When you purchase a new homeowners insurance policy, it is common for the insurance company to come out and take a lap around the outside of your house and inspect it.  Why do they do this?  To see if there are any existing issues that might lead to future claims.  If they see certain things, they may decline the policy.

What do they look for?  They look at the roof first.  The roof is one of the most important things protecting a house.  If there are any missing shingles, or lifting or curling shingles the insurance company may decline the policy.

They look for any wear and tear that hasn’t been fixed.  Pealing paint for example is a sign of neglect and they may decline.  Torn screens or broken windows are signs of neglect as well.  Homes with pealing paint and broken screens/windows statistically have more claims files against them.

They will look for things that will lead to an existing liability claim.  For example stairs leading up to the house without a railing.  Unfenced trampolines or pools are also things that insurance companies don’t like.  These things are called “attractive nuisances”.  They might attract kids or teenagers to enter your property and hurting themselves.

It’s a good idea to be honest with your new agent and disclose this information before paying for a policy.  If a main insurance carrier declines a risk, there are other companies that will take these risks, but they generally are more expensive.

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