You would think once your homeowners policy is active, the hard part’s over. But more and more homeowners are finding that’s not the case, whether they’re buying a condo in Miami, FL or a starter home in Detroit, MI. Many insurers are ordering inspections, or even driving by homes, and requiring repairs before they’ll continue or renew coverage.
These days, you might be able to get homeowners insurance without an inspection — at first. But the reality is, most insurance companies require some form of inspection when applying for a policy or even renewing an existing one. Whether that’s done through drone imagery, a drive-by inspection, a 4-point inspection, or even a virtual visit, most policies have an inspection requirement — even if you don’t always see it coming.
In this article:
Why do insurers usually require a home inspection?
When you apply for homeowners insurance, you’re protecting your home—but your insurer is taking on the financial risk of anything that could go wrong.To manage that risk, a lot of insurance providers require an inspection before finalizing your policy, during the policy period, or if your policy is up for renewal.
Sometimes the insurance company will ask for a copy of your home inspection report to assess risk. Other times, they will conduct their own 4-point inspection, which focuses on your roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. The goal is to understand the age of the home, overall condition, any potential hazards, and how any issues might impact your eligibility for insurance or your premiums.
Assessing risk based on age and condition
A new construction home carries very different risks than one that’s 70 years old. Inspections help insurers understand the overall condition of your property and whether it’s been well-maintained, needs updates, or has issues that could become a claim sooner rather than later.
Identifying potential safety hazards
Homeowners insurance companies are also looking for red flags that might increase the likelihood of damage or accidents. Common high-risk areas are the roof (for leaks or storm damage), electrical systems (fire hazards), plumbing (water damage risk), and the foundation (structural stability).
Determining insurance eligibility and premiums
What the inspector finds directly impacts how much you pay for your insurance, or if you even qualify for coverage at all. Recent upgrades and a home that’s been well-maintained could equate to a lower premium. Finding repairs like outdated wiring, a worn-out roof, or even missing handrails might raise your rates or mean coverage is denied or delayed until the issues are fixed.
When insurance companies don’t require an inspection
More and more insurers are tightening their rules and requiring inspections before issuing or renewing policies. Still, there are some situations where you might be able to get coverage without someone coming out to look at your property.
The home is new or recently renovated
Older homes come with more risks like aging plumbing, outdated wiring, worn roofs that insurers want to check before offering coverage. But if a home is newly built or has just gone through major upgrades, insurers already know those systems are less likely to fail. For example, a new construction home in a suburban neighborhood with modern safety features is less likely to have a surprise claim than a fixer-upper from the 1960s. In those cases, some insurers are comfortable issuing a policy without an inspection.
The home is lower in value
Insurance is about risk and replacement cost. If your home would be less expensive to rebuild, the financial risk to the insurer is smaller. That sometimes means they’ll ease up on inspection requirements. A 1,200-square-foot bungalow in the midwest may not get the same scrutiny as a large historic home in Boston with custom finishes, simply because the potential payout is lower.
The property is low risk
Where a home is located can be just as important as its age or condition. A modest house in a safe neighborhood with low exposure to natural disasters or theft may not raise the same level of concern for insurers. On the other hand, that same house in a wildfire zone or within an intercity zipcode would likely provoke an inspection. The lower the overall risk, the more likely it is that an inspection might be skipped.
There has been a recent inspection
If the home has already been inspected within the last year or two, insurers sometimes accept that documentation instead of requiring a new inspection. For example, if you just bought the home and had it professionally inspected during the sale, an insurer may consider that report “good enough” to proceed. But if big issues were found on the inspection report, they would likely still need to be fixed before getting approved for coverage.
Using digital, remote, or delayed inspections
Instead of sending someone in person, insurers might rely on satellite imagery, tax records, or photos you upload yourself. Some even issue coverage right away and schedule an inspection within 30–90 days to confirm your details. This is convenient if you need proof of insurance quickly, like to close on a mortgage, but it also means the company can change your rate, require repairs, or even cancel coverage if issues show up later.
What to expect from a home insurance inspection
When an insurance company inspects your home, the goal is simple: to identify risks that could lead to future claims. Depending on the insurer and your property, the inspection might be quick and simple or more detailed. Drive-by inspections and 4-point inspections are the most frequently used methods insurers use to determine coverage.
- Drive-by inspection: An exterior review where the inspector checks the roof, siding, and overall upkeep from the street. They’re looking for signs of neglect, like missing shingles, peeling paint, or overgrown trees that could be risky. You may not even know it happened until you get a notice in the mail.
- 4-point inspection: Focuses on four major systems: the roof, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. These inspections are especially common for homes that are around 20-30 years or older. Inspectors want to know if the home’s systems are safe, in working order, and that liability is limited.
- Full interior and exterior inspection: The most thorough option, covering everything from the foundation to the attic. Inspectors check for structural issues, water damage, safety features like smoke detectors, and exterior condition. This gives insurers the clearest picture of your home but can reveal issues to fix before coverage is finalized.
