Why Your Insurance Company May Ask for an Electrical Inspection
If your insurance company asks for an electrical inspection, it does not always mean something is wrong. It usually means the insurer wants more information about the risk before issuing, renewing, or continuing coverage.
This is especially common with older homes in the Lower Mainland, homes with outdated wiring, homes with old panels, or homes that have had renovations without clear permit records.
Here is what homeowners should know.
Why Insurers Ask About Electrical Systems
Electrical systems affect fire risk. Older wiring, overloaded panels, unpermitted work, and outdated service equipment can all concern insurers.
An insurance company may ask for an electrical inspection if the home has:
1. Knob and tube wiring
2. Aluminum wiring
3. 60A or 100A service
4. Fuse panel
5. Federal Pioneer or other older panel types
6. Unpermitted renovations
7. Basement suite wiring
8. Older rental property wiring
9. Visible electrical defects
10. Previous claim history
11. Major new loads such as EV chargers, heat pumps, or hot tubs
The inspection helps the insurer understand what is actually present, instead of relying only on age or guesswork.
What an Electrician May Check
An insurance electrical inspection may review:
12. Panel brand and condition
13. Main service size
14. Breaker or fuse condition
15. Visible branch wiring
16. Aluminum or knob and tube wiring
17. Grounding and bonding
18. GFCI protection
19. Smoke and CO detector wiring where relevant
20. Signs of overheating
21. Improper splices
22. DIY or unpermitted work
23. Electrical hazards that need correction
The exact scope depends on what the insurer requested and what the electrician can safely access.
Common Outcomes
After an inspection, the homeowner may receive:
24. A written summary of visible conditions
25. A recommendation for repairs
26. A panel upgrade quote
27. A rewiring recommendation
28. Aluminum wiring correction recommendations
29. Confirmation that specific work was completed
30. Photos or documentation for the insurer
Sometimes the insurer only needs documentation. Other times they may require repairs before coverage continues.
Do Not Hide Electrical Problems
If the home has old wiring or an outdated panel, be direct about it. Insurance issues are easier to handle with clear information and a repair plan.
Trying to avoid the issue can create bigger problems later, especially if there is a claim and the insurer discovers undisclosed electrical conditions.
If your insurer asks for an inspection, ask what they need in writing. Then send that request to the electrician so the inspection can be focused.
When Repairs Make Sense
Repairs may be recommended when there are:
31. Active knob and tube circuits
32. Unsafe aluminum wire terminations
33. Damaged devices
34. Overloaded circuits
35. Missing covers
36. Scorch marks
37. Old fuse equipment
38. Panel defects
39. Improper grounding or bonding
40. Unpermitted or unsafe wiring
In some homes, targeted repair is enough. In others, a panel upgrade, service upgrade, or larger rewire may be the better long-term answer.
Serving the Lower Mainland Since 2007
Hundel Electric provides insurance electrical inspections, electrical safety inspections, panel upgrades, service upgrades, aluminum wiring repairs, full home rewiring, and code correction work across Delta, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Vancouver, Langley, Coquitlam, New Westminster, and nearby Lower Mainland communities.
If your insurance company has asked for an electrical inspection, call or text Hundel Electric at 604-358-5549. We can review the request, inspect the electrical system, and explain what repairs may be needed.