A home insurance inspection is when your insurance company sends an inspector to evaluate your property. Its purpose is to assess your home’s condition, verify details on your application and identify risks that could affect home insurance coverage or premiums. Inspectors typically review the interior and exterior, focusing on the roof, plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems. The results help your home insurance provider decide whether to approve or adjust your policy.
Homeowners Insurance Inspection: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Updated: November 20, 2025
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Key Takeaways
A home inspection is used to determine your home insurance coverage adjustments and premiums.
Insurance inspectors examine your home's roof, plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems to assess the property's overall safety.
Prepare for a homeowners insurance inspection by taking a look at exterior and interior systems yourself and ensuring safety measures are in place.
What Is a Home Insurance Inspection?
WHY HOME INSURANCE INSPECTIONS MATTER
Insurers use inspection findings to set your premiums, with well-maintained homes earning lower rates. The inspection also determines your coverage limits and identifies exclusions. Properties with major safety issues may face coverage denial or policy cancellation, leaving you uninsured and struggling to find alternatives at higher costs.
Home Insurance Inspection: What to Expect
You can expect the inspector to walk through your home, take photos and make notes on anything that might impact your coverage or premiums. They may also ask about recent updates, request documentation for repairs and check that safety measures are in place.
The best home insurance providers ensure that the process is brief and straightforward, with minimal disruption to your day. If you own a home in need of repair, it may be more involved and the inspector might pay closer attention to the roof, wiring or plumbing to ensure they’re up to current safety standards.
Interior Inspection: What Do Insurance Inspectors Look For?
Interior inspections check inside your home to ensure everything meets current building codes. Inspectors examine various elements that might affect your home insurance cost and coverage, including the house's overall condition, structure, wiring and plumbing.
Structural and General Maintenance
Foundation cracks, wall settlement, roof sagging and signs of water damage or wood rot. Inspectors also check for proper drainage away from the foundation.
Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC Systems
Outdated electrical panels (especially Federal Pacific or Zinsco brands), aluminum wiring, knob-and-tube wiring and overloaded circuits. Inspectors examine water heater age and condition, check for polybutylene or galvanized steel pipes and assess HVAC system age and maintenance records. They also look for evidence of leaks, water stains or moisture damage around fixtures.
Fire Safety
Working smoke detectors on each level (including bedrooms), carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas and accessible fire extinguishers in the kitchen. Inspectors verify detector age (detectors older than 10 years need replacement) and check that exit routes remain unobstructed.
Potential Hazards
Issues that could cause injury or damage. This includes loose stair railings, uneven flooring that creates trip hazards, exposed electrical wiring and missing GFCI outlets in bathrooms or kitchens. Inspectors also flag improperly stored flammable materials, damaged floor coverings and inadequate lighting in stairways.
Recent Updates and Renovations
Documentation and impact of recent improvements or renovations that may affect value or safety. For instance, this includes permits and inspection certificates for major renovations like electrical upgrades, structural changes or additions. Inspectors verify that work meets current building codes and may request contractor information, completion dates and warranty documentation for new roofs, HVAC systems or electrical panels.
Security
Presence of security features like alarms and secure locks. This includes deadbolt locks on exterior doors, window locks on ground-floor and accessible windows and monitored security systems. Inspectors note security cameras, motion-sensor lighting and reinforced door frames, as these features may qualify you for insurance discounts.
Exterior Inspection: What Do Insurance Inspectors Look For?
Exterior inspections check the outside of your home for safety and maintenance issues. Inspectors identify problems or hazards, like a worn-out roof or wall cracks, that could lead to bigger issues. They examine your yard and nearby elements, such as large tree branches, that could pose risks.
Roof Condition
Age, type and overall state of roofing materials, including any signs of wear, damage or needed repairs. For instance, missing, cracked or curling shingles, granule loss on asphalt shingles and damaged flashing around chimneys or vents. Inspectors also check for moss or algae growth that indicates moisture retention and look for sagging areas that suggest structural problems. Roofs older than 15 years receive extra scrutiny.
Exterior Walls and Foundation
Inspectors will examine cracks wider than 1/4 inch in the foundation, stucco damage, peeling paint that exposes wood to moisture, and separated siding panels. They may also check mortar joints in brick homes, look for efflorescence (white mineral deposits indicating water intrusion) and examine areas where different materials meet for proper sealing.
Landscaping and Grounds
This includes tree branches overhanging the roof or within 10 feet of the house, dead trees that could fall on structures and roots that cause foundation upheaval or sidewalk damage. Inspectors note poor grading that directs water toward the foundation, overgrown vegetation blocking vents or siding and bushes that create hiding spots near entry points.
Additional Structures and Features
Deteriorating deck boards, loose deck railings, rusted or damaged fencing and garage doors that don't close properly. Inspectors examine pool fencing for proper height (typically 4 feet minimum with self-latching gates), check shed roofs for damage, assess driveway cracks and verify that outbuildings have proper foundations and drainage.
HOME INSPECTION VS. BUYER INSPECTION
Many homeowners mix them up, but a home insurance inspection isn’t the same as a buyer’s home inspection. A home insurance inspection evaluates risks for your insurer to determine coverage and premiums, while a buyer’s home inspection checks overall condition to guide a purchase decision. An insurance inspection focuses on safety and liability, while the buyer’s inspection looks at value and repair needs.
