Once your homeowners policy is activated, you may think the hard part is over. But more and more homeowners are finding that this is not the case, whether they are buying a condo in Miami, Florida or a starter home in Detroit, Michigan. Many insurance companies require inspections, home visits, and repairs before continuing or renewing coverage.
These days, you may be able to get homeowners insurance without an initial inspection. However, the reality is that most insurance companies require some form of testing when applying for a policy and even when renewing an existing policy. Most insurance policies have inspection requirements, even if inspections aren’t always available, such as drone images, walk-in inspections, four-point inspections, or even virtual visits.
Why do insurance companies usually require a home inspection?
When you sign up for homeowners insurance, you protect your home, but the insurance company takes on the financial risk if something goes wrong. To manage that risk, many insurance companies require testing before finalizing a policy, during the term of the policy, or when the policy is renewed.
In some cases, your insurance company may request a copy of your home inspection report to assess your risk. We may also perform a unique four-point inspection that focuses on your roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. The goal is to understand how your home’s age, overall condition, potential hazards, and issues can affect your insurance eligibility and premiums.
Assessing risk based on age and condition
Newly built homes carry significantly different risks than homes that are more than 70 years old. Inspections help insurance companies understand the overall condition of a property and whether it is well maintained, needs updates, or if there are any issues that could lead to a claim sooner or later.
Identify potential safety hazards
Homeowners insurance companies also look for red flags that increase the likelihood of damage or an accident. Common high-risk areas are roofs (leaks and storm damage), electrical systems (fire hazards), plumbing (water damage hazards), and foundations (structural stability).
Determining insurance eligibility and premiums
What the inspector finds will directly impact how much you pay in premiums, or whether you qualify for coverage at all. If your home has been recently upgraded or has been well-maintained, your insurance premiums may be lower. If you find repairs like old wiring, a worn roof, or even a missing railing, your rates may increase or coverage may be denied or delayed until the problem is resolved.
If the insurance company does not require an inspection
More and more insurance companies are tightening their rules and requiring inspections before issuing or renewing insurance policies. Still, there are some situations where you can receive compensation without someone coming to see your property.
The house is new or recently renovated
Older homes come with more risks, such as aging plumbing, aging wiring, and worn roofs, and insurance companies want to see these before offering coverage. But if your home is new or has just had major upgrades, your insurance company already knows those systems are less likely to fail. For example, a new suburban home with the latest safety features is less likely to have a surprise claim than a 1960s fixer-upper. In such cases, some insurance companies are comfortable issuing a policy without an inspection.
home value decreases
Insurance is concerned with risk and replacement costs. The lower the cost of rebuilding a home, the lower the financial risk for the insurance company. In some cases, that means relaxing inspection requirements. A 1,200-square-foot bungalow in the Midwest might not receive the same scrutiny as a large, historic home in Boston with custom finishes, simply because the potential payment is lower.
It is a low risk property.
Where your home is located is just as important as its age and condition. A modest home in a safe area with low risk of natural disasters or theft may not pose the same level of concern for insurance companies. On the other hand, if the same home is located in a wildfire zone or zip code between cities, it may be subject to inspection. The lower the overall risk, the more likely the test will be skipped.
I had an inspection recently.
If your home has already been inspected within the past year or two, your insurance company may accept that documentation instead of requiring a new inspection. For example, if you just bought a home and had it inspected by a professional during the sale, your insurance company may decide that the report is “sufficient” to proceed. However, if major issues are found in the inspection report, they may need to be fixed before being approved for coverage.
Use of digital, remote, or delayed testing
Instead of sending someone in person, your insurance company may use satellite imagery, tax records, or photos you upload yourself. Some will issue you coverage right away and schedule an inspection within 30 to 90 days to confirm details. This is useful if you need proof of insurance right away, such as when signing a mortgage, but it also means the company can change rates, require repairs, or cancel coverage if problems arise later.
What to expect during a home insurance inspection
When an insurance company inspects your home, their goal is simple: to identify risks that could lead to future claims. Depending on the insurance company and property, the inspection may be quick and easy, or it may be more thorough. Driving and four-point inspections are the methods most often used by insurance companies to determine coverage.
Drive-by Inspection: A visual inspection in which an inspector checks the roof, exterior walls, and overall maintenance from the road. They look for signs of neglect, such as missing shingles, peeling paint, and overgrown trees that may be dangerous. You may not even realize it happened until you receive a notification via email. Four-Point Inspection: Focuses on four major systems: roof, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. These inspections are especially common for homes that are 20 to 30 years old or older. Inspectors want to know if a home’s systems are safe, in good working order, and if liability is limited. Complete interior and exterior inspection: The most thorough option, covering everything from the foundation to the attic. Inspectors will check for structural issues, water damage, safety features such as smoke detectors, and the condition of the exterior. This will give the insurance company the clearest picture of your home’s condition, but it may reveal issues that need to be fixed before coverage is finalized. Virtual or photo exams: With the rise of online-first insurance companies, virtual exams are becoming more common. Instead of having an inspector come to their home, homeowners can upload a series of photos or do a live video walk-through with an inspector. These tests are convenient and quick, but your insurance company may follow up with an in-person visit if you have any questions or need a more thorough examination.
