Why insurers inspect
When you buy a home or switch carriers, the new insurer will often send an inspector to look at the outside of the home, and sometimes the inside. The goal is to confirm the home matches the application and spot conditions likely to lead to a claim.
Sometimes the carrier then asks you to fix something by a deadline to keep the policy.
1. The roof
This is the most common request, and the most costly. Carriers look for missing or curling shingles, wear, moss and signs of leaks.
If you weren’t planning on replacing the roof, ask whether a repair or update will suffice. Often a targeted repair, with photos and a contractor’s invoice, satisfies the carrier.
2. The water heater
An old water heater can fail and cause serious water damage, and the oldest ones can even rupture. Carriers often ask that an aging unit be replaced. It is one of the less expensive fixes on this list, and it protects you too.
3. Overhanging trees
Branches over the roof can damage it in a storm and drop debris that clogs gutters. Usually, the request is just a little trim here or there. For what happens if a tree does fall, see is a fallen tree covered?
Other things that come up
Other issues can appear, such as missing handrails on steps, damaged walkways, outdated electrical panels, or a trampoline or pool without proper fencing. These are less frequent than the big three.
How to respond
- Call us as soon as you receive the request. Don’t ignore the deadline.
- Ask exactly what will satisfy the carrier.
- Get the work done and keep photos and invoices.
- Send us the documentation so we can confirm it with the carrier.
If a request seems unreasonable or too expensive, we can talk to the underwriter, or look at other carriers.