10 Underwriting Questions to Expect in Home Insurance

1. What is the age of your home?

This is often one of the first questions asked. The age of your home is a crucial factor for insurers because it impacts the risk of potential claims. Older homes are more likely to have outdated wiring, plumbing and heating systems, which increases the likelihood of fire, water damage and other types of claims. Furthermore, older homes may not meet current building codes, making them more expensive to repair or rebuild.

Why it matters: The age of your home helps insurers estimate the risk of insuring your property. Homes built with outdated materials or techniques may cost more to insure due to the higher likelihood of needing repairs.

2. What is the roof's age and condition?

The roof is one of the most critical components of your home, and its condition is directly related to the likelihood of water damage claims. A newer, well-maintained roof is less likely to leak or be damaged in a storm, which lowers the risk for the insurance company.

Additionally the type of roof, if it is made with fire or hail resistant materials, might even lead to a discount on your insurance. 

Why it matters:  A roof in poor condition increases the risk of water damage, leading to potentially costly claims. Insurers may require a roof inspection or ask for repairs before offering coverage.

3. How close is your home to a fire hydrant and fire station?

Proximity to firefighting resources significantly influences your home’s risk profile. Fires spread quickly. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can become a major fire and in only minutes for a house to become engulfed in smoke.^[1] Homes located near a fire hydrant and a fire station are much less likely to be completely destroyed by fire because emergency responders can arrive quickly.

Why it matters: The closer you are to fire protection services, the less risk the insurer takes on. This can result in lower premiums or, in some cases, being able to secure coverage where it might otherwise be unavailable.

4. What type of heating system does your home use?

Heating systems, particularly those using oil, wood or coal, pose higher risks compared to modern gas or electric systems. Older or less common heating methods may increase the risk of fire, carbon monoxide poisoning or system failure.

Why it matters: The type of heating system impacts both the safety of your home and the potential cost to replace or repair the system. Insurers need to know this to assess the risk and determine the appropriate premium.

5. Do you have any home-based businesses?

If you run a business out of your home, this can affect the type and amount of coverage you need. A home-based business can increase foot traffic, inventory storage or equipment value—all of which can increase your risk profile.

Why it matters: Insurance companies need to understand if your home is being used for business purposes to accurately assess the risk and ensure you have the right type of coverage. Standard homeowners policies may not cover business-related losses.

6. Are there any security features in your home?

Insurers often ask about security features like burglar alarms, deadbolt locks and surveillance cameras. These features can significantly reduce the likelihood of theft or vandalism, which in turn lowers the insurance company’s risk.

Why it matters: Homes with robust security systems are less likely to be targeted by criminals, which can reduce the number and severity of claims. This can lead to lower premiums or discounts on your policy.

7. Do you have any pets, particularly certain breeds of dogs?

While it might seem intrusive, insurers ask about pets—especially certain breeds of dogs—because they can pose a liability risk. Dog bites and other pet-related injuries can result in significant claims.

Why it matters: Certain dog breeds are considered higher risk due to their size, strength or temperament. If you own a breed considered risky, your insurance may include exclusions, higher premiums or even refusal of coverage.

8. What is the home's replacement cost?

The replacement cost is the amount it would take to rebuild your home from scratch, including labor and materials. This is different from the market value, which is what your home would sell for on the real estate market.

Why it matters: Insurers need to know the replacement cost to ensure you have enough coverage to rebuild in the event of a total loss. Underinsuring your home could leave you financially vulnerable if disaster strikes.

9. Are there any past claims on the property?

Insurance companies are interested in the history of claims on your property because it can indicate potential risks. For example, a history of water damage claims could suggest ongoing issues with plumbing or drainage.

Why it matters: A history of frequent or severe claims increases your risk profile. Insurers may raise premiums or impose higher deductibles if the property has a track record of claims.

10. Do you have any unusual home features or structures?

Unusual features such as swimming pools, trampolines or custom-built structures can pose additional risks. Pools and trampolines, for instance, increase the likelihood of injury, while custom features may be costly to repair or replace.

Why it matters: Insurers need to understand any unique aspects of your home that could lead to increased liability or higher replacement costs. This ensures that your policy accurately reflects the risks and coverage needed.

Wrapping up

While it might seem like a lot of personal information, the questions asked during the homeowners insurance underwriting process are designed to help insurers assess the risk of insuring your property accurately. By understanding the reasons behind these questions, you can better prepare for the quoting process and ensure you receive the right coverage for your home.

Being upfront and detailed in your responses will help avoid any issues down the line, such as coverage gaps or denied claims. Remember, these questions are not just about the insurer's risk—they’re also about making sure you’re adequately protected in the event of a disaster. So next time you’re asked about your roof’s age or the type of heating system you have, you’ll know exactly why those details matter.