Why Does My Home Insurance Company Want to Inspect My House?

By Brad Davis, CIC (June 12, 2026)
Davis Insurance Associates – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

When you buy a new homeowners insurance policy, you may be surprised to find out the insurance company wants to inspect your home.

That can make homeowners nervous, especially if they are picturing a full home inspection like the one a buyer may order before purchasing a house. In most cases, that is not what is happening.

A home insurance inspection is usually an underwriting review. The insurance company wants to make sure the home meets its guidelines and does not have major property or liability concerns.

Depending on the insurance company, the inspection may be exterior only, interior and exterior, completed through a self-inspection link or app, or sometimes even assisted by drone technology.

The goal is not usually to find every small issue in the home. The goal is to help the insurance company confirm the home is in acceptable condition for the policy they issued.

What Is a Home Insurance Inspection?

A home insurance inspection is a review requested by the insurance company after a homeowners insurance policy is issued, renewed, or reviewed for underwriting purposes.

Insurance companies use inspections to confirm basic details about the home and look for concerns that may increase the chance of a claim.

They may look at things like:

• The roof condition
• The exterior condition of the home
• The HVAC system
• The electrical panel
• The water heater
• Plumbing under sinks or behind toilets
• Steps, decks, porches, and handrails
• Trees touching or hanging over the home
• Pools, trampolines, detached structures, or other liability concerns

This inspection helps the company decide whether the home still qualifies for coverage, whether repairs are needed, or whether the policy can continue as written.

Here is a blog post from one of our carrier partners SageSure – Home Insurance Inspections 101: What Homeowners Need to Know

Is a Home Insurance Inspection the Same as a Buyer’s Home Inspection?

No. A home insurance inspection is not the same as a full home inspection performed for a real estate buyer.

A buyer’s home inspector usually looks for a wide range of possible issues with the property. That inspection may include detailed comments about the structure, roof, plumbing, electrical system, appliances, drainage, attic, crawl space, ventilation, and more.

A home insurance inspection is different.

The insurance company is usually focused on underwriting concerns. They want to know whether the home fits their eligibility guidelines and whether anything creates an increased chance of a property or liability claim.

That may include the roof, electrical panel, water heater, plumbing, HVAC system, exterior condition, and possible liability hazards.

Why Do Insurance Companies Inspect Homes?

Insurance companies inspect homes because they are taking on the risk of insuring the property.

When a policy is issued, the company often relies on the information listed on the application. An inspection gives the company a chance to verify that information and look for concerns that may not have been known when the policy was written.

For example, the insurance company may want to know:

• Does the roof appear worn, damaged, or near the end of its useful life?
• Are tree limbs touching the roof or hanging over the home?
• Are steps, handrails, decks, or porches in poor condition?
• Does the electrical panel appear outdated or unsafe?
• Is the water heater leaking or in poor condition?
• Are there signs of plumbing leaks?
• Is there a pool, trampoline, detached structure, or other exposure that was not listed?
• Does the home show signs of poor maintenance?

In coastal areas like Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Little River, and other parts of South Carolina, roof condition and exterior maintenance can be especially important. Homes near the coast may face wind, hail, heavy rain, salt air, humidity, and severe weather.

That does not mean every small issue will create a problem. However, insurance companies often take roof condition, property maintenance, and liability hazards seriously.

When Do Home Insurance Inspections Happen?

Home insurance inspections are common after a new homeowners insurance policy is written.

Many insurance companies inspect new business shortly after the policy is bound. Depending on the company, the inspection may happen within a few days or a few weeks.

A company may also inspect a home:

• Every few years
• When the home reaches a certain age
• When the roof reaches a certain age
• After a policy change
• After a claim
• When underwriting guidelines change
• When the company wants updated information about the property

Some newer homes may not require an inspection. In some cases, the company may waive the inspection based on the age of the home, location, prior data, or other underwriting information.

Older homes are more likely to be inspected, especially when the company wants updated information about the roof, electrical system, plumbing, or general condition of the property.

What Types of Home Insurance Inspections Are There?

Not every home insurance inspection works the same way.

The inspection process can vary by insurance company, location, home age, roof age, and type of policy. Some inspections are handled by a third-party inspector. Others are completed by the homeowner through a self-inspection link or app.

In general, there are a few common types of home insurance inspections.

Exterior Home Insurance Inspection

An exterior inspection is one of the most common types of insurance inspections.

For an exterior inspection, the inspector may visit the property and take photos of the outside of the home. In many cases, no appointment is needed and no one has to be home.

