What older home features affect insurance in Iowa?

Insurance companies scrutinize: electrical systems (knob-and-tube, aluminum wiring, fuse boxes), plumbing (galvanized steel, polybutylene pipes), roofing (age, material, condition), heating systems (old furnaces, wood stoves), and overall home age. Many insurers won't cover homes with certain issues or charge significantly higher premiums.

Can I get insurance on a home with knob-and-tube wiring?

Most insurers won't cover homes with active knob-and-tube wiring, or they'll charge much higher premiums. Some may require an electrical inspection proving the wiring is in good condition with at least 100-amp service. Many lenders also won't finance homes with knob-and-tube until it's replaced.

What is HO-8 insurance?

HO-8 is a specialized policy for older homes where replacement cost exceeds market value. It provides more limited coverage (actual cash value vs. replacement cost) and covers fewer perils, but may be the only option for some historic or older properties.

Older Home Insurance Risks | Des Moines Buyers Guide

Q: How does Sarah's insurance background help homebuyers?

Sarah flags insurability concerns during showings—before you're under contract—whether a home may be hard to insure and what an underwriter is likely to scrutinize, then connects you with licensed insurance producers to confirm coverage and costs.

Older Home Insurance Risks in Des Moines

That charming 1920s bungalow might be uninsurable—or cost a fortune to cover. Learn what insurance companies look for, and how I flag insurability concerns early and connect you with licensed insurance producers.

Insurance Red Flags in Older Homes

Issues that can affect coverage, costs, or even your ability to buy

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Knob-and-Tube Wiring

Common in homes built before 1950, this outdated wiring lacks grounding and can overheat, especially when buried in insulation.

Impact: Many insurers won't cover. Others require replacement before closing.

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Aluminum Wiring

Popular in 1960s-70s homes, aluminum expands/contracts and can create loose connections and fire hazards at outlets.

Impact: Higher premiums. May require COPALUM or other remediation.

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Galvanized Steel Plumbing

Pre-1960 pipes corrode from inside, reducing water pressure and eventually leaking or bursting.

Impact: Water damage claims increase. Some insurers require replacement.

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Old Roof (15+ Years)

Aging roofs are more likely to leak or suffer storm damage. Materials matter too—wood shakes are higher risk.

Impact: Coverage may be declined. Actual cash value only. Roof replacement required.

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Fuse Box (No Breakers)

Old fuse boxes can't handle modern electrical loads. Wrong-sized fuses are a common fire cause.

Impact: Many insurers require upgrade to circuit breaker panel before coverage.

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Wood-Burning Stoves/Old Furnaces

Additional fire risk if not properly installed, maintained, and inspected. Old furnaces may have cracked heat exchangers.

Impact: Inspection required. May affect rates or require removal.

How I Help You Spot Insurability Concerns

I flag insurability concerns before you're under contract — whether a home may be hard to insure, and what an underwriter is likely to scrutinize — and connect you with licensed insurance producers to confirm coverage and costs.

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Flag Concerns During Showings

I flag insurability concerns as we tour

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Connect With a Producer

A licensed insurance producer can confirm costs before you buy

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Negotiate Repairs

Use findings to adjust price or terms

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Know if a Home May Be Hard to Insure

Flag insurability concerns before you commit

My Insurability-Aware Buying Process

Insurability concerns flagged at every step

Pre-Showing Research

I research property age, building records, and known issues before we tour so I know what to look for.

Insurance-Focused Walkthrough

During showings, I check electrical panels, plumbing access points, roof condition, and heating systems.

Insurability Flags Before Offer

I'll flag potential insurability concerns before you make an offer and connect you with licensed insurance producers to confirm coverage and costs.

Strategic Negotiations

When inspections reveal issues, I help negotiate repairs, credits, or price adjustments.

Des Moines Neighborhoods with Older Homes

Beautiful character—but require extra insurance due diligence

Beaverdale

1920s-1940s Tudors & Bungalows

Sherman Hill

Victorian Era Homes

Drake

Early 1900s Craftsman

Ingersoll Park

1920s-1950s Mix

Waveland Park

1920s Character Homes

South of Grand

Historic Mansions & Cottages

Buy With Confidence

Don't let insurance surprises derail your dream home

Sarah Ingles

REALTOR® SRES® · CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines

Insurability concerns flagged · referrals to licensed insurance producers

📱 (563) 513-8771

✉️ sarah@smartmovedsm.com

Ask About Insurability