Whether you’ve put in an offer/ just purchased a home, renewed a policy for a home you’ve had for 10 years, or switched insurance carriers, chances are that you’ll be required to obtain an insurance underwriting inspection.
But, what’s an insurance underwriting inspection, you ask? Well, it differs from a property inspection, which you probably had when you purchased your property, in that,an insurance underwriting inspection aims to answer the questions of “What will it cost to replace the property if were totally destroyed by a catastrophic event?” and “What type of risk or hazards does the property have that would increase the chances of damage or loss that would lead to a claim?” for the insurer of your property.
What does the Underwriting Insurance Inspection entail?
The inspection details are dependent upon the inspection type that the underwriter request. There are several different types of inspections, that provide varying levels of information to your insurance company:
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Exterior Only w/Photos
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Exterior Only w/Measurements
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WMIT (wind mitigation)
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Four Point
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High-value Inspections (dwellings w/a value that exceed $500,000)
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All Inclusive (Full Interior & Exterior)
With the most common, exterior inspections, typically the roof, any exterior hazards that could cause potential damage like low hanging trees, additional exterior structures, such as sheds & fences, the HVAC system, crawl space (if applicable), the foundation, and the exterior draining systems are inspected. In most cases, no one needs to be present for this inspection type, however, we will need to verify that the property is accessible to an inspector on the requested inspection date.
During the interior inspections the attic, interior rooms, plumbing connections, interior HVAC, electrical and electrical panels are inspected and photographed for the underwriter.
The Process:
The process begins with an order from the underwriter of your policy, that is sent to us, the vendor, with which inspection type is ordered. After we receive the order, we will attempt to contact you either via the agent provided phone number, text, or email to schedule the required inspection. During the inspection we are looking at the age and condition of the roof, electrical systems, and plumbing systems as well as seeing how the property is maintained.
How to Prepare:
The best way to prepare for an inspection is to ensure if there are any issues or damages to your home that you repair and maintain them. For example: If you notice the siding has popped up on your home, contact a siding contractor to see if it needs to be replaced or updated. Or if your roof is showing any signs of aging be sure to contact a roofer to determine the next steps.
Additional Helpful Tips:
Interior inspections: ensure to remove any obstructions from under sinks and make the attic accessible prior to the inspector’s arrival. Check for any exposed wires, leaks, mold, rust, or mildew throughout the home and remedy any potential issues.
If you have any pets, please alert the appointment scheduler. Additionally, if you plan to make any updates or changes to your property, please contact your agent as soon as possible to ensure that you are following the current requirements of your policy or have enough coverage should a catastrophic event take place.
With any insurance inspection, be sure to talk to your agent should you have any questions regarding your policy needs. Should you wish to schedule an inspection, please contact our office at 888-964-8776 ext. 0.
