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Owning an older home may be your best option for finding a pathway to affordable homeownership. Or you might be in love with a house that has a rich history that could even include generations of your family living in it over the years. While old houses have a unique charm, there’s the downside of potentially facing issues with obtaining insurance. Exploring the factors that could make your older home uninsurable helps you make the best possible decisions for finding a policy that meets your needs.
Consider the Age of the Home
When they’re looking to buy home insurance, San Diego homeowners should be aware that most insurance companies place homes within the older category when they’re 40 to 50 years old or more. Building materials degrade over time, and some older homes were built using handmade foundations, wooden beams, and other types of structural components that don’t always meet modern standards. Insurance companies may charge higher premiums or deem your home to be uninsurable if it’s old enough to likely need significant repairs in the future or lacks the structural integrity that’s expected with newer building methods.
Check the Integrity of the Roof
Home insurance companies know a house is only protected by a roof that’s in excellent condition. If the roof on your house is a certain age, it’s possible it was put on using materials that have deteriorated over the years. Although metal roofs can last for decades, the one on your house may no longer be resistant to leaks. One way to get your home insured is to arrange for an inspection to verify the roof is intact and capable of protecting your house in storms. Sometimes, an insurance company may opt to provide you with a policy if you agree to replace the roof before the coverage period begins.
Inspect the Electrical Wiring System
In recent years, building codes regarding electrical systems have become more stringent. Even homes that are less than 50 years old may still have outdated wiring that raises the risk of a fire. If your home has an outdated system or fails an inspection, an insurance company won’t be likely to offer you coverage. Most of the time, having the old system disconnected and newer, safer wiring installed will increase the likelihood you can get insurance coverage, provided this was the only thing that led to the denial.
Find Out More about the Plumbing System
Older homes are known for having quirky plumbing. But that slow-running toilet might be the sign of a more sinister problem lurking down the lines. Older pipes are more likely to have clogs that lead to flooding. An aging plumbing system could also lead to a broken pipe that causes thousands of dollars in water damage. As with most other factors that influence homeowners insurance policies, reach out to your preferred company to find out what you can do to ensure your house has adequate coverage.
For reliable, affordable home insurance, San Diego homeowners know they can trust Altra Insurance Services. We also provide renters, commercial, motorcycle, and auto insurance. Chula Vista residents can receive a free quote by calling one of our friendly agents today.