What to expect from an insurance home inspection

In the homeowners insurance world, home inspections are prevalent. You should expect an inspection when you obtain an insurance policy if your home is older or hasn't been inspected over a long time. Inspections evaluate risk indicators not covered by the homeowners insurance quote and verify the replacement cost of your home. This article describes what you may expect from a home inspection and gives you some ideas on preparing.

Why do insurance companies require home inspections?

Liability and risk management could be the reason why an insurance company may request home inspection. Insurance firms like to prevent — and become accurate in their knowledge — risk and inspections. Home inspection is a technique of preventing potential future liability losses not covered by a first application by an insurance carrier.

Typically an insurance home inspection analyses a structure's condition:

  • Gutters
  • Roof
  • Siding
  • Fencing
  • HVAC
  • Sanitary systems
  • Fire alarm
  • Chimney 
  • Doors and windows
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Anti-theft devices
  • Area surrounding

If you are a new customer, if your home is older, or if the building repair costs are difficult to predict or if verification is necessary, you may be required to do a home inspection. Typically, insurance at home takes place 30 to 90 days following the date of policy beginning. An inside inspection, an external inspection or both can be required for your home.

Your homeowner premium may either increase or reduce after your home insurance inspection. You can also revoke your policy or specify obligatory questions to be fixed in the event that your inspection demonstrates that your home is too risky to cover.

Exterior home inspections for insurance: why to expect

An exterior inspection is a common insurance requirement for new customers with new homes. Insurance companies utilize exterior inspections to validate the replacement cost of other structural coverage of your dwelling. Dwelling coverage guarantees your home's actual construction, while the other structures cover the fences, garages, pools or gazebos.

Typically, for an exterior home inspection, you do not have to be present. You can snap images of the exterior of your home with a third-party company. The insurance undertakings refer to these images and recommend any necessary adjustments to your policy, including an interior inspection.

Even if you are not needed to attend exterior inspections at your home, you should be informed by your insurance provider of your inspection date.

Interior home inspections for insurance: what to expect

Interior home inspections for elderly houses are usually necessary. The HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems of these facilities can be outdated and provide an increased risk to an insurance company. The insurance company would be liable for any damages in the event of an explosion or other insured claim.

At the time of the interior home inspection, you must be present. Depending on your home and the size of the property, an inspection might take between 30 and 90 minutes.

Wait for the inspector to check your home:

  • Walls
  • Ceilings
  • Connections to water
  • Safety and security systems
  • Flooring
  • Basement and/or attic
  • Rooms and living spaces

Any new discoveries can affect your charges as with an exterior home inspection. In the event that your insurance company finds unforeseen liabilities in your home, your premium can increase or cancel your policy. Your insurance company may cancel or give you time to correct these problems, depending on the risk.

How to prepare for a home insurance inspection: 14 steps

In advance of your insurance inspection, it is necessary that your home is prepared. Every detected liability may lead to an increase in the premium or cancellation of policies. Below are tips for interior and exterior inspections.

How to prepare for an exterior home inspection

  1. Check your roof: Remove your roof from twigs and branches. Check that roof shingles are loose, broken, falling or curling. Check for damage or degradation of any ventilation.
  2. Gutters: Verify the secure attachment of your gutters. Remove any debris or blockages.
  3. Doors and windows: Frames should be sealed intact. Doors should be locked to frames and fastened.
  4. Chimney: Ensure no bricks are missing.
  5. Exterior surfaces/finishes: Check for cracks, mold, mildew, rot or whatever other liability that may be viewed as a home siding. Check for damage to or mold or water.
  6. Foundation: Cracks or an unequal foundation can be seen as a catastrophic claim to be made. This may render your home uninsurable. 
  7. Grounds/Property: Make sure that branches do not touch or hang over your roof. Make sure that your doorways are correctly secured if you have a fence. Make sure you also have an interior and exterior DIY inspection if you have a separate garage or shed.

How to prepare for an interior home inspection

An interior inspection frequently accompanies an exterior inspection, which requires further work. To complete the instructions below, set aside time before the inspection.

  1. Fire extinguishers, fire detectors and carbon monoxide detectors: Check your detector batteries and fire extinguishers' expiration date.
  2. Fireplace: The red flag of a home inspector can be 'back-drafting.' This means that the air and the smoke cannot escape the chimney instead of leaving the living room. The crucial indicator is the stains around your chimney. Check for functional attachments such as flue and damper.
  3. Ceilings and walls: The home inspector will evaluate damage to the water, mold, decay and evenness.
  4. Household systems: Make sure plumbing and electrical systems are properly installed is an important phase in your interior home inspection. The big liabilities are poor plumbing or HVAC systems. Verify the date on which the exposed wires, rust, leaks, mold, or mildew were last inspected.
  5. Attic: Look for roof decline, damage to water, proper ventilation and symptoms of infestation by insects or rodents.
  6. Living spaces: Kitchen, living room, bathroom and bedrooms are included. Ventilation check, lockable windows, and other degradation indications. Pay particular attention to mildew, mold and water damage in bathrooms.
  7. Basement: Pay attention to symptoms of damage to the water and to the mold if you have a basement.

Is it possible to get home insurance without an inspection?

Perhaps. Don't ask your insurance company directly if insurance coverage can be obtained without inspection – it will raise a red flag. However, you may not be highlighted for an inspection if your property is new enough and you have no other outstanding liability in the CLUE report.