Insurance Inspections in Southeast Michigan: What Your Carrier Is Really Looking For

If you've bought a home recently or tried to renew a policy on an older property in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb County, you may have run into something new: your insurance carrier wants a field inspection before they'll write coverage. This isn't a home inspection in the traditional sense — it's a risk assessment, and it's becoming more common across Southeast Michigan as insurers tighten underwriting standards.

Understanding what these inspections cover — and why — can save you from surprises like a canceled policy, a coverage exclusion, or a rate increase you didn't see coming.

Why Insurers Are Asking for This Now

Insurance companies have become more cautious about aging housing stock, severe weather trends, and rising claim costs. Metro Detroit's mix of century-old bungalows, mid-century ranches, and older commercial buildings means a lot of homes have systems that were fine when installed but don't meet today's risk tolerance. Rather than guessing based on a home's age or zip code, insurers send someone out to look at actual conditions.

What Gets Checked

Most insurance field inspections focus on a handful of high-risk areas rather than a full top-to-bottom review:

• Roof condition and age — missing shingles, visible sagging, or signs of prior storm damage
• Electrical panel type — outdated or recalled panel brands are a common flag in older homes
• Plumbing materials — older supply lines or signs of previous leaks and water damage
• Heating system age and condition — furnaces and boilers well past their expected service life
• Exterior hazards — trip hazards, unsecured decks, trampolines, or pools without proper barriers
• General maintenance level — peeling paint, deferred repairs, or signs of neglect that suggest higher overall risk

Some inspections also include basic photos of the foundation, garage, and any outbuildings, along with a rough estimate of square footage and construction type.

How Thermal and Drone Tools Fit In

For larger properties, steep or multi-story rooflines, or homes with limited visibility from the ground, drone imagery gives a much clearer picture of roof condition than a quick walk-around. Thermal (FLIR) imaging can also catch moisture intrusion or insulation gaps that aren't visible to the naked eye — useful information for both the homeowner and the carrier.

What Happens After the Inspection

The report typically goes straight to the insurance company, not to you first, so it's worth requesting a copy for your own records. If issues are flagged, carriers usually give homeowners a window of time to make repairs before a policy is canceled or a rate is adjusted. Common follow-ups include replacing an outdated electrical panel, addressing a roof nearing the end of its life, or trimming trees away from the structure.

A Few Tips Before Your Inspection

• Clear access to the electrical panel, attic, and crawlspace if possible
• Address obvious exterior hazards ahead of time — loose railings, damaged steps, overgrown trees near the roofline
• Have documentation ready for any recent roof, furnace, or panel replacements

An insurance field inspection isn't meant to catch you off guard — it's meant to confirm what kind of risk your home represents. Knowing what's being checked ahead of time gives Southeast Michigan homeowners a much better shot at a smooth renewal instead of an unexpected letter in the mail.

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