What Inspection Issues Will My Homeowner's Insurance Actually Care About?

Ethan Martinez
Jun 26
4 min read

Updated: Jul 2

Short answer: Your homeowners insurance company usually doesn't receive or read your home inspection report.

Instead, they evaluate the home's risk using information from your insurance application, public records, aerial imagery or inspections they order themselves, and sometimes follow-up questions during underwriting.

That surprises many homebuyers.

At Arrow Home Inspections, clients often ask whether they should "hide" something from the inspection because they're worried about insurance. The reality is that your inspection report is prepared for you - to help you understand the condition of the home and make an informed purchase decision. Unless you voluntarily provide it, your insurance company typically doesn't receive it as part of the underwriting process.

That said, your inspection may uncover issues that could affect your ability to obtain affordable homeowners insurance if they're left unaddressed.

Let's look at what insurers actually care about.

1. The Roof Is Usually Their Biggest Concern

If there's one part of the house that insurance companies focus on most, it's the roof.

Roof claims are among the most expensive losses insurers pay, so they'll commonly ask questions such as:

How old is the roof?
Has it ever been replaced?
What type of roofing material is installed?
What condition is it in?
Are there active leaks?
What class of impact-resistant shingles does it have, if any?
Has the roof suffered hail or wind damage?

Some insurers may also verify this information using aerial imagery, drone photography, public permit records, or an inspection performed on their behalf.

If your home inspection identifies widespread shingle deterioration, active leaks, exposed underlayment, or significant storm damage, it's often wise to negotiate repairs or replacement before closing. Waiting until after you own the home could make obtaining or renewing insurance more difficult.

2. Polybutylene Plumbing

One plumbing material that frequently raises underwriting concerns is polybutylene piping.

Installed in many homes between the late 1970s and mid-1990s, polybutylene has a documented history of premature failures that can lead to significant water damage.

Because of that history, some insurance companies charge higher premiums, require replacement, or may decline coverage altogether depending on their underwriting guidelines.

If your inspection identifies polybutylene piping, don't panic - but do contact your insurance agent before closing so you know exactly how your carrier handles it.

3. Major Electrical Safety Hazards

Insurance companies are primarily concerned with reducing the likelihood of expensive claims.

Electrical issues that may receive additional scrutiny include:

Unsafe or obsolete electrical panels
Improper wiring
Overheated conductors
Missing electrical safety devices
Evidence of electrical fires
Significant DIY electrical work

Older wiring methods or recalled electrical equipment may also affect underwriting decisions depending on the carrier and the home's condition.

4. Serious Plumbing Leaks

A dripping faucet won't concern your insurance company.

A plumbing leak that's actively damaging framing, ceilings, or flooring might.

Water damage is one of the most common causes of homeowners insurance claims, so insurers pay close attention to conditions that suggest an increased likelihood of future losses. Active leaks, deteriorated supply lines, significant corrosion, and evidence of ongoing moisture problems are all worth addressing before closing.

5. Conditions That Create Immediate Safety Risks

Insurance companies also look for conditions that create a high probability of injury or property damage.

Examples include:

Missing guardrails
Large structural failures
Fire hazards
Unsafe chimneys
Missing smoke alarms where required
Major trip hazards
Severe deferred maintenance

These aren't cosmetic issues - they're conditions that significantly increase the chance of a future insurance claim.

6. Foundation and Structural Problems

Not every foundation crack affects insurance.

Small shrinkage cracks are common in concrete.

However, evidence of major structural movement, severe settlement, bowed foundation walls, or conditions requiring engineering evaluation may receive additional attention because they can increase future claim exposure.

At Arrow Home Inspections, we partner with Noble Engineering to provide engineer-stamped foundation evaluations with a typical 48-hour turnaround, making it easier for buyers to understand the severity of structural concerns before closing. Read more about that service HERE

What Insurance Companies Usually Don't Care About

Many items that appear in a home inspection report have little or no effect on homeowners insurance.

Examples include:

Loose door knobs
Damaged window screens
Worn caulking
Minor drywall cracks
Cosmetic flooring defects
Slow drains
Sticking doors
Missing cabinet hardware
Paint touch-ups

These are maintenance items - not major underwriting concerns.

Be Honest on Your Insurance Application

One of the biggest mistakes buyers can make is assuming they'll "deal with it later."

When applying for homeowners insurance, you'll answer questions about the home's condition. Answer them honestly.

If your inspection identifies a roof nearing the end of its life, polybutylene plumbing, significant electrical hazards, or other major defects, it's often better to negotiate repairs with the seller before closing than to provide inaccurate information on your insurance application.

Being proactive can help you avoid delays, unexpected repair demands from your insurer, or difficulty obtaining coverage after you've already purchased the home.

A Home Inspection Helps You Prepare

A home inspection isn't just about deciding whether to buy a house.

It's also an opportunity to identify issues that could affect financing, future maintenance, and even homeowners insurance.

At Arrow Home Inspections, we help buyers understand which findings are routine maintenance, which deserve attention over time, and which may be worth addressing before closing. That knowledge can make the transition into homeownership much smoother and help you avoid unpleasant surprises after moving in.

If you're buying a home in Colorado Springs, Monument, Falcon, Peyton, Fountain, Woodland Park, Pueblo, Cañon City, Penrose, or the surrounding Southern Colorado communities, our inspectors provide detailed, same-day reports with clear explanations, complimentary thermal imaging, and practical recommendations so you can move forward with confidence.