What home insurance companies are looking for:
Roof condition: Aging, leaking, storm damage Electrical safety: Old wiring, old or defective panels Plumbing risks: Leaks, old pipes, water damage Foundation and structural integrity: Foundation cracks, decay, decay Fire hazards or visible hazards: Wood stoves, lack of safety equipment, proper ventilation, etc.
How to get homeowners insurance without an inspection
Most insurance companies want to inspect your home before or immediately after issuing a policy, but there are ways to increase your chances of getting coverage without a full in-person examination.
Be upfront about the basic details of your home
Before you start shopping for insurance, gather important information such as the age of your home, square footage, construction type, and any upgrades or renovations. Being able to point out things like a new roof, updated wiring, or an updated air conditioning system will help show the insurance company that your home is safer.
Buy online or call your insurance company for instant coverage
Many online-first insurance companies and some traditional insurance companies offer “instant coverage” or “same-day coverage” based on public records, satellite imagery, and application details in lieu of a home visit. If you check online platforms or call your insurance company directly, you may find options that aren’t always obvious, but could result in you paying a premium or having limited coverage.
Inquire about our conditional coverage policy
It’s not always possible to skip an inspection, so ask if the company offers conditional or interim coverage. These policies work by starting coverage right away, but your insurance company can schedule testing within the first 30 to 90 days. For example, you may put your home under contract and insure it right away to satisfy your lender, but your insurance company will still schedule inspections after you move in. Use that time to prepare your home and avoid any surprises that could affect your rates and insurance.
Points to pass the insurance examination
Insurance companies want to know that your home is safe, well-maintained, and in good condition for long-term use. The more proactive you are, the fewer surprises you will face when the policy is finalized. With a little preparation, you may be able to lock in a better rate.
Clean up your exterior: Remove debris, trim overgrown trees and bushes, and make sure your gutters are clean. Inspectors are often the first to notice signs of neglect, and first impressions matter. Check the roof and gutters. Replace missing shingles, fix leaks, and ensure gutters are properly installed and draining. Having a roof in good condition is one of the most important factors in passing a vehicle inspection. Update safety features: Test smoke detectors, install carbon monoxide alarms, and replace expired fire extinguishers. Missing or broken safety equipment makes it more likely to fail. Review electrical and plumbing systems. Address obvious problems like leaky pipes or old wiring. If you recently upgraded, keep the documentation handy to show to the inspector. Take care of small repairs. Repair cracks, secure loose handrails, replace broken stairs, and address visible water damage before the inspection. What appears to be a small problem may actually be a sign of a larger problem. Document recent upgrades: Save receipts and permits for major improvements such as new HVAC systems, roofs, and electrical updates. This evidence can support your claim to lower your premiums.
Frequently Asked Questions: Home Insurance Inspection
What if your home is uninsured?
If your insurance company determines your home is too risky to cover, you may have to make repairs before you can reapply. In some cases, you can rely on state-run FAIR plans or surplus lines insurance companies to provide coverage where standard companies don’t. The trade-off is usually higher premiums and fewer coverage options.
Can I refuse a home insurance inspection?
You can refuse a home insurance inspection, but most insurance companies will cancel or deny coverage if you don’t allow an inspection. An inspection is how the insurance company confirms the condition and risk level of your home, so refusing this process leaves too many unknowns. If you’re concerned or don’t want to go through the hassle, you can ask about alternatives such as providing recent photos, repair receipts, or past inspection reports.
Is it normal to take photos of the house for home insurance?
yes. The inspector will take photos during the drive-by or walk-through to document the condition of the home. Insurance companies may also use satellite images or aerial photography to assist with inspections. The purpose is to ensure that the property matches what is described in the application and to identify any risks that may lead to a claim later on.
What is considered a high risk for home insurance?
“High risk” can mean a variety of things, but typically includes older homes with outdated or damaged systems, properties located in disaster-prone areas (wildfires, hurricanes, flood zones, etc.), or homes with frequent insurance claims. Even cosmetic issues such as missing shingles, peeling paint or overgrown landscaping can flag a property as being at high risk, as they can suggest deferred maintenance.
Will my insurance premium go up if I get tested?
Tests can sometimes increase your insurance premium, but they can also decrease it. If the inspector finds issues like a worn roof, old wiring, or signs of water damage, your insurance company may increase your premium or require repairs. On the other hand, if the inspection confirms that your home is well-maintained with modern upgrades, you may actually be eligible for a discount. The purpose of the inspection is to ensure that the premiums match your home’s actual risk level.
