I don’t know about you but almost every homeowners policy I write comes back with some sort of inspection issue. These insurance carriers are getting even more strict in places like California and Florida. There is nothing worse then delivering bad inspection results one month after binding a policy.

I know this might sound a bit nerdy, but taking the time to underwrite a risk yourself before it reaches the official underwriter can save you a lot of time and energy. I usually start by doing a quick Google Earth search to check for any red flags. If the house or building looks poorly maintained, you can bet underwriting will have an issue with it. It's also crucial to ask about important updates like plumbing, electrical, the roof, HVAC, etc. For example, if the home was built in the 1950s and the electrical hasn’t been updated, chances are they have an old Zinsco breaker panel. From my experience, I haven't found a carrier willing to insure a property with one of those. And if the client isn’t willing to replace an outdated electrical panel, they might not be the right client for you.

Always inform your clients before binding that an inspection will likely take place within the next 30 days. With the hard market, insurance carriers have become more strict, and setting this expectation early helps prepare them for any potential issues. The most common problems I encounter are tree branches hanging over the roof and balusters spaced more than 4 inches apart. While these can be frustrating, giving clients a heads-up allows them to address these concerns quickly, saving time and making the inspection process smoother.

I know we all want to close the next deal, but sometimes the best thing you can do is walk away. Some clients have no problem wasting hours of your time on a less-than-ideal risk. That's why it's crucial to prequalify your clients and gauge how serious they are before investing too much effort. One way I do this is by sending a detailed list of the items/information I need to provide a quote. If the client delivers what I ask for, it’s a sign that they're serious. Don’t let yourself be used by someone just looking to shop your quote around elsewhere.

Happy Monday!