The inspector may look at:

• The roof from the ground (or via an extension pole or drone)
• Exterior walls
• Yard condition
• Driveways and walkways
• Steps and handrails
• Porches and decks
• Trees near the home
• Detached structures
• Pools or trampolines
• Other possible liability hazards

Many homeowners never even know the exterior inspection happened unless the insurance company later asks for repairs, clarification, or additional photos.

Interior and Exterior Home Insurance Inspection

Some insurance companies require both an exterior and interior inspection.

When an interior inspection is needed, the inspector will usually contact the homeowner to schedule an appointment. This often happens within a few days after the policy is bound, but timing can vary by company.

During an interior inspection, the inspector may take photos of items such as:

• Electrical panel
• Water heater
• HVAC system
• Plumbing under sinks
• Plumbing behind toilets
• General interior condition
• Other areas requested by the insurance company

The inspector is not usually trying to inspect every inch of the home. The company is generally looking for underwriting concerns that could affect eligibility or future claims.

Self-Inspections for Home Insurance

Some insurance companies now use self-inspections instead of sending a third-party inspector to the home.

With a self-inspection, the insurance company may send the homeowner a link by email or text message. In some cases, the homeowner may need to download or use an app.

The link or app usually walks the homeowner through the process and tells them which photos to take. Once the photos are submitted, the insurance company reviews them for underwriting.

Self-inspections can be convenient, but they are often time-sensitive. If the company requests a self-inspection, it is important to complete it as soon as possible.

What Pictures Do Insurance Companies Usually Ask For?

The exact photos can vary by company, but many home insurance self-inspections ask for similar items.

Common photos may include:

• Two to four photos of the roof
• HVAC unit or units
• Electrical panel box
• Water heater
• Plumbing under sinks
• Plumbing behind toilets
• Exterior sides of the home
• Yard or property photos
• Detached structures
• Pools, trampolines, steps, decks, or other liability exposures

Some companies may ask for more photos. Others may ask for fewer.

Because different companies use different inspection tools, it is difficult to give one set of step-by-step instructions that applies to every homeowner. The best advice is to carefully follow the link, app, text, or email instructions provided by the insurance company.

If you are unsure whether the request is legitimate, contact your insurance agent before clicking links or downloading an app.

Do Home Insurance Companies Use Drones for Inspections?

Yes, some home insurance companies now use drones as part of the inspection process.

Drone inspections are most often used to review the condition of the roof. A drone can give the insurance company a better view of roof age, roof wear, missing shingles, damaged shingles, patches, debris, tree overhang, or other roof concerns that may not be easy to see from the ground.

A drone inspection could happen after a new homeowners insurance policy is written. However, we also see drone inspections used with homes that are already insured and have reached a certain age.

For example, some insurance companies may take a closer look when a home or roof reaches 10, 15, or more years old. The company may want updated information before deciding whether the policy still meets its underwriting guidelines.

This does not always mean the insurance company is looking for a reason to cancel the policy. In many cases, the company is trying to confirm the current roof condition and decide whether any additional information, repairs, or documentation are needed.

Should Homeowners Be Concerned About Drone Inspection Privacy?

It is understandable for homeowners to have privacy questions when they hear that an insurance company may use a drone.

In most cases, the purpose of a drone inspection is to review the exterior condition of the home, especially the roof. The inspection is generally used for underwriting purposes. It is not meant to inspect the inside of the home or invade the homeowner’s privacy.

That said, every company may handle inspections differently.

If you receive notice about a drone inspection, or if you are concerned about what the inspection includes, contact your insurance agent or insurance company. Ask what is being inspected, why the inspection is being done, and whether you need to take any action.

What Is the Insurance Company Looking For?

A home insurance company is usually looking for issues that could increase the chance of a property claim or liability claim.

Common concerns may include:

• Roof wear or roof damage
• Missing, lifted, or damaged shingles
• Tree limbs touching or hanging over the home
• Damaged siding or exterior deterioration
• Unsafe steps or missing handrails
• Damaged decks, porches, or walkways
• Outdated or unsafe electrical panels
• Visible plumbing leaks
• Water heater issues
• Poor property maintenance
• Pools, trampolines, or other liability hazards
• Detached structures not listed on the policy

The inspection may also help the company confirm details like replacement cost, square footage, construction type, number of stories, roof shape, and other rating information.

Read about home insurance and common homeowners coverages from our website.

Can an Insurance Company Cancel My Policy After an Inspection?

Yes, it is possible for an insurance company to cancel or non-renew a homeowners policy after an inspection. However, that does not happen in every case.

