Why Do I Need a Homeowners Insurance Inspection?
When switching homeowners insurance carriers—or purchasing your first policy—it’s common for your insurer to send an inspector to assess your property. This helps verify that your coverage accurately reflects your home’s current condition and potential risks. An inspection isn’t a reason to worry—it’s simply part of how insurers ensure fair and accurate pricing.
Key takeaways
Most new home insurance policies include a routine inspection.
Inspectors focus on safety, maintenance, and occupancy—not decor.
If your home doesn’t meet the insurer’s requirements, it doesn’t always mean cancellation—some carriers allow time for repairs or updates before making a final decision.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- How home inspections work
- What home inspectors look for
- What happens after the inspection
- What to do if you don’t pass your inspection
How home inspections work
Things to keep in mind:
If you’re worried about your home’s condition before switching carriers, it’s a good idea to make small improvements early. Preventative maintenance can reduce complications later—and sometimes even earn you a better rate.
A home inspection can also give you peace of mind that your dwelling coverage is sufficient and that you’re protected against potential risks you might not have noticed.
Once you purchase a new homeowners insurance policy, an inspection typically takes place within the first 30–60 days. The most common type is an exterior inspection, where photos are taken of the outside of your home. You usually don’t need to be present for this.
If your home is older, has large square footage, or is located in a higher-risk area for fire or severe weather, the insurer may require a full interior and exterior inspection instead. Some newer homes may not require an inspection at all—it depends on the carrier’s underwriting guidelines.
Insurance companies conduct inspections for two main reasons:
Replacement cost accuracy
An inspection helps confirm that your home’s estimated rebuild cost is accurate. If your home has been renovated or has unique features not initially noted, the inspection may adjust the amount up or down.Property condition and safety
Inspectors look for potential hazards—like trees overhanging the roof, missing handrails, cracked steps, or worn roofing. They also check that the home appears well-maintained and occupied. Insurers want to see “pride of ownership,” since well-cared-for homes typically have fewer claims.
Tip: If you’re planning renovations or haven’t moved in yet, let your agent know in advance. Being transparent helps avoid misunderstandings that could lead to non-renewal or policy cancellation.
Inspectors typically focus on four main systems:
Roof
Plumbing
Electrical system
Heating system
Insurers pay close attention to updates in these systems, since outdated components can pose fire or water damage risks.
If the inspection shows your home is in good condition, your policy continues as is.
If the inspector notes discrepancies—like the rebuild cost being higher than first estimated—your coverage amount may be adjusted. Conversely, if they find added safety features such as alarm systems, sprinklers, or seismic retrofitting, you may even qualify for discounts.
If you don’t pass the inspection, don’t panic. You’ll typically receive a list of items to fix—such as trimming trees, replacing outdated wiring, or repairing your roof.
Most carriers provide at least 30 days’ notice to complete repairs, and some allow several months or even up to a year. If the issues aren’t addressed within that timeframe, your policy may not be renewed.
If your home falls outside underwriting guidelines (for example, being too close to brush or in an older, high-risk area), we can explore other options—including surplus lines markets or the California FAIR Plan, which offers coverage for homes that can’t be insured through standard markets.
