17+ years in insurance and personal finance writing
In-depth knowledge of home and real estate topics
Angela is an insurance and personal finance expert who uses her experience to create content that helps readers understand important and complex topics.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.
A home insurance inspection is one of the most crucial steps in purchasing a home. The inspection process includes a detailed visual examination of a property inside and outside. A home inspection aims to assess the house’s condition and identify potential risks, damages, and safety hazards.
Current, new, and potential homeowners may opt for an insurance inspection. The inspection can help potential owners decide whether to purchase a property and help homeowners insurance companies create a customized policy.
Here’s what to know about a home insurance inspection and what to expect.
What happens during a home insurance inspection?
Home inspectors are typically hired by recent homebuyers, homeowners looking to sell, or homeowners who want to check for any issues.[1]
While it’s not required, homeowners and buyers may want to attend the inspection and talk with the inspector as they examine particular areas to gain insight into any concerns or safety issues. If you’re purchasing a home, it’s a good idea to pay close attention and ask questions so you’re fully informed when it comes time to finalize your purchase.
The main type of inspection is known as a 4-point inspection. This means that the focus is on four key areas when looking for potential problems: the roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
During the inspection of your home, the professional will examine all major systems. A standard home inspection includes exterior and interior inspections. For example, the insurance company will want to examine the exterior of your roof and may also check the attic or other areas near the roof for water damage.
Some insurance companies require a full home inspection. The main reasons your house may need a full home inspection include if it’s a brand-new home, if you’re looking to increase the value of your property, and if your mortgage lender requires a full inspection before purchase.
On average, a home inspection takes between two and four hours to complete, depending on the size and condition of the home. Ideally, the inspector has access to all areas of the house, but they’ll note if they can’t access any areas in their report. The inspector will crawl into spaces, climb on the roof, and use a flashlight to check areas that aren’t usually visible, looking for potential issues.
An inspector will not come unannounced, and all parties must be notified of the inspector’s planned arrival at the property.
Compare Home Insurance Quotes
Check quotes from 100+ top insurance companies
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
What parts of your house do home insurance inspectors look at?
During a home inspection, the inspector will tour the entire property. They pay particular attention to the 4-point inspection areas as well as other core areas of the home. These include:[2]
Roof
The inspector looks for signs of leaks, water damage, wear and tear, and other structural failures in your roof that could lead to significant damage in the future. Depending on your state, you may need a wind mitigation inspection to determine if your roof can withstand hurricanes and other tropical storms.
Foundation
When checking a home’s foundation, the inspector looks for cracks that could indicate shifting or instability. Damages to the foundation could be extremely expensive to repair.
Plumbing
The homeowners insurance company wants to know that pipes are up to code and in safe working condition. Faulty pipes could lead to water damage, mold, or sewage problems.
HVAC
Inspectors will check the HVAC system to ensure the house meets safety standards for heating and cooling.
Electrical system
When checking your house, an inspector will examine the wiring to ensure it’s current and in good condition. Faulty wiring can lead to house fires.
Exterior
The home inspection will also include an examination of the exterior of your home, including windows, siding, doors, and landscaping.
Safety features
Inspectors will look for smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, fences around pools, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, and security systems.
While all home inspections are thorough, some may require a particularly thorough inspection. Typically, inspectors check older homes and homes located in higher-risk areas for storms or natural disasters with extra caution to avoid missing potential issues. New homes may also have extensive inspections to find potential problems.
How to get your house ready for a home insurance inspection
Since the inspection affects the cost of your insurance coverage, it’s a good idea to prepare your home beforehand to ensure you get the best rates possible. Additionally, this inspection will help set the home’s replacement cost value. Taking a few steps before your inspection could save you thousands of dollars.
Here are a few things you can do to help lower your risk of a more expensive policy:[3]
Make necessary repairs. Check for issues that could affect safety and home value, such as cracked sidewalks, leaky faucets, broken windows, or damaged siding. Make any necessary repairs beforehand.
