Fatal Flaws: How your House Can Prevent You from Obtaining Home Insurance Quotes

Home insurance quotes are an important part of being a responsible homeowner. Before you purchase or build your new house, it is important to know the conditions that could make it difficult for you to obtain home insurance quotes.
1) Fuse Panel
If a fuse panel has been correctly installed, it is not a safety issue on its own. However, many insurance companies are banning fuse panels for new policies, for a number of different reasons.
The main problem with fuse panels is when a homeowner replaces a fuse with one that is too large. Larger fuses can cause the wiring or other electrical components to heat up enough to cause a fire or other damage. Most fuse panels can easily be replaced with a circuit breaker box.
2) Knob and Tube Wiring
This type of wiring was an early method of electrical wiring, which was used until the 1930's. Although it is still used in a select few applications, it is no longer insurable and is actually illegal in residential environments. Rewiring your home can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000 depending on your home.
3) Aluminum Branch Wiring
This is another type of wiring was common from 1965 to 1973. This type of wiring is known to contract as it cools down and expand as it warms up. Over time, this can cause the wiring to come loose, which can lead to fires. Aluminum also oxidizes which can also cause fires. You can rewire your house, or you can crimp a copper "tail" to your wire, so that the copper wire is connecting with your electrical fixture. This option is a cheaper alternative to rewiring your home.
4) Polybutylene Plumbing
This type of plumbing pipe was used throughout the 1980's and is usually a bluish gray color. It is a flexible pipe and is known for causing flood damage. As of September 2012, Citizens Insurance Company outlawed this type of plumbing. It will cost you anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000 to do a re-plumbing on your home. We recommend copper pipes.
5) Roof with less than 3 Years of life
A roof is very important. Not only is it visually appealing, but it also protects you against rain, wind, and the sun. If your roof has less than 3 years of useful life left, your chances of being denied by home insurance quotes is high. On average, a shingle roof will last 15 to 25 years. You can also choose between tile and metal roofing materials for longer life expectancies if installed correctly and maintained.
A quote for a new roof will typically be calculated per square. A square is equal to 100 square feet of shingles. The cost will vary, but expect to pay between $225 and $300 per square.
As you can see, some of these conditions are easier and cheaper to fix than others! This is why it is important to know them before you purchase or build a house, so you can avoid wasting money on repairs.