Insurance agents and companies will often inspect the homes that they insure in order to make sure the features used to develop the reconstruction cost estimate are accurate, and to ensure the home meets underwriting guidelines and acceptable maintenance conditions, all in an effort to reduce the chance of future claims.
Who performs the home insurance inspections?
Before a home insurance policy is written, the insurance agent should research the home online, and view recent photos. After the policy is written, the insurance company will often hire an insurance inspector to perform an inspection. Sometimes the homeowner will be offered the option of submitting photos themselves, and occasionally aerial inspections are performed using satellite and drone imagery.
When are homeowners insurance inspections performed?
Inspections are commonly performed a few weeks to a few months after the new homeowners insurance policy is written, however on occasion insurance carriers will perform inspections mid-term.
What is inspected?
Most often only the exterior of the home is inspected. The inspector will take photos of each side of the home as well as any concerning aspects of the home. High-value homes (in general, those with reconstruction costs exceeding $1,000,000) may also require an interior inspection.
Will I be notified prior to the home insurance inspection?
If an interior inspection is required, which is uncommon, it must be scheduled in advance. Customers should be notified prior to exterior inspections, either by email, text or call, however these inspections typically are not scheduled. The exception is when it is difficult to access the home, such as in gated communities.
What would cause a home to fail the inspection?
Although homes rarely fail inspections, it does unfortunately happen. Below are the most common reasons:
- Excessive debris in the yard.
- Missing or exposed siding.
- Flaking or peeling paint.
- Missing stairs or railings.
- Deteriorated or lifting roofs.
- Rolled or other nonstandard roofing.
- Organic growth on the siding or roof.
- Trees touching or overhanging the roof.
What happens if a home fails the inspection?
If the home fails the inspection, the homeowners insurance policy will typically be set up to cancel on a future date. The insurer may be willing to reinstate if the deficiencies uncovered are remedied, and proof of remediation is provided, usually in the form of photos or paid invoices.
Concerned about an inspection? Contact Chris Elliott Insurance Agency!
Our Seattle insurance agency can help determine if your home will pass inspection, and can find you another policy through one of our many carriers if you are being cancelled due to an inspection. Contact our team today!
