INSURANCE CHECKLIST
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
WHEN PURCHASING OR
SELLING A HOME
- AGE OF ROOF – Does the roof have at least 5 yrs of life left? If not it will need to be replaced. Keep in mind the carrier keeps tab of roof age and will send a non-renewal the next year.
- PLUMBING – Is there any polybutelene, polypropelene, pex or galvanized plumbing in the home. Any Poly is totally unacceptable, Pex only acceptable if new home, Galvanized only taken by some carriers.
- ALUMINUM WIRING – Does the home have Aluminum wiring? If so has the wiring been updated to include Alumicon or Copalum connectors to all the fixtures and outlets? If there is aluminum branch wiring in the home without the “connector fix “it is ineligible for coverage. The connectors are an acceptable fix for a few carriers to accept the risk. Please check with an electrician before purchase to see your options.
- KNOB AND TUBE OR CLOTH WIRING – TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE … Must be replaced
- POOL – Is it fenced on all 4 sides? Natural barriers do not count as fencing
- ANY TREES, BRANCHES OR BUSHES TOUCHING THE HOME NEED TO BE REMOVED
- ANY ROTTED WOOD, MOLD OR MILDEW NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED OR REMOVED
- ROOF SHAPE – a Hip roof costs less than a Gable roof to insure. A flat roof is more difficult to insure since some companies do not accept it.
- ELECTRICAL PANELS – Carriers will not accept an electrical panel from the following Make … Federal Pacific, Sylvania, Zinsco, Stab-Loc.
Requirements and Suggestions
Homes over 30 years old: Will need a four point inspection. Add a roof certification if the roof is over 15 years old.
Any home built before 2002 should have a wind mitigation inspection to help reduce premiums.
DUI, Felony, Bankruptcy or Prior Insurance Claims will hinder the purchase of insurance.