Can I get homeowners insurance with non-permitted roof repairs?

I'm buying a new home and the were repairs performed on this house without a permit, which is required by the city. Will this affect my homeowner's insurance if I go through with the purchase?

Thanks for reaching out about this! In short, yes, this will affect your insurance. Buying a home is a big life event and can be stressful even without surprises, so discovering that things weren't done according to code or local regulations can be incredibly frustrating (and potentially unsafe). Concerns like this can make obtaining homeowners coverage expensive and challenging. A home's roof type, age, and overall condition will have an impact on your home insurance premium, so it's important for a replacement or any repairs to be done appropriately (which includes permitting) by a professional.

Having particular roofing materials or a certain level of shingle quality can also be a way to qualify for a discount on your premium, which is an added bonus to knowing the roof repairs were done correctly and that your home is protected from the elements. When you're in the market for a new home, especially for first-time homebuyers, it's important to understand how the unique characteristics of a home will impact the overall cost — not only with insurance but also long-term maintenance and any up-front costs you might not be expecting.

If you end up going with a different house or decide to repair the roof on this one with proper permitting, we can help you explore coverage options to find the best homeowners insurance for you. Just call The Zebra's agency at 888-444-8949 or get a homeowners insurance quote right now.