Good morning, Mark! That's a very common situation with older homes, and it's smart to reassess your insurance situation as you modernize the electrical system.Here's the breakdown on what insurers are typically concerned about regarding Knob & Tube (K&T) wiring, and how it might impact your insurance options

What Insurers Worry About with K&T Wiring:
Fire Hazard

This is the primary concern. K&T wiring, when installed correctly and properly maintained, can be relatively safe. However, several factors increase the fire risk over time:

Deterioration

Insulation dries out and cracks, exposing bare wires.

Overloading

K&T circuits were designed for low electrical demands. Modern appliances and electronics often overload the circuits.

Modifications

Improper modifications or splices by previous owners can create dangerous situations.

Contact with Insulation

K&T wiring is designed to dissipate heat into open air. Covering it with modern insulation can cause overheating and fires.

Increased Liability

Insurers see K&T wiring as increasing the likelihood of a claim due to fire, and therefore increase premiums to offset that risk.

Difficulty in Assessing Risk

It's difficult for insurers to accurately assess the condition of K&T wiring without a thorough inspection.

How Insurers View Partial K&T Replacement

You're right to focus on the outlets. Here's how your partial replacement might be viewed:

Significant Improvement

Replacing the convenience outlet circuits is a major step in reducing risk. These circuits are typically the ones carrying the highest electrical loads from modern appliances.

Partial Mitigation, Not Elimination of Risk

Even with the outlet circuits replaced, the remaining K&T for lighting still presents a risk. The extent of that risk in the eyes of the insurer will be the critical factor.

Key Questions to Ask Potential Insurers

When shopping for insurance, be very upfront and clear about the situation with any new insurer. Be prepared to answer the following:

What percentage of the wiring has been replaced? Provide a precise estimate. What types of circuits were replaced (outlets, lights, both)? Is the remaining K&T in good condition? Have you had it inspected by a qualified electrician to verify that the remaining K&T is in good condition? They can also tell you if it's been improperly modified. Is the remaining K&T load limited? Are you consciously avoiding overloading the remaining K&T circuits? Have you taken other fire prevention measures? Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, routine electrical inspections.

How to Improve Your Chances of Finding Affordable Insurance



Get an Electrical Inspection

Hire a qualified, licensed electrician to inspect all the remaining K&T wiring. A written report stating that the remaining wiring is in good condition and not overloaded can be very helpful in convincing insurers. The inspection can provide you with the proper documentation.

Document the Replacement

Keep detailed records of the K&T wiring replacement, including invoices and descriptions of the work done.

Consider a "Stated Value" Policy

In some cases, you may be able to get a policy that covers the cost to repair or replace the K&T in the event of a fire, but doesn't cover the cost to upgrade the wiring to modern standards. This may be a cheaper option than a full replacement policy.

Shop Around Extensively

Don't just get a few quotes. Contact multiple insurance companies, including independent agents who can represent several different insurers. Look for companies that specialize in older or historic homes.

Be Prepared to Pay a Premium

Even with the partial replacement, you're still likely to pay a higher premium than someone with a completely modern electrical system. Be realistic about this.

Bundle Policies

Bundling your home and auto insurance with the same company can sometimes result in discounts.

Increase Your Deductible

A higher deductible will lower your premium, but make sure you can comfortably afford to pay it if you have a claim.

Important Considerations



Disclosure

Always be honest and upfront with potential insurers about the presence of K&T wiring. Concealing this information could void your policy in the event of a claim.*

Local Regulations

Be aware of any local or state regulations regarding K&T wiring. Some jurisdictions may require its complete removal when a home is sold.

In Conclusion:

While replacing the convenience outlet circuits is a significant improvement, it's unlikely to completely eliminate the premium increase associated with K&T wiring. Insurers will still be concerned about the remaining K&T. Your best bet is to get a professional inspection of the remaining wiring, shop around aggressively, be transparent with insurers, and be prepared to pay a premium. Good luck! Flag for review