Posted on: Nov 18, 2021 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

All You Need to Know About Home Insurance Inspection

Although not every insurance company does a home insurance inspection, some companies do. Hence, a lot of people don’t know what to expect from a home insurance inspection. Here is a quick guide with everything you need to know.

What is home insurance inspection?

Home insurance inspection is the process where an insurance company sends a registered inspector to assess the information provided on your home insurance application form. They assess the quality of your home, its ceilings, amenities, furniture etc. The inspector establishes a close estimate of the price of your home, so that it can be built from scratch in case of any damage of that scale. Basically, a home insurance inspection ensures that it provides enough coverage after evaluating all the risk potentials for claims in the future.

However, a home insurance inspection should not be confused with a standard home inspection. A usual home inspection is done by potential buyers, wherein they make the decision on whether to buy the house. Such an inspection is paid for by the potential buyer. But in case of a home insurance inspection, it is initiated by the home insurance provider. It is carried out to identify risks for liability and claims.

What Do Home Insurance Inspectors Look For?

Every home insurance inspection is different. But you can expect the following things during a standard home insurance inspection.

  • The certified instructor takes measurements of the exterior of your house. This gives them an idea of how big your house is and how much coverage you need for it.

  • Your roof is examined. A false or cracked roof brings in more risks.

  • The flooring is carefully checked.

  • All the appliances inside the home are noted. Any damage to them is also covered under home insurance plans.

  • The drainage system - interior as well as exterior - is examined thoroughly.

  • The plumbing system also comes under inspection.

  • If you have an attic, that is to be examined as well.

  • Exterior structures like lamps, lawns, garage etc. are checked for their risk potential.

  • If you have a swimming pool, that will be measured and checked for safety measures.

  • The overall security measures in the house are examined. The doors, windows, security systems determine the premium you have to pay for your plan.

How to Prepare for the Home Inspection?

If you have a property insurance inspection coming up in a few days, you may do certain things to ensure that it goes smoothly. You can take a stroll across your house to spot beforehand, so that you can get some of them fixed and be aware when they are brought up by the inspector. Here are some things you can look for:

  • Check your roof for cracks or leakage spots. If you have roof shingles, check for missing shingles.

  • If your drainage system is not working properly, consider getting a professional to fix it.

  • Check your doors, windows and bolts to make sure they are working properly. If the glass on your window has cracks, it might be a good idea to replace them.

  • If there is water leakage in the bathroom or kitchen, contact a plumber to get it repaired.

  • You should also check for water damage on the walls of your house. Cracks and bubbling on the wall can be a sign of water damage.

  • If you have stairs, make sure their railings are intact. If not, get those fixed or the risks associated with your house go up by a significant margin.

Why do insurance companies inspect homes?

The primary reason why insurance companies carry out a home inspection process is to make sure that the information provided by you on your application is accurate. Other than this, an inspection also gives a very accurate idea of the amount of coverage your house requires. Thus, this also determines the premium amount that you need to pay.

Can I get homeowners insurance without an inspection?

Yes, it is definitely possible to get homeowners insurance without any inspection. HDFC ERGO provides

Conclusion

Now that you know how to prepare for a home insurance inspection and what to expect from it, nothing should stop you from getting your house insured. Having a home insurance plan can save you thousands of rupees in case of any substantial damage in the house.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

Summary: A home insurance inspection is not the same as any standard home inspection. In this case, there is a certified inspector searching for potential risks within your house. It helps the insurance provider get an idea about how much coverage is required for your home.

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