Home Insurance Inspection Basics

Insurance inspections aren’t about helping you—they’re about limiting the insurer’s risk. If the company thinks your home is too risky, they’ll raise your premium, reduce coverage, or cancel the policy outright. The trick is knowing exactly what they look for so nothing on your property becomes a reason to downgrade your protection.

If you want to understand how inspection findings can affect what the insurer will or won’t pay for later, review homeowners coverage so you know how exclusions form.

1. Why Insurers Order Inspections

Insurers inspect homes for one reason: risk assessment. They want to confirm that the property they’re covering matches the condition you claimed during underwriting.

• Verify the home’s condition
• Check for hazards that increase claim likelihood
• Ensure upgrades and materials match your application
• Spot neglected maintenance that could cause losses

Inspections can happen right after you buy a policy or at renewal—especially after major storms.

2. Exterior Red Flags Inspectors Focus On

Most inspections happen outside. These are the deal breakers:

• Roof age and condition — curling shingles, hail bruising, sagging
• Missing or damaged siding
• Peeling paint on older homes (signals moisture issues)
• Broken steps or handrails
• Overgrown vegetation touching the home
• Improper drainage around the foundation

Roof issues are the fastest way to get a policy canceled. If you haven’t already reviewed it, read wind and hail coverage so you understand how insurers evaluate roof risk.

3. Interior Issues They Look For

Some inspections involve interior checks, especially for older homes or high-value policies.

• Old wiring (aluminum, knob-and-tube, double-tapped breakers)
• Leaking pipes or mold indicators
• Improper water heaters or venting
• Non-functioning smoke or CO detectors

Interior safety is tied directly to liability exposure. If you want a refresher, read the breakdown on liability coverage.

4. Possible Outcomes After an Inspection

Inspections don’t end with a simple “pass/fail.” Insurers take one of four actions:

• Full approval — no action required
• Required repairs — fix specific issues within a deadline
• Coverage modifications — exclusions or lower limits
• Non-renewal or cancellation — the worst-case scenario

Required repairs usually include roof fixes, tree trimming, railing installation, or leak corrections.

5. How to Prepare Before the Inspector Shows Up

• Clear vegetation away from siding and the roofline
• Repair loose shingles or gutters
• Install or fix handrails on stairs
• Replace damaged window screens or siding
• Ensure all smoke detectors work

A 30-minute walkthrough before the inspection prevents 90% of the negative outcomes.

6. What Happens If You Ignore Inspection Requirements

• Your policy can be downgraded
• Your deductible may increase
• Certain perils may be excluded
• The insurer may non-renew the policy entirely

Inspections are not optional. If the insurer gives you deadlines, meet them—or your coverage shrinks.

7. When to Request Your Own Inspection

• After major upgrades (roof, electrical, plumbing)
• After remediating previous inspection issues
• Before switching insurers

A clean inspection report strengthens your position during underwriting and helps you secure better coverage or lower premiums.