Insurance Inspection

The homeowner's insurance game is changing and not for the better.

Why is it important to have an inspection of my home completed prior to applying for a new homeowner's insurance policy?

Every year, homeowners' insurance rates increase. At Pre-Inspection Detectives, we know what hazards or deficiencies the insurance companies are looking for, or hoping for, so they can justify any rate increases or a higher-than-normal annual premium they would like to charge you.

We have worked with most insurance carriers and do a thorough assessment of your property before you apply for a new homeowner's insurance policy. Our results and recommendations often help the homeowner obtain insurance at a much lower premium.

Very Important:

In the past, when you would apply for homeowner's insurance, you would answer some simple questions regarding the shape of your home (the roof, structure, external walls, siding, etc.) and the insurance company would accept your word as the truth. Now, the homeowner's insurance game is changing. Most insurance companies will now schedule an external, and sometimes, internal survey of your home after you have applied and were approved for coverage. They will send out an inspector to take several photos and measurements of your home and compare these to the answers you provided on your application. By law, they do not have to notify you of their intent to schedule an external survey of your home. You do not even have to be present, unless it calls for an internal survey. They will complete the survey without your knowledge. Then, when you come home and find a door tag stating they conducted this survey, you get nervous. Did they photograph the outdoor spa you said you didn't have or some other potential hazards you failed to mention or deliberately did not divulge in your application? Any inaccuracies or falsifications discovered will either increase your premium, result in a cancellation of your premium, which will be on record when you attempt to apply for coverage with another company, and in extreme cases, they will accuse you of insurance fraud and that never has a fun ending. Our responsibility to our customers is to locate any potential hazards or deficiencies before you apply for that policy and to guide you in correcting them so you will qualify for a lower annual premium and not put yourself at risk. We then complete a comprehensive report for you to provide to the insurance company with your application, showing you have gone above and beyond to protect them and yourself and why you are entitled to a lower annual premium.

Insurers use the inspection to evaluate the overall condition and safety of the home.
They look for red flags like outdated wiring, an old roof, foundation issues, or plumbing concerns that may increase the likelihood of a claim.
Many insurance companies require a home inspection (especially for older homes or if the property hasn’t been recently insured).
Without one, they may deny coverage or limit your options.
A detailed inspection helps the insurer estimate the replacement cost of your home—not just market value.
This ensures that you get the right amount of coverage, aren’t overpaying, and that you don't end up underinsured.
If issues are found (e.g., missing handrails, roof damage, or faulty electrical systems), you’ll have a chance to fix them.
This could help you qualify for coverage or even get a lower premium.

If a claim arises and the insurer finds it’s related to a pre-existing issue they weren’t aware of, they might deny the claim.
An inspection up-front avoids disputes and ensures you're covered for what you think your home will need ahead.