Can You Get Home Insurance With Knob-and-Tube Wiring?
- Vincent Fuccilli
- May 31
- 4 min read
Bergen Insurance Group | Home Insurance Education
Can You Get Home Insurance With Knob-and-Tube Wiring?
One of the most common surprises homebuyers encounter during the insurance process involves a term many have never heard before:
Knob-and-tube wiring.
A home may pass a municipal inspection.
The roof may look good.
The plumbing may function perfectly.
Yet the insurance company still has concerns.
Why?
Because many insurance companies view knob-and-tube wiring differently than modern electrical systems.
At Bergen Insurance Group, we increasingly see insurance companies asking more questions about older electrical systems, particularly in homes built during the early 1900s.
What Is Knob-and-Tube Wiring?
Knob-and-tube wiring was one of the earliest standardized electrical systems used in residential construction.
Installed primarily from the late 1800s through the 1940s, it uses:
ceramic knobs
ceramic tubes
individual insulated conductors
to route electricity throughout a home.
For many decades, it was considered a normal electrical installation.
The issue is not necessarily that the system was defective when installed.
The issue is that many knob-and-tube systems are now approaching or exceeding 75 to 100 years of age.
Why Insurance Companies Care
Many homeowners ask:
"If the wiring has worked for decades, why is it suddenly a problem?"
The answer often involves risk management.
Insurance companies evaluate:
fire potential
system age
prior updates
overall electrical condition
claim frequency
Older electrical systems may present concerns involving:
aging insulation
modifications over time
overloaded circuits
undocumented repairs
This does not mean every home with knob-and-tube wiring is unsafe.
However, it helps explain why insurance companies often ask additional questions.
Can You Still Get Home Insurance?
Possibly. But most likely not.
However, the answer varies significantly by insurance company.
Some carriers may:
decline homes with active knob-and-tube wiring
require complete replacement
require electrical inspections
request documentation from a licensed electrician
Other carriers may be more flexible depending on:
how much wiring remains
condition of the system
extent of updates
occupancy type
This is one reason two insurance companies may evaluate the same home differently.
Example: The Homebuyer Surprise
A buyer purchases a beautiful 1920s colonial.
The inspection reveals some remaining knob-and-tube wiring in the attic.
The buyer assumes:
"It's been there for 100 years. Why would it matter now?"
When shopping for insurance, several companies decline to offer coverage.
Others request additional information.
The issue was not discovered during negotiations.
It appeared during underwriting.
This situation is becoming increasingly common with older homes.
Why This Wasn't Always An Issue
Many homeowners say:
"Nobody asked about this years ago."
In many cases, that's true.
Today's insurance companies often have access to:
home inspections
underwriting reports
property databases
interior photographs
aerial imagery
Combined with rising claim costs, carriers are paying closer attention to property condition than they did in the past.
As a result, older electrical systems frequently receive additional review.
What If Only Part Of The Home Has Knob-and-Tube Wiring?
This is one of the most common situations.
Some homes have been partially updated over time.
Examples include:
updated kitchen wiring
updated service panel
rewired first floor
original attic wiring remains
Insurance companies often want to understand:
how much remains
where it is located
whether active circuits are still in use
The answers may influence underwriting decisions.
Why Two Similar Homes May Receive Different Insurance Decisions
Many homeowners become frustrated when they learn:
"My neighbor has an older house and got insurance."
Insurance companies often evaluate much more than age alone.
Factors may include:
wiring condition
extent of updates
inspection findings
prior claims history
underwriting guidelines
As a result, two similar homes may receive very different insurance outcomes.
What Homebuyers Can Do
If you are purchasing an older home:
ask questions during inspections
review electrical reports carefully
discuss concerns before closing
obtain insurance quotes early
understand carrier requirements
Identifying potential underwriting concerns before closing may help avoid last-minute surprises.
Why Independent Insurance Advice Matters
Different insurance companies view knob-and-tube wiring differently.
Some may have strict restrictions.
Others may evaluate the property based on the extent of modernization and overall condition.
At Bergen Insurance Group, we help New Jersey homeowners understand how older electrical systems, inspections, underwriting requirements, and carrier guidelines may affect homeowners insurance eligibility.
FAQs
Can you get homeowners insurance with knob-and-tube wiring?
Possibly. But most likely not. Some insurance companies may offer coverage under certain circumstances, while others may require updates, inspections, or complete replacement.
Why do insurance companies dislike knob-and-tube wiring?
Insurance companies often view older electrical systems as presenting increased uncertainty due to age, modifications, and potential fire exposure.
Will a home inspection identify knob-and-tube wiring?
In many cases, yes. Home inspectors frequently note active or visible knob-and-tube wiring when present.
Do all insurance companies treat knob-and-tube wiring the same way?
No. Underwriting guidelines vary significantly among insurance companies.
Should I get insurance quotes before buying an older home?
Yes. Obtaining insurance quotes early may help identify potential underwriting concerns before closing.
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Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as insurance, electrical, legal, or financial advice. Insurance eligibility, underwriting standards, inspection requirements, and electrical system guidelines vary by insurance company and individual property condition. Homeowners should consult with qualified electricians, inspectors, and insurance professionals regarding their specific situation.
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