Home insurance inspection: What to expect, why inspections affect your premium, and how to prepare

If you’re getting home insurance for the first time, switching insurance companies, or renewing an existing policy, you may be surprised to learn that your insurer wants to inspect your home. A home insurance inspection can sound intimidating, but in most cases, it’s simply a way for insurers to confirm details about your property and assess potential risks.

These inspections help insurance providers decide whether to offer coverage, how much to charge, and if any issues need to be addressed. Knowing what insurers look for and how to prepare can make the process less stressful and help you avoid higher insurance costs or a policy cancellation.

What is a home insurance inspection?

A home insurance inspection is an evaluation of your property conducted by, or on behalf of, your insurance company. Insurers perform inspections to verify the condition of your home, confirm information you provided during the application process, and identify potential hazards or maintenance issues that could increase the likelihood of a claim.

Unlike a home inspection for a real estate purchase, an insurance inspection focuses specifically on risk, not the home’s market value or cosmetic flaws. Insurance providers are mainly concerned with the parts of your home that could lead to claimable losses, such as fires, water damage, or liability claims.

When do home insurance inspections happen?

Several things can trigger a home insurance inspection, including:

• Purchasing a new homeowners policy

• Switching insurance companies

• Renewing your policy with your current company

• Filing claims

• Adding coverage or endorsements to your policy

• Having an older home (over 40 years old)

• Not having a home inspection in over 10 years

• Making significant changes to your home

Inspections typically happen within the first 30 to 60 days of coverage. But even if your policy is already active and you’ve been with your insurer for years, the results of the inspection can still affect the cost of your policy (called your premium) or your home’s eligibility for coverage.

Why do insurers conduct these inspections?

Insurance companies use inspections to better understand the risk associated with insuring your home. Common reasons include:

• Verifying property details provided in the application

• Identifying safety hazards that could cause damage or injuries

• Assessing maintenance and upkeep of the home

• Reducing the likelihood of future claims

• Ensuring your home meets its underwriting guidelines

From an insurer’s perspective, home inspections help prevent surprises. From a homeowner’s perspective, they can highlight issues before they turn into expensive problems.

What do inspectors look for in home insurance inspections?

During a home inspection, inspectors typically focus on areas that pose the greatest risk. While the scope varies, here are some common areas and issues inspectors look for:

• Roof condition: Age, wear and tear, debris, missing shingles, sagging, and overhanging tree branches

• Plumbing systems: Leaks, corrosion, and outdated materials

• Electrical systems: Exposed wiring, outdated panels, and fire hazards

• HVAC systems: General condition, maintenance, and leaks

• Foundation and structure: Cracks, settling, rotting, bowed walls, water intrusion, and insect or pest damage

• Exterior features: Malfunctioning locks on windows and doors, broken seals, stains, cracks, warped siding, and bubbling paint

• Fire risks: Clearance, proper installation, and maintenance of chimneys, fireplaces, and wood stoves

• Liability hazards: Pools, trampolines, and loose or missing railings on stairs

• Interior: Signs of water damage, mold, or mildew and animal or pest infestation

• Safety: Missing fire extinguishers, expired fire extinguishers, and malfunctioning carbon monoxide or smoke detectors

The inspector will document their findings with photos and take notes, which they then share with the insurance company for review.

Can I refuse a home insurance inspection?

Technically, you can refuse a home insurance inspection. But doing so will likely have consequences. Since you aren’t allowing the insurance company to perform part of its underwriting process, your insurer can:

• Cancel your new policy

• Choose not to renew your current policy

• Limit your coverage options or decline changes or endorsements

If you have concerns about the inspection, it’s best to discuss them with your insurance agent rather than refusing outright. Remember, insurance is a contract between you and the insurer. If you don’t hold up your end of the contract, the company may decide not to cover your home.

How can inspection results impact your premium?

Inspection results can directly affect how much you pay for home insurance. Depending on what the inspector finds, your insurer may:

• Leave your premium as is

• Increase your rate due to higher risk or replacement cost

• Lower your premium if you’ve made home improvements like getting a new roof

• Require you to make repairs or updates

• Offer discounts for safety features

Well-maintained homes with updated systems often qualify for better rates. Older homes with unresolved issues, outdated appliances, or systems may cost more to insure.

What if you fail an inspection?

What happens depends on why you fail the home inspection. Your insurance company will likely require you to make specific repairs within a set timeframe. Once you make the necessary repairs, you’ll need to submit proof or schedule a reinspection before the provided deadline.

If you don’t address the issues or fail to meet the deadline, your insurer may cancel or nonrenew your homeowners insurance policy. Keep in mind that your new insurer will ask whether you have received a cancellation or nonrenewal notice, and if so, the reason. Failing to address the issues could prevent you from getting a new policy and leave your home uninsured.

Types of inspections

Insurance companies use different types of inspections depending on the property, location, and coverage needs. Here are the most common types:

• Exterior-only inspection: Focuses on the outside of your home, including the roof, siding, foundation, and any visible hazards, like fences, hanging tree branches, other structures, swimming pools, trampolines, or playsets. This is the most common type of inspection — often called a drive-by inspection — and doesn’t require your presence or an appointment. An exterior inspection is usually for new homes and policy renewals.

• Full interior inspection: Includes appliances, systems, doors, windows, ceilings, walls, and checks for structural defects or water damage. This type of inspection is usually conducted for older or high-value homes, or for homes that previously failed inspections.

• 4-point inspection: A 4-point inspection checks roof age and condition, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. This type of inspection is common for homes that are 30 years old or older. 

• Digital or aerial inspection: Uses satellite imagery or drones to assess roof conditions and exterior features without visiting the property. Your insurer may request an aerial inspection before or after a claim to assess damage and completed work.

• Self-inspection: For a self-inspection, homeowners submit photos or videos requested by the insurance company through an app or online portal. This is typically used for low-risk properties up for renewal.

How to prepare for a home insurance inspection

Preparing ahead of time can help inspections go smoothly and reduce the risk of issues. Take these steps to prepare for a home insurance inspection.

• Clear access to attics, basements, under sinks, and utility areas.

• Fix minor issues like loose handrails or missing shingles.

• Trim tree branches away from the roof and power lines.

• Check for and repair visible leaks or water damage.

• Secure pets or temporarily remove them from the property.

• Gather documentation for recent repairs or upgrades.

• Clean debris from gutters and make sure they are secure.

• Remove obstacles and clutter from your yard.

Tips to pass an inspection

Here are some tips to help you pass your home inspection:

• Be honest in your application to avoid discrepancies or issues.

• Address obvious safety hazards before the inspection.

• Keep maintenance up to date, especially roofing, plumbing, and electrical systems.

• Install safety features like smoke detectors and handrails.

• Respond promptly if your insurer requests follow-up repairs.

Showing your home is safe, well-maintained, and insurable is the best way to pass your home insurance inspection.