Nothing is worse than knowing that not much stands between your home being properly insured and you having no coverage. To help you know what to check for when getting an insurance agent to inspect your house, we’ve included some of the most common problems homeowners face when getting their homes insured.
- Old Electricity Systems: Even if the electrical systems are working just fine and the wiring is intact, an insurance agent will be more skeptical of a wiring system that is 20 years old compared to a new one. If you have any questions or concerns, it might be a good idea to update the wiring.
- Roof Condition: If your roof has a large number of missing shingles, is old and worn, or is leaking, then you need to get it repaired. Insurance agents are very cautious about the possibilities of water damage, and you should be as well. If your roof is leaking and the house sustains water damage, you could be in serious trouble with or without insurance.
- Damaged Stairs: Whether the stairs are on the back porch, front porch, or leading down to a basement, a damaged staircase can be an insurance issue. If the stairs are of wooden construction, they shouldn’t be too difficult to fix, but brick or concrete stairs could be more of a problem, especially if the damage is a risk to the safety of you or your family.
- Climbing Plants: If you have ivy or another climbing species growing up the side of your house, consider removing it. Vinyl siding is particularly susceptible to damage by climbing plants, and gutters and drainpipes can also suffer damage. An insurance inspector will not approve a house if the siding is at risk of being damaged by aggressive plants.
- Geographic Placement: If your home is in a high risk flood area, then you must be prepared to protect it from floods. For example, if you own a house on the coast, you have to build the home a specific distance from the waterfront for your own safety and for the protection of the home. Natural disturbances cause a lot of damage to houses, and if that damage is preventable, take the necessary steps to avoid that damage.
By considering the above potential problems and taking a proactive approach, securing insurance coverage for your home will be a much simpler process.
