Electrical inspection for insurance

Insurance premiums are based on statistics and probabilities. Here are the 10 electrical inspection items that an insurance inspector will check when doing an insurance inspection on your home to assess your requirements and the premium you will pay.

1. Is there knob & tube wiring in the building? Statistically there are more instances of electrical fires associated with this antiquated wiring system and the probability of non-compliant modifications is quite high. Most insurers will not insure a building with this system.
2. Is there aluminum wiring in the building? Statistically this wiring system is inferior to copper wiring systems and the probability of hazardous modifications and additions is extremely high. Most insurers require proof that the aluminum system has been brought to current standards.
3. What size is the service panel? The minimum acceptable size is 100amps and the preferable size is 200 amps. Most insurers require anything less than 100 amps be upgraded.
4. Does the outside service equipment match the service panel? Many fires have been started by a 200 amp electrical panel installed on a 60 amp service system. All insurers will require this to be remediated before providing coverage.
5. Is the service panel protected by fuses or breakers? Many insurers will accept a fuse panel as long as it has been inspected by a Licenced Electrical Contractor and “fuse rejecters” have been verified as installed.
6. Does the building have a smoke/CO detection system that is complaint to the year the building was constructed? An upgraded/monitored smoke/CO detection system is a benefit to most insurers and is reflected in their premiums.
7. Are their Certificates of Inspection from the Electrical Safety Authority that document modifications to the electrical system have been performed to Code requirements?
8. Is there a Letter of Compliance issued by a Licenced Electrical Contractor stating that the system has professionally inspected and deficiencies have been addressed?
9. Is there a preventative maintenance program in place for the electrical system?
10. Is there a surge protection in place for the electrical system?

Other non-electrical, but definitely essential, items will be galvanized plumbing versus copper/plastic; age/type of roof; certification of wood appliances/chimneys; sewage/sump disposal systems and flood historical information for the area.