What to expect from high-value insurance carrier

By: Mike Lloyd

If you place your home insurance with a high-value carrier such as Chubb, PURE, Berkley One or Cincinnati, a home assessment or inspection is likely required post policy issuance. These are not just box-checking exercises, they’re personalized evaluations designed to confirm accurate underwriting, mitigate future risk, and ensure your property receives the premium-level protection it deserves.

Let’s break down how these assessments work, what they’re evaluating, and why they matter.

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Summary

1. Initial Contact

   The carrier will reach out to the homeowner—typically by phone—within 30 days of the policy start date to schedule the home assessment.

2. On-Site Assessment

   A representative will visit the property to conduct the assessment, which generally takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the home.

3. Valuation Report

   Following the visit, the carrier will generate a detailed report that includes their independently calculated replacement cost for the home and any required or voluntary risk mitigation recommendations.

4. Potential Policy Adjustment

   If the assessed replacement cost differs from the amount originally stated in the policy, the carrier may adjust the dwelling coverage limit accordingly. This can result in a premium change.

   This occurs in roughly 1 or 2 out of every 10 assessments. Common factors that drive a change in replacement cost include:

   – Custom architectural features (fancy molding, etc.)

   – High-end materials or finishes not adequately disclosed during quoting

   – Unreported additions, outbuildings, or extensive hardscaping

   – Discrepancies between provided square footage and actual measurements

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Why Do Carriers Require a Home Assessment?

High-value insurance carriers take a comprehensive, personalized approach to underwriting. Rather than relying solely on third-party data, MLS records, or ZIP code averages, they conduct on-site assessments to gain an accurate, firsthand understanding of your property. This helps ensure your coverage is tailored precisely to your home’s unique characteristics.

A post-bind assessment allows carriers to:

• Verify Replacement Cost Accuracy

  Inspectors confirm construction type, quality of finishes, and structural details to ensure your home is insured to value, avoiding gaps or overestimations.

• Document High-Value Features

  Custom elements like designer kitchens, specialty roofing, imported flooring, or hand-crafted millwork are noted to properly reflect your home’s true worth and rebuild cost.

• Identify Potential Liability Concerns

  Features such as pools, trampolines, or uneven walkways are reviewed so carriers can recommend safety enhancements or ensure coverage is aligned with exposure.

• Ensure Alignment Between Policy and Property

  The assessment helps validate that the coverage in place matches your actual risk profile and property use (e.g., primary vs. secondary residence, presence of detached structures or short-term rentals).

By conducting a property-specific review, your carrier can offer a more accurate premium, reduce the risk of claim complications, and deliver stronger protection for your investment. It’s all about clarity, confidence, and customized coverage.

What the Inspector Will Look At

During a home assessment, expect a thorough visit. Inspectors typically assess the following:

• Square footage and layout: The inspector will confirm that the home’s square footage and general layout match the details submitted during underwriting. They’ll also note the quality of finishes and the presence of custom features to assess replacement cost calculations.
• Roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC: Inspectors assess the age and condition of the roofing materials (e.g., slate, tile, metal), looking for wear, storm damage, or deferred maintenance. Plumbing is reviewed for pipe material (e.g., copper, PEX, galvanized), visible leaks, and water pressure consistency. Electrical systems are checked for breaker panel labeling, GFCI protections, visible wiring issues, and adequate amperage. HVAC systems are evaluated for cleanliness, servicing history (if accessible), and safe installation.
• Pools, detached structures, and guest houses: Pools are examined for structural condition, fencing, gating (self-closing/latching), and anti-entrapment drain covers to ensure liability mitigation. Guest houses, detached garages, and other outbuildings are documented for use (e.g., rental, gym, studio) and structural integrity, especially if they contain plumbing or electrical systems. These may also affect coverage or require separate endorsements.
• Security systems and fire protection: High-value carriers often require certain security measures. Inspectors will check for central alarm systems, monitored fire and burglar alarms, exterior cameras, perimeter lighting, and secure fencing. Fire protection elements like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and fire-rated construction materials (especially in fire-prone areas) are also reviewed.
• Elevation, flood mitigation, wildfire defensibility (as applicable): For homes in flood zones, elevation relative to base flood level is noted, along with presence of sump pumps, flood vents, or drainage grading. In wildfire-exposed regions, defensible space is documented—including distance of vegetation from structures, use of non-combustible building materials, and ember-resistant vents. Homes in high-hazard areas may be required to take corrective measures to maintain eligibility or prevent exclusions.