own thorough check to avoid being caught off guard by any problems. (You may want to hire a professional for some of these tasks.)
If you spot any potential issues, fix what you can or reach out to a contractor who can help. Here are a few key places to focus on.
Exterior of the house
🏘️ Roof
Have a roofer check for damaged or missing shingles.
🌧️ Gutters
Clear debris and ensure your gutters are secure.
🧱 Chimney
Look for cracks or loose bricks; consider a professional cleaning.
🌳 Trees
Trim branches away from the house.
🪟 Siding, doors and windows
Check for cracks, leaks and damage.
🚶Walkways
Ensure there are no tripping hazards.
🏡 Yard
Remove loose debris and get rid of pools of water near your home that could lead to pests.
目 Decks, porches and balconies
Check for signs of decay, instability or safety issues like missing handrails.
𖠿 Garages and sheds
Inspect and prepare these structures following the same guidance as for your home.
Interior of the house
🚨 Detectors
Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work.
🧯Fire extinguisher
Check to make sure it’s operational.
🔥Fireplace
Clean it out if you have one.
🚪 Windows, walls, doors and plumbing
Check for signs of leaks, cracks and pest issues.
🕸 Attic and basement
Look for signs of water or pest damage.
༄ HVAC system
Have a professional clean and test your system.
🎛️ Built-in appliances
Give your stove, dishwasher and other appliances a once-over.
⚡Electrical system
Make sure outlets, switches and your breaker panel are in good condition.
What happens after a home insurance inspection?
There are a few next steps you can expect after a home insurance inspection.
The home inspector issues a report
Insurers will receive the inspector’s report, although this may take a few weeks. You may also be able to get a copy of the report from your insurer or agent upon request. If nothing serious surfaced, you might not see any changes to your policy details or rates.
You might be asked to make repairs
The inspector may point out problems like a leaky roof or electrical issues. Often, your insurance company will give you the chance to make repairs — usually within a few weeks or months. If you’ve been refused coverage based on needed repairs, you can also ask for a re-inspection.
Your coverage might change
In some cases, your insurer may add exclusions to your policy for any damage failed inspection items cause.
If you do fail the inspection, you could be refused coverage entirely or have your policy canceled.
If insurers determine your home poses more risk than expected, your insurance costs are likely to increase. Conversely, the inspector may identify home improvements you’ve made that qualify for a discount on your premiums.
What if you fail a home insurance inspection?
If your home doesn't pass the insurance inspection, don’t worry — you have options. Make sure to act quickly. Being uninsured, even for a short time, is risky. A lapse in coverage can make it harder and more expensive to get a policy in the future. And if something happens while you’re not insured, you’ll be financially responsible.
Find a different insurer
Not all companies have the same rules. Some insurers are pickier than others about the age of your roof, for instance. So if you can't afford to get a new roof or make other major repairs, try another company. If one insurer says no, another might say yes.
Dispute the decision
If your insurer drops you due to a failed home insurance inspection and you don’t agree with the decision, you can dispute it. Prepare evidence to support your case, such as receipts for work you’ve had done or a property assessment from an independent inspector.
You can also file a complaint with your state’s insurance department. It can conduct research into your claim and work with your insurer to resolve the issue.
Look into state-run insurers
Many states have programs to help homeowners who struggle to get insurance. For example, Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) plans insure high-risk homes that private companies won’t. An independent insurance agent can help you find programs like this in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do home insurance inspections cost anything?
No. Because your insurer initiates the inspection and sends its own inspector, there is generally no charge to you. However, your insurance rate may go up or down, depending on the results of the inspection.
Do all insurers require home insurance inspections?
Many home insurers use inspections to help determine risk and set rates for certain kinds of properties. Your likelihood of being required to have a home inspection depends more on the type of home, where you live and how long it’s been since the last inspection, rather than which insurer you have.
Will another insurer give me coverage if I fail a home insurance inspection?
It’s possible. Every insurance company has its own threshold for what passes or fails a home insurance inspection. Just keep in mind that other insurers may also want to conduct an inspection before giving you a policy. This means it may be worthwhile to do repairs before trying to get coverage elsewhere.
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