- Virtual or photo inspections: With the rise of online-first insurers, virtual inspections are becoming more common. Homeowners upload a series of photos or do a live video walk-through with a representative, instead of having an inspector come out to the home. These inspections are convenient and quick, but the insurer may still follow up with an in-person visit if something seems unclear or in need of a more thorough inspection.
What home insurance companies are looking for:
- Condition of the roof: the age, any leaks, storm damage
- Electrical safety: outdated wiring, old or faulty panels
- Plumbing risks: leaks, outdated pipes, water damage
- Foundation and structural soundness: cracks in the foundation, rot, decay
- Fire risks or visible hazards: wood stoves, missing safety equipment, proper ventilation, etc
How to get homeowners insurance without an inspection
Most insurers want to inspect your home before or soon after issuing a policy, but there are ways to improve your chances of getting coverage without a full in-person review.
Be upfront with basic home details
Before you start insurance shopping, pull together the essential information: home age, square footage, construction type, and any upgrades or renovations. Being able to point out things like a new roof, updated wiring, or a modern HVAC system helps show insurers your home is a safer bet.
Shop online or call insurers offering instant coverage
Many online-first insurers and some traditional carriers offer “instant coverage” or “same-day policies” relying on public records, satellite images, and your application details instead of a home visit. Checking online platforms and calling insurers directly can uncover options that aren’t always obvious, but you might pay a premium or have more limited coverage.
Ask about conditional coverage policies
It’s not always possible to skip the inspection, so ask whether the company offers conditional or provisional coverage. These policies work by starting coverage right away, but allow the insurer to schedule an inspection within the first 30 to 90 days. For example, you might close on a house and get coverage immediately to satisfy your lender, but the insurer will still schedule an inspection after you have moved in. Use that window to prepare your home and avoid surprises that could affect your rates or coverage.
Tips for passing an insurance inspection
Insurers want to know that the home is safe, maintained, and ready for the long haul. The more proactive you are, the fewer surprises you’ll face when your policy is finalized. A little prep work could even help you lock-in a better rate.
- Tidy up the exterior: Clear away debris, trim overgrown trees or bushes, and make sure gutters are clean. Inspectors often notice signs of neglect first, and first impressions are important.
- Check the roof and gutters: Replace missing shingles, fix leaks, and make sure gutters are properly attached and draining. A roof in good condition is one of the biggest factors in passing an inspection.
- Update safety features: Test smoke detectors, install carbon monoxide alarms, and replace expired fire extinguishers. Missing or broken safety devices are easy fails.
- Review electrical and plumbing systems: Take care of obvious issues like leaky pipes or outdated wiring. If you’ve had recent upgrades, keep documentation handy to show the inspector.
- Take care of small repairs: Patch cracks, secure loose railings, replace broken steps, and address any visible water damage before the inspection. Problems that look small can actually be a sign of bigger issues.
- Document recent upgrades: Save receipts or permits for major improvements like a new HVAC system, roof, or electrical updates. This evidence can support your case for lower premiums.
FAQs: Home insurance inspections
What happens if your home is uninsurable?
If an insurer decides your home is too risky to cover, you may have to make repairs before reapplying. In some cases, you can turn to state-run FAIR Plans or surplus-line insurers, which provide coverage when standard companies won’t. The trade-off is usually higher premiums and fewer coverage options.
Can I refuse a home insurance inspection?
You can say no to a home insurance inspection, but most insurers will cancel or deny coverage if you won’t allow an inspection. Since inspections are how insurers confirm the home’s condition and risk level, declining the process leaves them with too many unknowns. If you’re worried or don’t want the hassle, you can ask about alternatives like providing recent photos, repair receipts, or a past inspection report.
Is it normal for home insurance to take pictures of your house?
Yes. Inspectors will take photos during a drive-by or walk-through to document the home’s conditions. Sometimes insurers also use satellite images or aerial photography to aid in their inspection. The goal is to confirm that the property matches what’s listed in your application and to identify any risks that could lead to claims later on.
What is considered high-risk for home insurance?
“High-risk” can mean different things, but it usually includes older homes with outdated or damaged systems, properties in disaster-prone regions (like wildfire, hurricane, or flood zones), or houses with a history of frequent claims. Even cosmetic issues like missing shingles, peeling paint, or overgrown landscaping can flag a property as higher risk because they can suggest deferred maintenance.
Will an inspection raise my premiums?
An inspection can raise your premiums, but it can also lower them. If the inspector finds problems like a worn-out roof, old wiring, or signs of water damage, the insurer may adjust your rate upward or require repairs. On the other hand, if the inspection confirms your home is well maintained with modern upgrades, you could actually qualify for a discount. The inspection’s goal is to make sure your premium matches your home’s real level of risk.
The post Can You Get Homeowners Insurance Without an Inspection? appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.
