What to expect from a home insurance inspection
A home insurance inspection may include an exterior review, an interior visit or a request for photos, depending on the insurer and situation. It can help confirm property details, estimate rebuilding costs and identify conditions that may require follow-up.
Getting a request for a home insurance inspection can be surprising, especially if your policy has already started. The review is completed for insurance purposes and is different from the home inspection a buyer may arrange. The type of inspection, timing and possible next steps may vary by insurer, property and state.
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What is a home insurance inspection?
A home insurance inspection is a review of a property for insurance purposes. It may help an insurer confirm details about the home, review visible conditions and estimate what it could cost to rebuild the structure. An insurance inspection is not an evaluation of the home's condition or safety and is not a guarantee that the home is free of defects or hazards.
A homeowners insurance inspection is also different from an appraisal or an inspection of damage after a claim. Those reviews serve other purposes.
Why does my insurance company want to inspect my house?
An insurance company may request an inspection to better understand a property it insures or may insure. The review may help the insurer compare application or policy information with the home’s current features and visible condition.
Possible reasons for an inspection include:
- Confirm property information: The review may verify details such as the home’s size, construction, number of stories and other structures.
- Review visible conditions: The inspection may identify property conditions that require more information or follow-up.
- Help estimate rebuilding costs: Features, finishes, additions and renovations may affect the home’s estimated rebuilding cost. A rebuilding cost estimate is not a guarantee of the actual cost to rebuild or that the policy limits will cover that cost.
- Document property changes: The inspection may help identify updates that are not reflected in existing records.
- Review safety or liability concerns: Visible features such as damaged steps, loose railings or a pool may lead to additional questions.
An inspection request does not by itself mean the insurer believes something is wrong. Review the notice or contact the insurer to understand why the inspection was requested.
When a home insurance inspection may happen
Depending on the insurer and situation, an inspection may be requested:
- During an application: An insurer may want to confirm information before completing its review.
- After a policy starts: An inspection may happen after coverage begins.
- During a policy review: An insurer may request updated information later in the policy term or around renewal.
- After a property change: A major remodel, addition, roof replacement or new outdoor feature may change information about the home.
- When records are incomplete: An inspection may help confirm details that are not available through other sources.
- When updated documentation is needed: An insurer may request current photos or other property information.
If you remodel, add living space or make another major change, consider contacting your agent and reviewing your home insurance coverage.
What happens during the home insurance inspection process?
The process depends on the insurer, property and reason for the inspection. It may involve an exterior-only review, an interior and exterior visit or a digital process that requests photos or other information.
The home insurance inspection process may include these steps:
- Review the instructions: The notice may explain the inspection type, whether an appointment is needed and what access or information is requested.
- Confirm who is completing the review: Verify the name of the person or company through contact information provided by the insurer.
- Allow the requested property review: The inspector may review visible and accessible areas included in the inspection.
- Provide requested information: You may be asked questions about the home or to share records, photos or details about recent updates.
An exterior-only inspection may not require anyone to enter the home. If interior access is requested, the notice may provide appointment and access instructions. Ask the insurer if any part of the process is unclear.
Home insurance inspection checklist
What does a home insurance inspector look for? The answer depends on the insurer and inspection type, but the review may include the following areas:
The scope may be limited to visible and accessible areas. It may not include specialized testing or a detailed evaluation of each home system. For ongoing upkeep, review these roof maintenance tips, including gutter and downspout care.
How to prepare for a home insurance inspection
Before the scheduled review, consider these preparation steps:
- Read the request: Note the date, access instructions, requested photos and documents.
- Confirm the format: Ask whether the review is exterior-only, includes the interior or is completed through a digital process.
- Verify the inspector: Confirm the person’s name and company before providing access to your home.
- Provide safe access: Clear a reasonable path to areas the inspector was asked to review, such as the electrical panel or water heater.
- Gather property records: Collect permits, receipts, contractor documents and photos for major renovations or repairs.
- Review visible concerns: Consider addressing active leaks, loose railings or damaged steps when it is safe and practical. Keep up with routine home maintenance throughout the year.
- Secure pets: Keep pets away from areas the inspector may need to enter.
- Keep copies: Save the photos, records and other information you provide.
Avoid climbing onto the roof or attempting electrical, plumbing, structural or heating work just to prepare for an inspection. Some projects may require you to hire a professional.
What happens after a home insurance inspection?
After a home insurance inspection, the insurer reviews the information and decides whether additional information or action is needed. The outcome may depend on the property, policy, insurer, state and reason for the inspection.
Possible next steps may include:
- No further request: The insurer may not need additional information from you.
- Follow-up questions: You may be asked to confirm a property detail or explain an update.
- More documentation: The insurer may request photos, permits, receipts or repair records.
- Updated property information: Details about the home or its estimated rebuilding cost may be revised.
- A request to address a condition: The insurer may identify an item that needs attention and provide a deadline or other instructions.
- A policy outcome: Depending on the policy and applicable state law, the findings may result in a change in premium or coverage, cancellation or nonrenewal.
The notice may explain any requested action and how to respond. Contact the insurer if the request is unclear. Another homeowner’s experience or timeline may not apply to your inspection.
If repairs or more information are requested
If you receive a follow-up request, consider these steps:
- Read the full notice and note the requested action, deadline and submission method.
- Contact the insurer or agent if the request is unclear and ask what proof is needed.
- Consider a qualified professional when the work requires specialized skills or permits.
- Keep before-and-after photos, receipts and copies of what you submit.
The insurer reviews the submitted information before determining any next steps.
Can a home insurance inspection affect your premium or coverage?
A home insurance inspection may affect your premium or coverage. The outcome depends on the insurer, policy, property, state and circumstances.
For example, confirmed square footage, additions, finishes or other features could affect the estimated rebuilding cost. Visible conditions may lead to follow-up questions or a request to address an item. Review any notice carefully and ask how the findings relate to your policy.
An inspection does not determine whether a future loss is covered. Coverage for a claim depends on the policy terms, applicable endorsements, deductibles and facts of the loss.
Home insurance inspection vs homebuyer inspection
A home insurance inspection and a homebuyer inspection may review some of the same property areas, but they serve different purposes.
One inspection does not replace the other because each serves a different purpose.
Frequently asked questions about home insurance inspections
Does homeowners insurance require an inspection?
Not every property or policy follows the same inspection process. Requirements may depend on the insurer, application, property, policy and state.
Can a home insurance inspection happen after a policy starts?
It may. An insurer may request a home insurance inspection after coverage begins. The timing and purpose may vary, so review the notice for details about the inspection and any action you need to take.
Does a home insurance inspector need to enter my house?
Not necessarily. Some inspections may be exterior-only or photo-based, while others may include the home’s interior. The request may explain what access is needed. Contact the insurer if the access instructions are unclear.
How long does a home insurance inspection take?
The time may depend on the inspection format, size of the property and areas being reviewed. Ask the insurer or inspection provider for an estimate if the notice does not include one.
Can I refuse a home insurance inspection?
Before declining an inspection, contact the insurer or agent to understand the request. Depending on the circumstances and applicable state law, declining or not completing a requested inspection may affect whether coverage is issued or continued. Your state insurance department may also provide information about state-specific requirements.
Review any inspection notice carefully and keep copies of the documents you provide. If you have questions about the request or what it may mean for your policy, a State Farm agent can help you review your coverage and discuss policy-specific questions.
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This content was developed with the help of AI and reviewed by State Farm editors.
The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third-party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.
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