By Lauren Dallas, Personal Lines Manager
If you’ve shopped for home insurance recently, you may have noticed something new: your insurance company wants to schedule an inspection. Whether it’s a walk-around of your property or a full interior tour, these inspections are becoming more common. And while it might feel like a hassle, the truth is, they’re not just about protecting the insurance company—they’re about protecting you, too.
Here’s why inspections are increasingly part of the home insurance process and why they’re ultimately to your benefit as a homeowner.
Inspections Help Ensure Your Home Is Properly Covered
The number one reason for home inspections? Accuracy. Insurance carriers want to make sure the home is insured to its true replacement value—not its market value. That means if something catastrophic happens, like a fire or storm, your coverage is enough to rebuild your home exactly as it was, down to the last detail.
For example, if your home has high-end finishes, a walk-out basement, or 10-foot ceilings, these upgrades cost more to rebuild than a standard layout and modest finishes would. If those details aren’t captured upfront during the quoting or underwriting process, you could find yourself underinsured at the worst possible time. A proper inspection prevents that from happening.
Independent insurance agents work hard to estimate a home’s replacement cost as accurately as possible when we first quote a policy. We ask detailed questions and run calculations based on homeowner input. But unless we’ve personally walked through the home, we’re relying on your description—and it’s easy to miss things like ceiling height or custom tile work.
That’s where inspections come in. They’re a second set of eyes to confirm that all the right features are accounted for. In fact, we’d rather overestimate a home’s replacement cost upfront so that, if the inspection comes back lower, we can adjust the price of the insurance policy down. That’s a lot better than having to explain why someone’s rate just went up after the initial quoting phone call.
What Triggers an Inspection?
Different insurance companies have different rules, but many now order at least an exterior inspection on every home they insure. Older homes (typically pre-1960) or higher-value properties (usually above $750,000 or $800,000) often trigger full interior and exterior inspections.
Inspections might be ordered right after a policy is issued, or even before quoting, depending on the carrier. Some companies even use satellite imagery like Google Earth to assess things like roof condition, tree overhangs, and debris in the yard before they ever send someone out.
A common misconception is that these inspectors work for the insurance company. They don’t. Carriers contract with independent vendors like Mueller Reports or Signature Companies for high-value homes. These professionals assess your property objectively and report back on features and condition. They aren’t there to "catch" you—they’re there to make sure the policy matches the actual specifics of the home.
Avoiding Surprises During a Claim
One of the biggest benefits of a thorough inspection is peace of mind. If a total loss occurs—say, your house burns to the ground—you want your policy to cover not just the basic structure but all the finishes, square footage, and materials that make it your home.
That’s why we also recommend endorsements like Guaranteed Replacement Cost or Extended Dwelling Coverage. These add-ons provide a cushion if the actual cost to rebuild exceeds your policy limits. But those options only work if the base coverage amount is accurate—and that’s what inspections help confirm.
Why Working With an Independent Agent Matters
Here’s where working with an independent insurance agent really pays off. We know what questions to ask before your policy is ever quoted. From ceiling height and square footage to finished basements and kitchen finishes, we’re trained to dig into the details that directly impact your coverage—and your premium.
That’s not something you’ll get from an online-only quote engine. If you go straight to a company like Progressive or GEICO, you may only be asked for your home’s market value or square footage. You might not think to mention things like upgraded bathrooms or vaulted ceilings—and that can lead to serious underinsurance down the road.
By contrast, we work to get the details right up front. That way, when the inspector comes out, your policy already reflects what’s really there—and your pricing is based on the right information from day one. If the inspection results in a price change, it’s usually a reduction—not a surprise increase.
The Bottom Line: Inspections Are Part of a Bigger Shift
The insurance industry is changing. Carriers are facing historic levels of catastrophic claims, from severe weather to large-scale losses. As a result, they’re becoming more selective—and more thorough. Homeowners are seeing increased premiums and stricter underwriting standards as a result.
Rather than viewing inspections as a nuisance, think of them as a way to verify that your investment is truly protected. And if you’re working with an independent agent, you have someone in your corner who understands the process, knows what insurance companies are looking for, and can help avoid unpleasant surprises down the road.