Home inspector E&O for the defect you didn't see.
Errors and omissions for claims that an inspection missed something, plus general liability for damage on the property, for home, commercial and specialty inspectors.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Most claims come after closing
Inspector claims usually arrive months after a sale, when a buyer finds a leaking roof, a cracked foundation or a failing sewer line and says it should have been in the report. Errors and omissions covers the defense and any settlement.
California doesn't license home inspectors, but it does set a standard of care in the Business and Professions Code, and buyers' attorneys measure reports against it. I place inspectors with E&O carriers that write the class.
- Errors and omissionsClaims a report missed a defect.
- General liabilityDamage you cause at the property, like a broken fixture.
- Prior actsCoverage for inspections done before the policy started.
- EquipmentDrones, thermal cameras and meters.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Inspections: how many a year and what types.
- Specialty work: mold, pool, sewer scope, roof or commercial.
- Agreement: whether you use a pre-inspection agreement with limitation language.
- Certifications: ASHI, InterNACHI or CREIA membership.
- Revenue: annual gross receipts.
- History: current policy, retroactive date and any claims.
Home inspector insurance, answered
Do home inspectors need a license in California?
No state license is required, but the Business and Professions Code sets the standard of care inspections are judged by.
What does home inspector E&O cover?
Claims that you missed or misreported a defect, including defense costs, up to the policy limits.
What is a retroactive date?
E&O covers claims from inspections done on or after that date. Keeping it when you switch carriers protects your past work.
Does E&O cover mold inspections?
Not always. Mold is often excluded or needs its own coverage, so it should be disclosed.
Do you offer home inspector insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Tell me about your inspections. I'll shop it.
Inspection types, volume and your current declarations page are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.