Bill > H1225

This bill establishes new requirements for insurance companies and their agents when conducting property inspections for homeowners insurance. Specifically, the bill mandates that insurers must send a certified mail notice to homeowners at least 30 days before an inspection of the insured premises, which includes areas like the roof, gutters, porch, steps, siding, and bulkhead. The insurer must also obtain written authorization from the homeowner and provide additional notification via telephone, email, and letter at least 7 days before the inspection, including a specific 3-hour time window. The inspector must be licensed, present their professional and driver's licenses upon arrival, and contact the homeowner when they are ready to begin the inspection. After the inspection, the inspector must show the homeowner any photographs documenting potential issues like deterioration or structural defects. Importantly, the bill prohibits insurers from canceling a policy or demanding a full roof replacement if fewer than 10 roof shingles are deteriorated. The state's insurance commissioner and attorney general are tasked with creating regulations to implement and enforce these new inspection protocols, which aim to provide homeowners with more transparency and protection during insurance property assessments.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1225