Four-Point Inspection for Older Homes
A 4-point inspection is a focused home insurance evaluation often required by providers, especially for older homes, that assesses four critical areas: HVAC systems, electrical wiring and panels, plumbing and the roof. It identifies major issues or potential risks that could affect the home's insurability and the insurance provider's risk.
How Long Do Home Insurance Inspections Take?
Most home insurance inspections take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your property's size and condition. Larger homes or properties with multiple structures may require up to two hours. While your insurance company covers the inspection cost in most cases, specialized reports like four-point inspections or wind mitigation assessments will need to be paid for out of pocket if you order them separately.
How Often Do Insurance Companies Inspect Homes?
Insurance companies don’t inspect homes on a set schedule, but they often require an inspection when you first apply for coverage, renew a policy on an older home or make major updates. After that, inspections are usually only requested if risks are suspected or major changes occur.
After application, your insurance company may require an inspection within the first 30 to 60 days.
Situations where a home insurance inspection may be required include:
- If you are a first-time buyer/customer
- If you own an older/outdated home
- If you have a high-value home
- If you live in a disaster-prone area
- If you had structural changes or major home renovations
- If you are renewing your policy
- If you are switching to a new insurance company
- If your home’s replacement cost is difficult to determine
How to Prepare for a Home Insurance Inspection
Your insurance company might send an inspector to check your home before finalizing your policy. The inspector looks for damage, safety issues and maintenance problems that affect your rates.
- 1Clean and Declutter
Keep your home clean and clutter-free. This makes a good impression and allows the inspector to access all areas easily.
- 2Check Your Home's Exterior
Inspect the exterior for damage, such as loose roof shingles or siding. Make sure gutters and downspouts are securely attached and free of debris.
- 3Inspect Interior Systems
Verify that electrical, plumbing and heating/cooling systems work properly. Replace outdated or malfunctioning elements.
- 4Ensure Safety Measures Are in Place
Check that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors function properly. If you have a security system, ensure it's operational.
- 5Document Updates and Repairs
Have documentation ready for recent updates or repairs, including receipts, contracts and before-and-after photos.
- 6Review Your Personal Property
Create an updated inventory of personal property, especially high-value items. This helps if you need to update coverage limits.
- 7Prepare Your Questions
Be ready to ask questions about your coverage or the inspection process. This is an opportunity to understand your policy and potential changes.
CAN I REFUSE A HOME INSURANCE INSPECTION?
You generally can’t refuse a home insurance inspection if your insurer requires one, since it’s part of confirming your home’s insurability. If you decline, the company may cancel your application, deny coverage or choose not to renew your policy.
Failed Homeowners Insurance Inspection: What to Do
If you failed a homeowners insurance inspection, your insurance provider may refuse to renew your policy or may increase your premiums or deductibles. This happens when an inspector identifies risks or hazards that make your home high-risk for coverage. Scenarios that could cause you to fail include:
- Outdated electrical system that poses a fire hazard
- Lacking basic safety measures like smoke detectors and fire exits
- Neglected plumbing system that could lead to burst pipes
- Poorly maintained roof that is susceptible to water damage
The insurance company might offer conditional renewal, requiring specific repairs or improvements within a set timeframe. If you don't meet these conditions by the deadline, the company can cancel your policy. The company could also void your policy from its start date if the inspection uncovers previously undisclosed risks. This leaves you without coverage and facing back charges for the period you were insured.
Address any known issues before the inspection and be transparent about your property's condition.
Can You Get Homeowners Insurance Without an Inspection?
You can get home insurance without a home inspection, though this depends on the insurance company's policies and your home's circumstances. If your house was recently purchased and inspected during closing, or if the previous owner had it inspected within the last year, a new inspection might not be necessary.
New customers, those with older homes or homes needing repairs that are difficult to assess remotely may still require an inspection. Consult with your insurance broker or agent to determine if an inspection is necessary for your situation.
Home Insurance Inspection: Bottom Line
Home insurance inspections protect both you and your insurer by identifying risks that affect coverage and premiums. Inspectors evaluate your property's condition, focusing on roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems. Their findings determine whether your insurer approves coverage and at what cost.
Prepare by addressing visible maintenance issues, documenting recent repairs and ensuring safety features work properly. Properties with well-maintained systems and safety measures earn better coverage terms and lower premiums. If your home fails inspection, act quickly to complete required repairs and request re-inspection within your insurer's timeframe.
Home Inspection for Insurance: FAQ
We answer frequently asked questions about home insurance inspections, clarifying their purpose.
Is there a cost for a home insurance inspection?
In most cases, the insurance company covers the cost of the inspection. However, if additional specialized reports are needed, those may be at the homeowner’s expense.
How long does a home insurance inspection take?
Most inspections take 30 to 60 minutes for average-sized homes. Larger properties or those requiring detailed documentation of multiple issues may take up to two hours.
Do I have to be home during the inspection?
You don't need to be home, but being present helps you understand the inspector's findings and answer questions about recent repairs or renovations. If you can't attend, ensure the inspector has access to all areas including basements, attics and detached structures.
Does a home insurance inspection affect my premium?
Yes. Inspections identify risks that determine your premium. Well-maintained homes with updated systems and safety features typically earn lower premiums, while properties with deferred maintenance or safety issues face higher rates or coverage restrictions.
What happens if issues are found during the inspection?
Your insurer may require repairs within a specific timeframe (typically 30 to 90 days), increase your premium, reduce coverage limits or add exclusions for specific risks. Serious safety hazards may result in coverage denial until you address the issues.
Inspection for Homeowners Insurance: Related Pages
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like 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.