Can your home insurance inspector inspect your home at any time without your consent or any prior notice?

Question

Can your home insurance inspector inspect your home at any time without your consent or any prior notice?

Answer 1

I don't see how it would even be possible to do a proper home inspection if they can't gain access to the inside of the home. There's only so much you can tell from the outside.

As for showing up without prior notice that would be rather unprofessional. If someone just showed up like that I would send them on their way. I would then call their employer and the insurer to convey my displeasure and to educate them on how the correct way of arranging an appointment to see someone's home is made.

Keep in mind an insurer always has the right to inspect the risk they are insuring, there are proper ways of doing it though.

Answer 2

Yes, by signing the contract, you agreed to allow them to inspect your home at any given time. As a courtesy, most companies will schedule the appointment in advance so the homeowner can be aware of the upcoming inspection. However, they do not have to give you any notice.

Answer 3

I have never worked for a company that did an inside inspection.  all the companies i have been associated with do an outside inspection.  they are measuring sq footage, making sure the steps have rails, that there are no hazards, or any damage to the home.  Our companies will call ahead and let the homeowner know they are coming, but they don't have to tell you.