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Knob and Tube Wiring Insurance Iowa | Can You Get Covered? | Smart Move DSM
⚡ Insurance Deep Dive

Knob & Tube Wiring Insurance in Iowa

Found your dream home but it has knob and tube wiring? Here's what you need to know about insurance coverage, replacement costs, and whether the home is worth pursuing.

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What is Knob and Tube Wiring?

Knob and tube (K&T) was the standard electrical wiring method from the 1880s through the 1940s. If you're looking at older homes in Beaverdale, Sherman Hill, Drake, or other historic Des Moines neighborhoods, you may encounter it.

How to Identify It

  • White ceramic "knobs" holding wires to joists
  • Ceramic "tubes" protecting wires through framing
  • Separate hot and neutral wires (not bundled)
  • Usually visible in basements and attics
  • Rubber or cloth insulation on wires

Where It's Found

  • Homes built before 1950
  • Historic Des Moines neighborhoods
  • Beaverdale Tudor & brick homes
  • Sherman Hill Victorian homes
  • Drake area bungalows

Why Insurers Are Concerned

The real risks of knob and tube wiring

🔌

No Ground Wire

K&T has only hot and neutral wires—no ground. This creates shock hazards and can't safely power 3-prong appliances.

🔥

Insulation Contact Fire Risk

K&T was designed to dissipate heat in open air. When buried in blown-in insulation, it can overheat and ignite.

⚠️

Deteriorating Insulation

After 80+ years, the rubber or cloth insulation cracks and falls away, exposing live copper wires.

⚡

Overloaded Circuits

K&T was designed for a few lights and a radio—not modern appliances. Overloading causes overheating.

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DIY Modifications

Amateur repairs using tape instead of proper splices or wrong fuse sizes create additional fire hazards.

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Not Moisture Rated

K&T isn't designed for wet locations like kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor areas.

Insurance Reality for K&T Homes

❌ Many Will Decline

Major carriers like State Farm and Allstate often won't insure homes with active K&T wiring.

💰 Higher Premiums

Insurers who will cover may charge 20-40% higher premiums due to increased fire risk.

📋 Inspection Required

Expect insurers to require a licensed electrician's inspection certifying the wiring is safe.

⚡ 100-Amp Minimum

Most insurers require at least 100-amp service (not the old 60-amp panels).

Your Options

Paths forward if you love a K&T home

Option 1: Full Rewiring

Replace all knob and tube with modern Romex wiring, new panel, and updated outlets/switches. This eliminates all insurance concerns and adds value to the home.

Estimated Cost: $8,000 - $15,000+ depending on home size

Option 2: Partial Replacement

Replace K&T in high-use areas (kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms) while leaving inactive circuits. Some insurers accept this compromise.

Estimated Cost: $3,000 - $8,000 depending on scope

Option 3: Inspection & Certification

Have a licensed electrician inspect and certify that the K&T is in good condition with no unsafe modifications. Some insurers will cover with this certification.

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500 for inspection

Option 4: Negotiate Seller Credit

Use the K&T as a negotiating point. Request a price reduction or seller credit to cover rewiring costs after closing.

Strategy: Factor rewiring into your offer price

My Insurance Background Protects You

With 10+ years in property insurance, I can assess K&T situations during showings—before you're under contract. I know which issues are deal-breakers and which are manageable.

Get Expert Guidance

Love an Older Home? Let's Talk First

Don't let insurance surprises kill the deal

Sarah Ingles

REALTOR® SRES® | Smart Move Des Moines

10+ Years Property Insurance Expertise

📱 (515) 850-1629

✉️ [email protected]

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