As some of ya'll might recall, I inspect real estate properties for insurance companies before the company writes or renews a policy on the property.
A lot of things impact premiums that homeowners might not even realize. An open porch over 18" high with no railings, steps over 4 high with no railings, a trampoline that is not protected by a locked 6' fence, ditto for a swimming pool. A hot tub that does not have at least the lid locked. Insurance companies take a dim view of most dogs, particularly if they're less than friendly to strangers. Even the odor of a dog in a house is seen as diminishing the value of the house. It's company policy that if an aggressive or obnoxious dog prevents me from doing my job, all I have to do is take a photo of the dog and turn it in. The company will back me up on not doing the inspection. I've had to do that quite a few times, and it's not unreasonable to assume that under those conditions coverage would be denied, or if it's a renewal the policy would be cancelled.
Professionally installed fireplaces generally cause no problems. Most of the vast array of wood stoves do, particularly some that are openly "jerry-rigged". Some people install a wood stove for supplementary heat to save money and don't realize the presence of the stove increases their homeowner's insurance premiums by more than they're saving on energy.
A propane tank within 30' of a house is a no-no, as is anything combustable near a propane tank. Any brush that would endanger the dwelling if it got on fire gets their attention. Shrubs or trees touching the house, or tree limbs over 2 1/2" in diameter overhanging a house also have to be reported. Childrens swing sets and slides are considered an "attractive nuisance" unless they're secured.
This is a general overview. I have to include all of the above in my reports, including photos. In fact, I'm required to submit a photo of anything that's deemed a hazard. Photos that are always required are a photo of the front, rear, and house number to prove I have the right house. If there's no number on the house, I have to explain in comments how I determined that was the right house or abandon the search. For anyone with a house that isn't clearly marked, if I can't find it in the daytime, imagine a fire truck or rescue unit trying to find it at night.
Anyhoo, there's a heckuva lot more that goes into an insurance premium beyond an agent simply pulling a number off a chart.
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