If you are buying a home and looking for homeowners insurance, the quoting and underwriting process might feel intimidating. The good news is that you do not have to feel overwhelmed by it. The more you understand about some of the lesser-known factors that affect home insurance, the easier it is for you to start the process better prepared for what may come. Here's a look at a few of the things you should expect your homeowners insurance carrier to inspect as part of your application process.

Woodstove Placement

The standards in place for woodstove installation and pipe placement are designed to protect against house fire risks. If your home has a wood stove, you can expect your insurance carrier to need measurements of the pad it is installed on, the distance between the stove and the wall, and the distance between the exhaust pipe and the wall. 

Chimney Condition

Chimney fires are a leading cause of homeowners insurance claims. As a result, insurance companies take them seriously. Your chimney's current condition will be established as part of the application process through a comprehensive inspection. This will include any information about chimney cleaning, necessary repairs, and exhaust operation. Make sure you schedule routine chimney cleaning services to reduce the risk of creosote buildup in your chimney lining.

Swimming Pool Security

Any home with a pool on the premises must have a gated fence securing access to that pool. The more secure the swimming pool is, including locking hard pool covers and surveillance cameras, the better it is for reducing the risk of injuries or drownings. Your insurance carrier will provide details of the security measures they want to see if you do not already have them in place.

Your Dog's History

Homeowners with a dog pose an additional risk for insurance carriers. The risk of dog bites can lead to significant insurance losses, so insurance carriers do their due diligence about every dog. In fact, some carriers do not offer coverage for specific breeds that have a history of aggression. Talk with your insurance carrier about your dog, provide any veterinary or training documents to show their history, and ask about Canine Good Citizen certifications or other records that might help protect your policy.

These are just a few of the many things that you should understand about preparing for your homeowners insurance assessment. These measures are intended to protect your home, your family, and your insurance carrier.

Contact a professional to learn more about homeowners insurance.