Is Your Homeowners Insurance Company Spying on You?
It might sound like the beginning of a conspiracy theory, but yes, your homeowners insurance company might be checking in on you… without you even knowing it. And it’s not as shady as it sounds.
Insurance carriers routinely conduct property inspections, often unannounced, to verify the condition of your home and to assess any risks that might impact your coverage. With the help of technology, including drones, these inspections are faster, safer, and more detailed than ever before. So what exactly are they looking for?
Why Are Insurers Inspecting My Home?
Before or after issuing a policy, insurance companies have the right to inspect your property. In fact, most companies do this within the first 60 days of writing a new policy. These inspections can be in person, via satellite imagery, or through drone surveillance. You may not get a heads-up, especially if the inspection is external-only.
Their goal? To make sure your property matches the risk profile they priced and accepted.
What Are They Looking For?
Property Exposures:
- Roof condition – A roof near the end of its lifespan can increase the risk of water damage claims.
- Signs of occupancy – Vacant homes have higher risk of vandalism, fire, and delayed maintenance.
- Debris or overgrowth – Overgrown vegetation and clutter can pose fire risks and signal neglect.
- Siding, gutters, or foundation issues – These can indicate broader structural problems.
Liability Exposures:
- Trampolines – Fun for kids, but a major liability for insurers.
- Swimming pools – Especially those with diving boards or slides may not meet safety standards.
- Aggressive dog breeds – Some companies may exclude or surcharge based on breed.
- Home businesses or rentals – Undisclosed uses can lead to denied claims.
One big concern for insurers is backyard trampolines. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, over 100,000 trampoline-related injuries occur each year in the U.S., with many leading to broken bones or head injuries. Insurers see this as a serious liability concern.
What Happens If an Undisclosed Exposure Is Found?
If your insurance company finds a material exposure, like an in-ground pool with no fence, a trampoline, or a roof in poor condition, that wasn’t disclosed or accounted for when the policy was first issued, they may take action. This could include revising your premium, adding exclusions, or in more serious cases, canceling or non-renewing your policy altogether. Worse yet, if the exposure leads to a claim and it’s determined the risk was misrepresented, your claim could be delayed, reduced, or even denied. That’s why it’s essential to be upfront with your agent about any unique features of your home or changes after the policy is in place.
What Should You Do?
Don't panic; just be proactive. Keep your property well maintained, disclose any high-risk features, and ask if an inspection is likely. If your insurer finds a problem, they may request a fix, or worse, cancel or non-renew your policy.
The takeaway? Your insurance company isn’t spying; they’re managing risk. And a clean inspection helps protect both them and you.
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