Insurance Inspections in Southeast Michigan: What Underwriters Look For Before They Renew or Issue Your Policy

If you've purchased a home in Southeast Michigan recently, renewed a policy, or received a letter from your insurance carrier requesting an inspection, you're not alone. More insurers are ordering field inspections before issuing or renewing coverage, especially on the older housing stock common throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. These inspections aren't the same as a buyer's home inspection — they're focused narrowly on risk, and understanding what's being evaluated can help you avoid a canceled policy or an unexpected non-renewal notice.

Why Insurers Order These Inspections

Insurance companies use field inspections to confirm that the home they're insuring matches the information on the application, and to identify conditions that increase the likelihood of a claim. This is especially common when:

• A home is changing hands and a new policy is being written
• A policy is up for renewal and the home hasn't been inspected in several years
• The home is older or has a history of claims
• The insurer has flagged the property through aerial or satellite imagery

Roof Condition and Age

The roof is usually the single biggest factor. Inspectors note the roofing material, approximate age, visible wear, missing or lifted shingles, moss or algae staining, and any signs of prior repairs. A roof nearing the end of its expected lifespan is one of the most common reasons carriers request follow-up work or adjust coverage.

Electrical Systems

Older Metro Detroit homes sometimes still have electrical setups that insurers consider higher risk, including fuse panels, aluminum branch wiring, or outdated panel brands known for reliability issues. Inspectors document the panel type, visible wiring conditions, and any obvious hazards like exposed splices or overloaded circuits.

Plumbing and Water Heaters

Galvanized or polybutylene supply lines, visible leaks, water heater age, and signs of past water damage are all noted. Water-related claims are among the most common and costly, so this section gets close attention.

HVAC and Mechanical Systems

Furnace and air conditioning age and condition are recorded, along with any visible maintenance neglect, rust, or improper venting.

Exterior and Liability Hazards

Inspectors also walk the exterior looking for items that increase liability exposure, such as:

• Damaged or unsafe decks, porches, and railings
• Dead or leaning trees near the structure
• Trampolines, pools, or spas without proper fencing or barriers
• Deteriorated driveways, walkways, or retaining walls
• Detached structures in poor repair

What Happens During the Inspection

Most insurance field inspections are exterior-focused and relatively quick, typically including photographs of all four sides of the home, the roof, mechanical equipment, and any notable exterior hazards. Interior access is sometimes requested but not always required, depending on the carrier's guidelines.

How to Prepare

A few simple steps can prevent surprises in your inspection report:

• Trim back trees and remove dead limbs near the roofline
• Repair obviously loose or missing shingles
• Fix broken deck boards, railings, and steps
• Make sure pool or spa barriers meet basic safety expectations
• Clear debris, storage, or clutter from the exterior and garage

If you're unsure what an upcoming insurance inspection might flag, a licensed inspection company can walk the property ahead of time and give you a clear picture of what an underwriter is likely to see — before the report lands in your insurer's hands instead of yours.

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