Licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance #3670905962
VIP Inspection
What is a VIP Inspection?
This is a program through the Texas Department of Insurance that allows you the homeowner to receive a Certificate of Insurability from a licensed inspector which is good for three years.
Are you having trouble finding affordable property insurance?
Homeowners occasionally have trouble finding affordable property insurance because some insurers fear their homes will generate too many claims. Insurance companies may label these homes "uninsurable." In many cases, these homes are in older rural or inner-city neighborhoods.
How can HOMEWISE HOME INSPECTIONS PLLC help?
The Texas´ Voluntary Inspection Program (VIP) offers owners of well-maintained homes a way to show insurers that they deserve coverage. Under the VIP, a home receives a "certificate of insurability" if it passes an inspection by a credentialed inspector, qualified by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI).
How much does it cost?
Inspection fees are limited to $50, plus an additional $25 if you need a follow-up inspection to verify corrections of problems identified the first time around. Fuel expenses may apply for the inspection due to the high prices of fuel.
How long is the certificate good for?
Once you have a certificate of insurability, it’s good for three years so long as you do not make substantial changes to your property. If that happens, an insurer can require an additional inspection. An insurance company may also require a written statement from you that there have been no significant changes to the property since it was inspected.
Can an insurance company refuse to sell or renew a policy if I have a certificate?
No! A certificate of insurability creates a presumption your home is insurable. If you have a certificate, an insurance company cannot refuse to sell or renew a policy because of your home's condition unless the insurer reinspects the home and describes the deficiencies in writing.
How can I be sure to receive a Certificate of Insurability when the inspector inspects my home?
To receive a certificate of insurability, a home must meet a list of reasonable standards issued by the TDI. These include, but are not limited to:
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good home maintenance, with no unrepaired damage and no accumulation of trash, brush, or debris in the yard
good home maintenance, with no unrepaired damage and no accumulation of trash, brush, or debris in the yard owiring in good working condition, with no flickering lights or evidence of overheating
wiring in good working condition, with no flickering lights or evidence of overheating ono curled, cracked, or significantly deteriorated roof coverings, or missing shingles
no curled, cracked, or significantly deteriorated roof coverings, or missing shingles oplumbing, heating, and cooling systems in good condition and free from leaks
plumbing, heating, and cooling systems in good condition and free from leaks ospace heaters and hot water heaters properly vented and not too close to walls and furniture
space heaters and hot water heaters properly vented and not too close to walls and furniture ono unfenced swimming pools, hot tubs, fish ponds, bodies of water, or trampolines
no unfenced swimming pools, hot tubs, fish ponds, bodies of water, or trampolines oproperty accessible to fire-fighting equipment
property accessible to fire-fighting equipment ono obvious signs of active termites or unrepaired insect damage.
no obvious signs of active termites or unrepaired insect damage. Many Texas homes can easily meet the standards for a certificate of insurability.
