Home insurance inspections: What to know
What’s a home insurance inspection?
During an insurance inspection, your homeowners insurance company will send an inspector to take a look around your home and property to assess any risks and consider the potential claims that might arise. This will typically happen a few weeks after your policy goes into effect. The results of the inspection will help determine if your insurance premium is accurate or requires adjustment. Based on the findings of the inspection, your coverage could be adjusted or cancelled if your home or property is determined to be too risky for coverage. Home insurance inspections vary in scope and are performed as needed on a case-by-case basis.
While every inspection might be different, there are a few obvious places for an inspector to check. Here’s what an inspector might focus on:
- Cracks or missing bricks in your foundation or structure
- Water damage
- Condition of your roof
- Signs of decay or rot
- Mold or mildew
- Animal/insect infestation
How does an insurance inspection differ from a typical home inspection you’re more familiar with?
A typical home inspection is done on behalf of the home buyer and will involve a professional inspector taking a close look at the house from top to bottom. He or she will look for safety and structural issues that will determine if — or under what conditions — you will agree to purchase the home. A home insurance inspection may not be as extensive and will only occur if your insurance company requests one to determine homeowners insurance eligibility.
Why does my insurance company want to inspect my house?
Not all homes will require an insurance inspection. There are a few reasons why an insurance company might want to inspect your home.
- You live in — or are purchasing — an older home.
- You’re changing insurance companies.
- It’s been more than 10 years since your last inspection, especially if there have been significant renovations.
How do I prepare for a home insurance inspection?
If a home insurance inspection is in your future, there are a few steps you may want to take to prepare. Start by walking through your home and checking for details like:
- Outside – Tidy the yard, clear debris and clean up any trash you see.
- In the basement – Look for cracks in the foundation, water damage or seepage, and any sign of mold or mildew.
- Walls, ceilings, doors and windows – Check for gaps, cracks and water damage.
- Roof and gutters – Clear debris, make sure gutters are fastened, check for missing shingles and check masonry for cracks or missing bricks.
- Mechanicals – Take a look at plumbing, HVAC and electrical systems and correct any issues you’re aware of.
- Fire and safety – Ensure smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are correctly placed and functional.
If you find any issues, it pays to have them taken care of before the insurance inspection happens. Being proactive could affect any changes to your premium and increase the chances of passing the inspection.
What should I expect during a home insurance inspection?
First, a representative from your insurance company will get in touch to set up a date and time that works for both of you. You’ll want to be present when the inspection happens. Your insurance inspection may include a thorough look at your home’s electrical systems, plumbing and HVAC, or it could be as easy as a drive-by review of your property’s exterior alone. The insurance company itself will determine how detailed the inspection will be.
Will I see the results?
When the inspection is complete, you’ll get a copy of the insurance inspection report. That report will contain one of three possible outcomes:
- If you pass, you can move forward with your homeowners insurance without a change to your premium.
- If the inspector cites issues for improvement, you’ll need to address those. Often, you’ll be given a specific amount of time during which the repairs should be completed. You’ll then need to provide proof that the repairs were made. When addressing the required repairs, it’s best — and sometimes a requirement — to use a certified professional.
- If your home fails inspection and you receive a notice of nonrenewal or a cancellation, you can apply for homeowners insurance with a different company. Try to find interim coverage so that you’re not left uninsured for any period of time.
Home insurance inspections can be a normal part of the home insurance process. If you’re in need of homeowners insurance, discover which coverage could be right for you with TruStage™.
