When you learn that your home is to be inspected by your insurance company, whether because you are buying a new home or switching insurers, it's normal to feel anxious or caught off guard. However, inspections are quite common and part of a company's effort to reduce the likelihood of preventable claims.
At HPM Insurance, we want our clients to feel empowered, not worried. A home insurance inspection isn’t a "test" you pass or fail; it’s simply a tool used to make sure your home is properly valued and safe for years to come.
Why Does the Insurance Company Inspect?
When you're buying a house, the home inspection is for your benefit. It helps you find out if the furnace works or if the basement leaks, and whether you want to move forward with the purchase. An insurance inspection, on the other hand, benefits both the homeowner and the insurance company.
Insurance companies are primarily looking for two things:
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Replacement Cost Accuracy: They want to verify that the home is insured for the correct amount. If a total loss were to occur, would your current policy limit realistically cover the cost of rebuild in today’s New Hampshire labor and materials market?
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Risk Mitigation: They also want to identify hazards that could lead to preventable claims, such as fire risks, trip-and-fall injuries, or water damage.
Like the phrase "a picture is worth 1000 words," not everything on a written homeowner's application can reflect the condition of a home. While an insurance application captures major details, like the age of the roof or whether there is a swimming pool, it can't fully reflect the condition of a home.
How Do They Inspect? (It’s Not Always a Knock at the Door)
Not every inspection involves a scheduled appointment and an inspector with a clipboard. Depending on the insurance carrier and the type of home, inspections may be conducted in several ways:
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Drive-By Inspections: An inspector may simply drive past the property to take photos of the exterior, roof, and surrounding area. In some cases, homeowners are not even aware that this has occurred.
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Virtual Tools: Insurance companies increasingly rely on high‑resolution satellite imagery and tools such as Google Street View to assess roof condition, proximity to brush or water, and other exterior features.
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Drone Inspections: In some cases, insurers use drones to get a bird’s-eye view of the roof and chimneys, especially on multi-story homes where a ladder might be impractical.
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In-Person Interior/Exterior: For older homes or higher‑value properties, a physical inspection may be required. This typically includes a review of the heating system, electrical panel, plumbing, and overall maintenance.
The 90-Day Window: Why Timing Matters
In New Hampshire, the first 90 days of a newly issued home insurance policy are often considered the underwriting period. During this time, insurance companies complete their due diligence, which can include an inspection.
State regulations allow an insurance company to cancel a newly issued policy within this 90‑day window, provided proper notice is given. If no legal notice of cancellation is issued during that period, the policy generally remains in force until its renewal date, assuming premiums are paid, and no fraud is discovered.
Because of this timeline, inspections are typically completed soon after a policy is issued. In practice, most inspections do not result in cancellation. More often, they lead to simple recommendations that can be addressed over time.
What is the Company Looking For?
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The Roof: This is the #1 concern for NH insurers. They are looking for curling or missing shingles, heavy moss growth (which retains moisture), or signs of sagging.
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Overhanging Trees: Branches touching or hanging over the roof can pose risks from wind, snow load, and animal activity.
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Dry Rot and Siding: Missing siding or visible wood rot on window sills or trim suggests moisture is entering the structure, which can lead to mold or structural failure.
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Yard Debris & Liability: Excess debris, unused appliances stored outdoors, or similar items may be flagged as potential liability exposures or maintenance concerns.
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Safety Hazards: Missing handrails on steps, cracked walkways, or inadequate fencing around a swimming pool are common inspection findings.
What Can You Do Pre-emptively?
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Roof & Gutters: Clean out leaves and moss; replace any visibly damaged or missing shingles.
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Trees: Trim branches so they are at least 3-5 feet away from the house and roofline.
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Exterior Walls: Power wash heavily mildewed areas and address gaps or openings in the siding.
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Yard Space: Remove clutter such as old tires, broken appliances, or scrap materials.
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Walkways: Ensure all stairs have sturdy handrails and paths are clear of tripping hazards or uneven surfaces.
What Happens if They Find a Problem?
If an inspector identifies an issue—such as roof moss or a missing railing—there’s no need to be alarmed. The insurance company will typically issue a letter outlining required recommendations and provide a timeframe, often 30 to 60 days, to complete the work. Proof of completion is usually submitted through photos or receipts.
If completing the repairs within that timeframe isn’t possible—for example, during a New Hampshire winter—communication is essential. We do our best to work with our clients to navigate these requests and can often help coordinate extended timelines when a signed contract is in place for the work.
The Bottom Line
A home insurance inspection is a standard part of protecting your investment. By maintaining your property and addressing visible issues early, you help keep your coverage stable and your home safe for years to come.
Do you have questions about a recent inspection notice you received? Our local agents are here to help you understand your policy and keep your New Hampshire home protected.
