CT August 2026

Engineering Better Insurability By Kristy Winchock, EIT, EBP, Morris Engineering, LLC and Eric Eggert, CIC, CIRMS, Mackoul Risk Solutions, LLC

“...engineers help bridge the gap between property conditions and insurer underwriting requirements.”

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F or community associations, maintaining insurability is no longer as simple as renewing a policy each year. Insurance carriers are scrutinizing properties more closely than ever evaluating building components, assessing maintenance practices, and analyzing finan cial preparedness before offering or renewing coverage. Associations must take a more proactive role in protecting their communities. By understanding what insurers look for and taking steps to address liabilities, associations can reduce claim exposure, maintain safety, and position themselves for more competitive insurance options. Through detailed inspections, risk assessments, and remediation guidance, engineers help bridge the gap between proper ty conditions and insurer underwriting requirements. Areas such as roof and cladding maintenance, correction of trip hazards, and reserve studies represent key points where engineering insight and insurance expectations directly intersect.

Roof Maintenance Insurance carriers expect roofs to be properly main tained. If a roof is too old, a carrier may decline to quote altogether or limit coverage to actual cash value rather than replacement cost, which can be significantly lower than the cost to install a new roof. Many carriers now rely on drones or aerial imagery, including Google images, to evaluate roof condition. If a policy is non‑renewed due to roof age or condition, it becomes much harder to secure replacement coverage, as new carriers will ask about non‑renewals within the past five years. In these cases, any available replacement policy often carries higher premiums and restricted roof coverage, reflecting the insurer’s expectation of a future claim. Inspecting and maintaining your roof regularly can help identify wear and tear and potential issues that can lead to leaks. Gutters or drains on flat roofs should be cleaned twice a year- once in spring and once in autumn after most CONTINUES ON PAGE 36

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AUGUST 2026