What is a self-inspection and how long do I have to complete it?

Do I need an inspection?

Kin will notify you if we need you to complete an inspection for your property. Not all policies require an inspection. 

What is a self inspection?

Our inspection partner National Insurance Inspection Services (NIIS) offers the ability to use your own smartphone, tablet, or computer to complete a self-inspection of your property, rather than requiring a field inspector to come to your home.

The whole self inspection process typically takes no more than 10-20 minutes to complete.

How long do I have to complete a self inspection?

Whether you are already moved in or buying a new home, you will have 7 days to complete the self-inspection after receiving the eSurvey link. When you will receive the eSurvey self-inspection text and email depends:

• If you already own the property and are currently living in the home, you will receive your self-inspection information immediately after signing your new policy.

• If you are buying a new home and have not yet closed on the property, we will wait to send your self-inspection information until the Effective Date on your new policy.

Note: If you don't see the email, please be sure to check your Spam/Junk folder!

How do I complete a self inspection?

You will receive a text and email from eSurvey with a link to the inspection portal from National Insurance Inspection Services (NIIS). The eSurvey link will guide you through the photos that you will need to take of your property. Self-inspections are always exterior and interior. 

Please note: All photos must be taken within the inspection portal linked to in the text and email, which will upload directly to National Insurance Inspection Services (NIIS). Photos texted or emailed to Kin’s customer support team cannot be accepted.

Once you click the link to get started, it will guide you through each step of the process with easy multiple-choice questions. You'll also be prompted to take photos inside and outside of the home with your mobile device. 

Here are some tips:

• Take exterior photos in daylight

• Take a clear photo of the manufacturer's label on the electrical panel

• From the ground, take a few steps back to make sure the roof is visible in your image

  • Please do not climb up a ladder or on your roof to get exterior photos.

Can I opt out of the self inspection?

If you aren’t interested in completing the self-inspection and would prefer for a field inspector to come out to your home, you have a few options:

• The quickest way to opt out of the self-inspection is the button in the eSurvey email that states "I'd prefer to have a field inspection."

• You can also wait out the 7 day window and a licensed inspector from National Insurance Inspection Services (NIIS) will contact you via phone and arrange a time to complete an in-person field inspection.

What if I missed my self inspection 7-day window?

If you do not complete your self-inspection within the 7 day timeframe a licensed inspector from National Insurance Inspection Services (NIIS) will contact you via phone and arrange a time to complete an in-person field inspection. 

If you wish to complete the self inspection but missed the window, we may be able to send you a new link to complete a self inspection. Contact our support team via Chat, email at support@kin.com, or call 855-216-7674.

I completed my self inspection, now what?

Once you have completed the inspection there is a small wait time for National Insurance Inspection Services (NIIS) to review the inspection before they share it with Kin. It is possible that we will not receive a copy of your inspection until the following business day.

Once we receive and review the inspection, our underwriters will email you to let you know if anything else is needed or if things look good! This could take a few business days.

For more details about completing a self-inspection, check out our FAQ page.