Updated: January 23, 2026
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Insuring an older home or one needing repairs is possible, but expect limited coverage and higher premiums until the property meets standards.
Specialized insurance policies, such as FAIR Plans, provide viable alternatives for insuring old homes, high-risk properties or homes needing repair.
Some insurers waive new inspections if a recent one is available, making it easier to get coverage for older homes or those in less-than-perfect condition.
You can get homeowners insurance for homes needing repair, but options are limited and premiums run higher. Insurers see high-risk properties (like older homes) as claim magnets. Expect exclusions for pre-existing damage and coverage caps until you finish repairs.
Your policy won't pay for damage caused by existing problems. Insurers inspect homes before issuing policies and usually demand repairs as a condition of coverage.
Older homes qualify for homeowners insurance, but you'll pay more and jump through extra hoops. Properties with active damage or safety issues raise red flags for insurers. Older homes often need inspections or system upgrades, though standard policies usually remain available.
Insurers assess risk, and homes in disrepair trigger expensive claims. Think leaks, fires and structural collapses. Companies either demand repairs upfront or cap your coverage until you complete the work.
Older homes get the same scrutiny. Even without obvious damage, insurers treat aging properties like fixer-uppers and require inspections or upgrades before writing standard coverage.
Issues that red-flag your home for insurers:
Getting coverage for fixer-uppers or aging homes takes legwork, but it's doable. Find agents or brokers who handle high-risk properties, then shop quotes from top home insurers to land coverage you can afford.
Agents and brokers who focus on high-risk properties know your options: FAIR Plans, surplus lines carriers and niche policies for homes in rough shape.
Tell agents everything about your home's condition. Share system ages (roof, plumbing, electrical), visible damage, inspection reports and any repairs you've finished or scheduled.
High-risk insurers price damaged properties differently. Get quotes from several providers and check coverage limits, exclusions and repair requirements. Shopping around lands you the best deal available.
Fix critical problems (leaky roofs, exposed wires, broken windows) before applying. You'll boost approval odds and cut your premium. Target repairs that address safety hazards or prevent fire and water damage.
Not all repairs move the needle on insurance approval. Insurers care about fixes that cut risk. Some repairs unlock standard coverage while others just make your home prettier.
Prioritizing safety and structural repairs first is the most effective way to improve your chances of securing affordable coverage.
Skip the inspection if you bought recently or your last insurer inspected within the past year. Insurers order new inspections when homes need obvious repairs.
Standard insurers reject homes needing repair. FAIR Plans and renovation coverage step in when you can't get traditional coverage. These programs insure properties that fall outside normal underwriting standards.
FAIR Plans are state-run programs that insure high-risk properties rejected by regular insurers.
Live in a coastal zone where storm risk gets you denied? FAIR Plans cover you. Homeowners repeatedly rejected due to property condition or location rely on FAIR Plans as their fallback option.
FAIR Plans cost more and cover less. They exclude certain disasters and cap coverage lower than standard policies. Not every state runs a FAIR Plan, and eligibility rules differ by location.
Renovation coverage insures homes during repairs or remodels. It pays for problems that crop up during construction.
Remodeling your kitchen and a pipe bursts? Renovation coverage pays for water damage. Homeowners tackling major upgrades (particularly structural work or system overhauls) need this protection.
You can insure homes needing repair or aging properties, but requirements are tougher and premiums higher until you make updates. FAIR Plans and renovation coverage protect you financially when standard insurers reject you.
Knock out structural and safety repairs first. You'll improve approval odds and cut insurance costs over time. Whether your home needs fixes or just shows its age, proper coverage protects your wallet while you upgrade.
These answers address common questions about specialized homeowners insurance policies, including FAIR Plans and inspection requirements for damaged properties.
Yes, but premiums run higher and coverage options shrink. Damaged properties pose bigger risks, so FAIR Plans step in where traditional insurers refuse.
Yes, but insurers inspect thoroughly and charge more because of outdated construction and systems. Expect to upgrade electrical work, plumbing or HVAC before getting approved.
Yes. Your policy covers financial losses to your existing home and additions from fires, theft, vandalism and construction accidents. Tell your insurer about construction plans to adjust coverage.
Fix roof leaks, exposed wiring and broken windows. Safety repairs boost approval odds and cut premiums.
Yes. Once major repairs or updates are complete, you can reapply with traditional insurers and often qualify for broader coverage.
Usually not. Insurers are more concerned with structural and safety problems that can cause costly claims.
Finding insurance for fixer-uppers feels impossible. Most comparison sites test perfect properties, not homes needing work.
We built this analysis for homeowners with older homes or properties needing updates. Our realistic profile shows what you'll actually pay and which insurers might approve you.
Homeowner Profile
We collected quotes using a profile that represents the typical homeowner with a property needing attention:
This profile matters because insurers evaluate older homes differently than new construction. Using a 2000-built home gives you realistic expectations for properties that may need system updates or have aging components—not the inflated optimism of brand-new construction quotes.
Homeowners Insurance Coverage Details
We gathered quotes using two coverage scenarios to show options at different price points:
Standard coverage limits:
Higher coverage limits (for expensive homes):
Testing multiple coverage levels shows which companies offer competitive rates whether you're insuring a modest home needing repairs or a higher-value property requiring updates. The $1,000 deductible strikes a balance between affordable premiums and manageable out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim—crucial when you're already budgeting for repairs.
Why This Approach Works for Homes Needing Repair
Standard rate comparisons don't reflect the difficulties that come with owning an older or damaged property.
Our methodology focuses on realistic scenarios: homes that aren't brand new, credit scores that reflect actual homeowners and coverage levels that provide financial protection without breaking your budget.
This gives you accurate expectations when shopping for insurance, not best-case scenarios that don't match your situation.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