Check your safety systems. Check the batteries on your smoke alarms and CO detectors. Ensure you have enough detectors in your home and that they’re functioning properly. You should also check your fire extinguisher to ensure it’s in good working order.
Update security measures. If you’ve been putting off installing a doorbell cam, alarm system, or fence around your pool, try to prioritize it before your inspection. Safety features can help lower your insurance premium.
Clean the house and yard. Ensure your home and yard are clean and clear so the insurance inspector can move around your home safely. Clear away or secure any attractive nuisances that could affect your rates. Trim any bushes and trees too close to your home.
Secure your pets. If you have pets, make sure they’re safely out of the way. It’s a good idea to have a friend or family member watch your pets or board them for the day to eliminate extra foot traffic that could impede the inspection.
What happens after a home insurance inspection?
Once the inspector examines your home, they’ll complete a report and give it to you and your insurance agent. While they’re at your house, you may be able to ask questions and get feedback from them. Don’t be surprised if you receive a very long report. This report aims to detail every potential problem that could affect the value and safety of your property.
You should primarily be concerned with defects that could affect the value and safety of your house significantly.
At the end of the inspection process, one of two things will likely happen.
Your home insurance rate might change after an inspection
Your insurance rates may go up or down following an inspection. If you’ve improved the home significantly or added safety features, you could see extra discounts on your current policy. Alternatively, the rate could go up if the inspector found new problems or if the changes you made increase the replacement cost of your home. In some cases, your insurance rate could stay exactly the same. If your rates fluctuate, you can always ask your insurance agent why, if you can make any improvements, or if you qualify for any discounts. If your home is in good shape, you should have nothing to worry about.
Shop for Home Insurance
Get personalized home insurance quotes in minutes
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Your insurer might cancel or non-renew your home insurance policy after an inspection
An insurance company may decide to cancel or not renew your current policy after an inspection. This typically happens if a home falls into disrepair or the insurance company discovers significant roof or foundation issues. Most insurers will offer a deadline for making necessary repairs before canceling your policy.
If an insurance company cancels your policy because you failed an inspection, you should immediately search and apply for new homeowners insurance. Your new company will likely want to do an inspection, and you could have issues obtaining new coverage if you don’t make repairs.
Homeowners insurance inspection FAQs
Insurance inspections may sound intimidating, but they’re an important part of home buying and homeownership. If you still have concerns or questions, check out the answers below.
Why would a home insurance company come to your house?
When you purchase a homeowners insurance policy, the company sends an inspector to check the condition of your home. This inspection will determine whether the insurance company provides coverage, and it can influence the cost of your policy.
What areas of your home will a home insurance inspector look at?
The home inspector will examine key areas, known as a four-point inspection. These are the roof, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. They’ll also pay close attention to your foundation and yard and note any safety features, like smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and security systems.
What is an inspection report in insurance underwriting?
The inspection report is a detailed study of your property. The report identifies potential safety issues and anything affecting your home’s value. Underwriters use this information to set the coverage limits and premiums in your homeowners insurance policy.
Can you get homeowners insurance without an inspection?
Finding a policy that doesn’t require an inspection is possible but can be difficult. You’ll likely pay more for a policy with no inspection requirements. Alternatively, if you’ve had a home inspection within the last year, you may not need a new one when you switch insurers.
What should you do if your home insurance policy was canceled after a failed inspection?
If your insurer cancels your policy after a failed inspection, search for a new one as quickly as possible. Review your report and your cancellation notice to see why your insurer decided to cancel. Make any necessary repairs to ensure you qualify for coverage with a new insurer.
Angela Brown is a freelance writer with 17 years of professional writing and editing experience. She specializes in finance, real estate, and insurance content. Angela uses her experience to create easy-to-understand content that helps consumers understand tough topics better. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and planning vacations.
Angela has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)