10/08/2026
Did you know that your insurance carrier can do an outside inspection of your home at any time? It was still your responsibility to maintain it, but there wasn't a quick and easy way for them to monitor it. Now, with the increased technology, carriers are using satellite images to do inspections of the properties every couple of years. And, if they are in your area because of a claim, it is not uncommon for them to take a look at the other houses they insure in the area.
Bottom line; as a homeowner it is your responsibility to keep your property free from risks.
What are the most common things they are finding?
1. Roofs - roofs that are in poor condition, have missing shingles, or even have a large amount of granulation (wear and tear), can be tagged as an unacceptable risk.
2. Missing handrails, or steps that are crumbling - steps are a common concern because they present a fall risk.
3. Debris - it doesn't matter if you live in a neighborhood or have 10 acres to yourself, piles of debris on the property can present a hazard.
4. Separate structures - some people think as long as they maintain the main home, the rest isn't a concern. But that's not true to a carrier. Any risk on the property is a potential claim.
So, what happens if your home has an exterior inspection and is flagged for risks? If the risks are minor, the carrier will typically give you 30, 60, sometimes 90 days to clear up the risk and send in color photos. If the type of risk makes you ineligible by the carrier, they can cancel you.
In this current climate, it's not worth the "risk" of being cancelled. Take a walk around your property today and look at it through the lense of an insurance inspector. Check the roof, look at the steps, walk the property and see if these last storms have caused any damage. A couple minutes today may prevent you from having an issue later.
