Knob and Tube wiring and homeowners INS

rover4x4

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2004
5,228
45
41
North Carolina, Raleigh
I am finally asking the braintrust, do any of you have homes with knob and tube? Who are you using for homeowners? Ive called a few companies and havent had much luck. The house was built in the 40's, a good bit of it has been replaced there is still some remaining in the attic. I plan on rewiring the house but for now I need insurance so I can close on the house.
 

Durt D1ver

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2008
649
0
Jersey Shore
I believe my insurance company won't cover any knob and tube. Not that NJ manufacturers sells policies in the south anyway

My house was built in the 1920's, and although the electrical has been updated, I still have some of the old unused knob and tube insulators in the attic
 
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antichrist

Well-known member
Sep 7, 2004
8,208
0
68
Atlanta, GA
Have you asked the current owners who they use?
My house in WI had knob and tube and I think I used Allstate. Not 100% on that, but it's who I had for car insurance so the most likely.
We did later remove it, but I know we had insurance when we had knob and tube.

How soon are you going to update it? You might check to see if the companies have any provision for insuring if you commit to upgrading within a certain time frame.
 

Buddy

Well-known member
Nov 6, 2006
2,839
1
Central NC
rover4x4 said:
I am finally asking the braintrust, do any of you have homes with knob and tube? Who are you using for homeowners? Ive called a few companies and havent had much luck. The house was built in the 40's, a good bit of it has been replaced there is still some remaining in the attic. I plan on rewiring the house but for now I need insurance so I can close on the house.

Who have you checked with? I don't have it but I know NC Farm Bureau used to be very flexible about insurance. Although they support puppy mills so if you have a moral compass about that you might not want to use them.
 

lynchee

Well-known member
Jun 21, 2006
256
0
Goffstown, NH
Are they really breaking your balls about it being in the attic? Don't mention it to them, and just replace it when the time comes. If done correctly, tying knob and tube into modern wire is perfectly safe.
We have Allstate. There was some residual knob and tube when we moved in and didn't have any problems getting insurance.
 

rover4x4

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2004
5,228
45
41
North Carolina, Raleigh
I know insurance companies, there is a minimal amount of questionable wiring in the attic. I opted not to get a "home improvement" loan up front. I had initially planned on having the wiring fixed but that fell apart in negotiations. I had rather be up front, my luck the house would catch on fire and the insurance company would tell me to piss off.
 

jymmiejamz

Well-known member
Dec 5, 2004
6,008
361
35
Los Angeles, Ca
My house was built in 1927, and although much of it has been replaced, there is still some knob and tube wiring. I currently have Farmers insurance and before that I had Progressive.
 

antichrist

Well-known member
Sep 7, 2004
8,208
0
68
Atlanta, GA
I'm sure if the insurance company cares, they'll ask. Lying to them would be reason to deny a claim, but if they don't ask, and there's nothing in the policy about no knob and tube, I can't see them trying to deny a claim.
 

apg

Well-known member
Dec 28, 2004
3,019
0
East Virginia
There is nothing wrong with knob and tube: it was discontinued in the mid-1930's when cheaper to install wiring products came on the market. A problem develops when previously unused space like the attic becomes a repository for 'stuff' that can make contact. Most of us are hoarders....

But insurance companies have gotten much more stringent as of late. Had a hell of a time getting my 91 yo mom's place insured, as the insurer was insisting on a "lead letter" in addition to the requirement of no knob and tube wiring. Virtually every home built prior to 1977 has lead paint.