New York / Connecticut · Member since 2020 · 5 posts · 2 votes
Question is if insurance companies will accept a duplex that has knob and tube wiring but has been approved by certified electrician that it is up to code
Realtor · Boulder, CO · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 5k+ votes
6y
@Aidan Hadley it may be up to the code that existed when it was installed, 80-100 years ago, when FDR was president, but that doesn’t mean it’s up to current code. Replace ASAP. Electrical is not like women and wine, it doesn’t get better with age.
Insurance Agent · Beaver Falls, PA · Member since 2016 · 126 posts · 84 votes
6y
Hey Aidan,
For most insurance companies these days, it does not matter. They will not accept any form of active knob & tube wiring. The only company I know of right now that will write it is Allstate - and it may not be every state.
Insurance Agent · Norwalk, CT · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
6y
Aidan,
Most companies that we write that do not provide coverage for structures with Knob & Tube wiring state it in their guidelines.
There are a few that leave the decision to the underwriter. The electrician's report would definitely help on those.
FYI, a lot of companies are now also looking for 100 amp service and circuit breakers.
You will probably need to check with multiple independent agents to locate the companies that will do it.
Also, ask them for difference in cost if you had the Knob & Tube completely replaced. Depending on how long you will be keeping the Duplex, it might pay.
Realtor · Boulder, CO · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 5k+ votes
6y
@Aidan Hadley it may be up to the code that existed when it was installed, 80-100 years ago, when FDR was president, but that doesn’t mean it’s up to current code. Replace ASAP. Electrical is not like women and wine, it doesn’t get better with age.