Don’t Share Your Home Inspection Report With Your Insurance Company
Howdy,
One of the smartest things you can do as a homebuyer is pay for a thorough, independent home inspection. That report helps you understand your investment, negotiate repairs, and make an informed decision before you close.
“Your inspection report is a snapshot in time — it should help YOU make a buying decision, not serve someone else’s risk model.”
But here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: once you share that home inspection report with your homeowners insurance carrier — even with good intentions — it can often hurt you.
Insurance Doesn’t Need (or Want) Your Full Report
Your private inspection report is protected. It belongs to you. It’s not an official insurance document, and you’re not required to send it to your insurer.
Insurance companies already have their own methods for evaluating risk. They can send **their own inspector or underwriting specialist** to assess your home if they choose.
When you voluntarily send them your full inspection report, you’re basically giving them a list of every defect — even items that are minor, cosmetic, or not relevant for underwriting.
What Can Happen When You Share the Report
- Insurance may demand expensive repairs before issuing coverage.
- They may add policy **exclusions** that limit your protection.
- Your premiums could increase significantly.
- Coverage could be **non-renewed or canceled** altogether.
- If there’s a future claim, any discrepancy between your report and insurer findings could be used against you.
Many states — including Texas — do not legally require you to provide your home inspection report to the insurance company. If an insurance representative asks for it, politely decline and offer to have **their inspector** come evaluate the home.
“Never let your insurer use your inspection as a roadmap for coverage decisions.”
Use the Report the Way It Was Intended
Your inspection report should be used to:
- Negotiate repairs before closing
- Understand real vs. cosmetic issues
- Plan maintenance and budgeting after closing
- Educate yourself about home condition
But it should never become a tool insurers use to limit your coverage or increase your exposure.
Why Independent Inspection Matters
If you’re wondering why this matters, it ties directly into a principle we discussed in a related post: Why You Shouldn’t Use a Home Inspection Company Owned by Insurance.
When inspection companies are owned by insurance, warranty, or other corporate interests, the buyer’s advocacy can get diluted. That’s exactly the opposite of how a home inspection should serve you.
“Your inspection is for you — not for someone else’s underwriting model.”
The moment you share your full paid inspection with someone outside of your purchase decision — especially an insurance carrier — you lose control of the narrative.
What to Do Instead
If an insurer asks for documentation:
- Provide only what is legally required (ex: 4-point or mitigation report if they request it).
- Politely decline to share your full buyer-paid inspection.
- Offer to schedule a separate inspection by their appointed representative.
This keeps your private inspection report private — where it belongs.
Bottom Line: Your home inspection report should empower you, not unlock leverage for others at your expense.
Think Carefully Before You Share
You worked hard to get the best possible information about the condition of your home — don’t hand that advantage away.
Use the report for what it’s intended: education, negotiation, and peace of mind — but not as a benefit for someone who is not on your side.
— Neil Arnold
Protect Your Rights as a Homeowner
If you’re unsure what you should or shouldn’t share with your insurance company, we can help you interpret your inspection and understand what matters most.
Howdy — pronunciation and use
Respelling: HAY-ow-dee · IPA: /ˈhaʊ.di/ · Region: Southeast Texas & Greater Houston–Gulf Coast
Forms: Formal “Howdy.” Informal “Howdy, howdy.”
Tone: Slower = warmer and more affectionate.
Etiquette: Friendly greeting for neighbors, guests, and kin — not for adversaries.
Origin: From “How do you do,” carried into Texas speech by trail and rail towns.