More commonly, the company may ask for repairs, photos, documentation, or clarification.

For example, the insurance company may ask the homeowner to:

• Trim tree limbs away from the roof
• Repair steps or handrails
• Clean up debris on the property
• Provide proof of roof age
• Repair damaged shingles
• Provide photos of the electrical panel
• Send updated photos after a repair is completed
• Remove or secure a liability hazard

If the concern is serious, or if required repairs are not completed by the deadline, the company may decide it cannot continue the policy.

This is why homeowners should take inspection requests seriously and respond quickly.

What Should I Do If I Receive a Home Insurance Inspection Request?

If your insurance company requests an inspection, do not ignore it.

Start by reading the email, text, letter, or app instructions carefully. If the inspection requires an appointment, schedule it promptly. If the company sends a self-inspection link, complete it before the deadline.

It is also a good idea to make sure your property is reasonably maintained before the inspection.

That may include:

• Trimming limbs away from the roof
• Removing debris from the yard
• Securing loose steps or handrails
• Checking for visible leaks
• Making sure the electrical panel is accessible
• Making sure the water heater is accessible
• Cleaning up around HVAC units
• Repairing obvious exterior hazards

You do not need to panic. Many inspection requests are routine. However, you should respond quickly and take the request seriously.

What Happens After the Inspection?

After the inspection is completed, the insurance company reviews the report and photos.

Sometimes, nothing else happens. The policy simply continues.

Other times, the company may send a request for additional information, updated photos, repairs, or proof that an issue has been corrected.

If you receive a repair request or underwriting notice, contact your insurance agent quickly. Many requests have deadlines, and missing the deadline can put your policy at risk.

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Home Insurance Inspection FAQs

Do I need to be home for a home insurance inspection?

Not always. If the insurance company only needs an exterior inspection, no one may need to be home. If the company requires an interior inspection, the inspector will usually contact you to schedule a time.

Why did my insurance company send me a self-inspection link?

Many insurance companies use self-inspection links or apps to collect photos of the home. This can be faster than sending an inspector. The company may ask for photos of the roof, HVAC system, electrical panel, water heater, plumbing, exterior areas, or liability hazards.

Is a home insurance inspection bad?

No. A home insurance inspection is a normal part of the underwriting process for many companies. It does not automatically mean something is wrong with your home.

Can my insurance be canceled if I do not complete the inspection?

It can be. If the insurance company requires an inspection and the inspection is not completed, the company may decide it cannot continue the policy. Always respond to inspection requests as soon as possible.

Do newer homes need home insurance inspections?

Sometimes. Newer homes may be less likely to need an inspection, and some companies may waive inspections for newer homes. However, this depends on the insurance company, location, home age, roof age, and underwriting guidelines.

Is it normal for a home insurance company to use a drone?

Yes, some home insurance companies use drones, especially to inspect roof condition. We often see this when a home or roof reaches a certain age and the company wants updated underwriting information.

What does a drone look for during a home insurance inspection?

A drone is usually used to look at the exterior condition of the roof. The company may look for roof wear, missing shingles, damaged shingles, patches, tree overhang, debris, or other roof concerns.

Should I be concerned about privacy with a drone inspection?

It is reasonable to have privacy questions. Most insurance drone inspections focus on the exterior of the home, especially the roof. They are generally used for underwriting purposes, not to inspect the inside of your home. If you are concerned, ask your insurance agent or company what the inspection includes.

Does the inspector look inside closets, cabinets, or every room?

Usually, a home insurance inspection is not that detailed. If an interior inspection is required, the inspector is often focused on major systems and underwriting concerns, such as the electrical panel, water heater, HVAC system, plumbing, and general condition of the home.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore a Home Insurance Inspection Request

A home insurance inspection is a normal part of the process for many homeowners insurance companies.

The inspection helps the company confirm that the home meets its underwriting standards and does not have major property or liability concerns. Depending on the company, it may be exterior only, interior and exterior, a self-inspection completed through a link or app, or a drone-assisted roof inspection.

The most important thing is to respond quickly, follow the instructions, and contact your insurance agent if you have questions.

At Davis Insurance Associates, we help homeowners in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Little River, and across South Carolina understand the insurance process from start to finish. If your insurance company asks for an inspection, repair, photo, or additional information, our team can help you understand what they are asking for and what steps to take next.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal, inspection, underwriting, or coverage advice. Home insurance inspection requirements vary by insurance company, policy type, property location, home age, roof age, and underwriting guidelines. Always review your specific policy documents and contact your insurance agent or insurance company with questions about your situation.