Can I refuse a home insurance inspection?

7 minute read Published on Aug 12, 2025 by BrokerLink Communications

House model with person holding magnifying glass.

Getting a notice that your home needs an insurance inspection can feel stressful—especially if you’re not sure what it involves. You might wonder, “Can I refuse a home insurance inspection?” or “What happens if I say no?” Whether you're buying home insurance for the first time or renewing your coverage, understanding how inspections work—and the risks of refusing one—can save you major headaches (and money) down the line.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about the home inspection process, what insurers are looking for, and your options as a homeowner.

Can you legally refuse a home insurance inspection?

No, there is no law that states you are required to go through a home inspection. However, there are potential consequences that could occur if you do not agree to one. Here's a closer look:

Insurers could deny coverage

Homeowners buying home insurance for the first time who refuse to undergo a home inspection may be denied coverage by the company and other insurers in the future.

Policy cancellation

If you already have a home insurance policy with a company, they may cancel your insurance plan, leaving you without coverage for your property.

Future claim denial

If you say no to a home inspection, any future claims you file with your insurer could be denied, leaving you to pay for any repairs, replacements, or lawsuits out of your own pocket, putting you at risk financially. Note that the older your home is, the more likely it is for an insurance company to request a home insurance inspection.

What is a home insurance inspection, and how does it work?

A home insurance inspection occurs when insurers hire a reputable inspector to come to your home and assess its current condition, potential hazards, and whether any aspects of your home or property require immediate repairs or replacements. Once the inspection process is complete, the home inspector will produce a detailed report and provide it to the insurance provider and the homeowner.

While not all insurance companies require a home insurance inspection before you are able to purchase a home insurance policy, they may request inspections if it's your first-ever home insurance policy with them or throughout your time as a customer to ensure that you have the appropriate coverage years later.

Why insurance companies require a home inspection

There are many reasons why insurance companies request a home inspection. However, the most common ones are:

Risk assessment

During the underwriting process, when you first purchase coverage. Before insurance companies provide coverage for your home, they'll want to know every potential risk your property has, so they can generate a risk profile on you as a customer. By determining your risk level, an insurance provider is then able to inform you whether you need specialized policies and how much your annual premiums will cost.

Claim processing

Another reason why a home insurance inspection may be requested from insurance companies is that you have filed a claim. When you file a home insurance claim, insurers need to verify that the documentation and details you're providing them in terms of the extent of damage to your home are true.

Insurers are also very careful about insurance fraud, which is why they need to guarantee and confirm that the damages or losses did not occur intentionally before making a decision to compensate you.

What do insurance companies look for during the home insurance inspection process?

So, what do insurers look for when conducting a home inspection? Beyond looking for any red flags that could be hazardous, insurers typically look for the following:

  1. Home features and characteristics: Your home inspection will look at how your home was constructed, the square footage, the types of materials used, if any unique features exist, and more.
  2. Home appliances: From your heating and air conditioning systems to your oven, microwave, and other appliances, a home inspection will determine if they function correctly and are well-maintained.
  3. Fire safety devices: When obtaining insurance, a home inspection will also assess whether all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work.
  4. Plumbing systems: Inspectors will look at your plumbing system for leaks, cracks, and other potential risks that could cause water damage in your home.
  5. Electrical systems: For your electrical systems, an inspector will look for any damaged wiring, the condition of your electrical box, and if any potential fire hazards exist.
  6. Roof: Insurers need to know the condition of your roof and whether any roof damage exists, such as cracks, missing shingles, or a lack of maintenance.
  7. Foundation: With your foundation, they want to assess whether cracks exist or other potential hazards that could cause instability to the physical structure of your home.
  8. Exterior walls: Lastly, with the exterior walls, inspectors will assess if there is any physical damage present.

How can I prepare for a home insurance inspection?

To prepare for an upcoming home inspection, homeowners can prepare their property by doing the following:

  • Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clean and clear of any debris.
  • Clean and tidy your home, ensuring that there is no clutter in high-traffic areas that could cause accidents.
  • Ensure there are batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Conduct a visual inspection of the interior and exterior of your property to check for damage.
  • Have documentation about the specifics of your home on hand.
  • Take note of any possible concerns you may have regarding your property.
  • Conduct any minor repairs in and around your home that may need fixing.

How can I find a reputable home inspector?

If you're worried about whether your inspection will be conducted fairly, finding the right inspector is essential. While it's possible that your insurer will provide a list of professionals for you, there's a chance they will offer you the opportunity to choose your own. To ensure you have peace of mind, here's how to find a reputable inspector in your area:

  • Ensure your inspector is licensed to work in your province.
  • The inspector should also be accredited with the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI) and associations specific to your province.
  • Ask to see references from previous homeowners.
  • Ensure they provide written home inspection documents following your appointment.
  • Choose an inspector who also has open communication policies and isn't afraid to answer your questions or concerns you may have about the process.
  • Provides a written contractual agreement for their services.

How much do home inspections cost?

If you're in need of a home inspection, you may have some questions about how much it will cost you. The cost of a home inspection can vary between provinces and territories, and among professionals.

However, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere between $300 to $1000. This price can also vary based on where your home is located, the size of your property, and if other services like a water test is required. Before getting an inspection performed, we suggest getting a quote from different contractors before signing a contract.

What your home insurance policy typically covers

Owning a home is one of the biggest investments many Canadians make in their lifetime. While home insurance is not mandatory in Canada, it does protect your interests and finances as a homeowner. Although the specific policies may vary slightly between insurers, within a standard policy, you can expect to find the following:

Dwelling coverage

Dwelling insurance coverage protects the physical structure of your home and secondary structures on your property if they are damaged by perils listed within your policy. Common perils include severe weather damage, fire and smoke damage, theft, vandalism, explosions, falling objects, and more.

Personal belonging insurance

Personal belongings coverage will repair or replace the items in your home if they are damaged or lost as a result of a covered peril. When purchasing coverage, you'll be asked to provide a home inventory that calculates the estimated value of your items, so your insurance company can determine how much protection you need. If you own expensive items, you may be asked to purchase high-value home insurance instead.

Additional living expenses

If your home is damaged by a covered peril to the extent that it is no longer safe to live in, the additional living expenses portion of your homeowners insurance will cover the cost of accommodations, meals, and other associated expenses during the time you are unable to live on your property.

Third-party liability insurance

Third-party liability insurance protects homeowners if someone is injured or their property is damaged while at your home. Should a lawsuit be filed against you for damages or injuries, this portion of your home insurance will cover the cost of medical bills, repairs, replacements, legal fees, and other associated costs related to your settlement.

Optional coverage

Beyond standard home insurance coverage, the option to add additional policies to your portfolio is available. Common optional coverages include:

How much does home insurance cost?

The average home insurance cost in Canada varies between $1000 and $2000 annually. That said, insurance rates can vary significantly based on where your home is located, the current condition of your property, the value of your personal belongings, the types of insurance policies you choose, your deductible, previous claims history, and more.

Need help navigating home insurance requirements? Contact BrokerLink today

At BrokerLink, our insurance brokers help homeowners, landlords, and renters find affordable insurance coverage. With access to numerous policies from some of Canada's top insurance companies, our brokers can help you bundle home and auto policies, compare rates, unlock discounts, answer any questions you may have, and more. Beyond standard home insurance, our team can help you acquire:

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