You can often purchase home insurance without an inspection (also known as no-inspection home insurance), but it depends on the type of home you’re purchasing and the insurance company you choose.
Whether you’re buying a new home or replacing an existing policy, learn when home insurance without an inspection is an option, and what inspectors look for when one is required.
What is a home insurance inspection?
A home insurance inspection helps an insurance company assess the risk of insuring your property and calculate your premium. The process is generally shorter than a standard home inspection, though the inspection's extension depends on your insurer and property.
Sometimes, the inspector will simply view your home from the outside. Other times, the insurer will require a more extensive walk-through. Professionals commonly complete inspections, but some insurance companies may let you conduct self-inspections by submitting photos of your home’s interior and exterior for review.
Do you need a home inspection to get insurance?
You don’t always need a home inspection to qualify for a home insurance policy, but you may need one under the following conditions.
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You’re purchasing a policy for an older or high-value property.
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The home has an older roof.
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You’ve made significant upgrades to the home.
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You live in an area prone to natural disasters.
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You’re switching home insurance providers.
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You're purchasing a policy from an insurer that requires inspections, regardless of the property type, location, or policy type.
In some cases, an insurer may also require a home inspection upon policy renewal.
When can you skip a home inspection?
You may not have to go through the inspection process if any of the following factors apply.
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Your home is newer.
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You recently had a home inspection.
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You live in a low-risk area.
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You have a minimal claims history.
How much does a home inspection cost?
You usually don’t have to pay for a home insurance inspection, and you won’t need to hire a third-party inspector as you would when buying a home. Instead, the insurance company typically sends out an authorized inspector.
What do inspectors look for during a home inspection?
Home inspectors may look at the exterior and interior of your home to evaluate its overall condition and risk to the insurance company. This can also include your yard and any potentially risky issues, such as trees hanging over your house.
Roof
The inspector will evaluate the roof to determine its age, construction materials, shape, condition, and any nearby obstructions. Roofs are usually deemed lower risk if they’re newer (less than 15 years) or are made from hardier materials like metal or tiles.
Potential issues include missing shingles, sagging boards, overhanging tree limbs, or existing damage. The inspector may also take a look at your gutters to make sure they’re free of debris.
Foundation
The inspector may look at your foundation from the outside to see if there are any cracks, crumbling concrete, or signs of water damage. They’ll also check that the foundation and walls are level and flush, and that the land around your home slopes away from the foundation.
Plumbing
The inspector will look for signs of water damage and assess the age and condition of the pipes to determine how likely they are to burst. They will also determine the water heater’s age, type, and condition.
Electrical
A review of your home’s electrical system typically includes the wiring, electrical panel, and/or breaker box. Older types of wiring, such as knob and tube wiring, are considered a fire risk. The same applies to specific electrical panels recalled for safety reasons.
HVAC
The age and condition of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is another important component of an insurance inspection. The inspector usually looks at the age of the HVAC units based on their serial numbers. They may also note any associated water stains.
How to prepare for a home inspection
Understanding what a home inspection involves helps you prepare for the potential outcomes. Here are a few tips to make the process easier once the inspector arrives.
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Assess your home and address any potential issues, such as missing shingles, leaking pipes, or broken HVAC systems.
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Address minor issues, like a leaky faucet or tree limbs hanging over your roof.
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If necessary, hire a contractor to address issues in advance.
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Make sure key systems, such as HVAC units and electrical panels, are accessible.
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If you must be present for the inspection, ensure you can be available.
How long does a home insurance inspection take?
It depends on the type of home insurance inspection. An exterior inspection should only last a few minutes. However, the process can take longer if the inspector wants a closer look at the roof and interior systems.
In most cases, an insurance inspection is shorter than one for buying a home, but the timeframe can vary depending on the size of the house, the insurer, and any risk factors.
Can you use an appraisal to get home insurance?
Depending on the insurer, appraisals may sometimes be used instead of an insurance inspection as part of the underwriting process, but that’s not always the case.
Still, a recent appraisal can be a helpful part of your home insurance application because it helps the insurer calculate the property’s rebuild value.
What happens if your house fails a home inspection?
If your house fails the insurance inspection, the insurer may do one of the following.
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Allow you to address the issue(s) within a certain period. For instance, if your insurer deemed your property uninsurable due to an old or damaged roof, the insurer may give you the option to replace the roof.
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Add exclusions to your policy, meaning any damage caused by the failed portions of the inspection won’t be covered.
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Cancel your policy.
If your policy is canceled due to a failed insurance inspection, you must seek coverage through another insurer. However, keep in mind that, unless fixed, those issues will likely hinder your search for coverage, so it’s best to address them as soon as possible. That’s particularly true if you have a mortgage, as lenders typically require borrowers to maintain coverage as part of their mortgage agreement.