Insurance companies and brokers often contact REALTORS® asking for details about a property — age of the roof, prior water damage, electrical system, repairs, past claims, and so on.

Agents must NEVER answer these questions.

Why?

Because you are not the homeowner, and you are not authorized to make warranties or representations outside the contract or MLS listing.
Providing information — even “helpful” details you believe are true — exposes you and the brokerage to serious liability.

🚫 What NOT to Do

Do NOT:

• Answer questions about the property condition

• Guess or estimate anything

• Confirm or deny past damages

• Fill out insurance questionnaires

• Speak on behalf of the seller or buyer

• Provide any undocumented information whatsoever

• Forward private documents (inspection reports, RPRs, receipts, etc.) to insurers
  
  

Agents often get tripped up by trying to be helpful — but this is exactly where claims happen.

✅ What TO Do

1. Redirect the insurance company to the client.
Say:

“I am not authorized to speak on behalf of the owner or to provide warranties. Please contact the homeowner directly.”

2. Tell your client immediately.
Notify the seller or buyer:

“Your insurance provider has questions about the property. They must speak with you directly. I am not permitted to give property-related information to insurers.”

3. Only provide publicly available information.
This is limited to:

• MLS listing details (as published)

• Information already written in the contract

• Items the seller has already disclosed in writing
  
  

If it’s not published or already disclosed, you cannot say it.

4. Never provide opinions.
No speculation on:

• Previous work done

• Structural issues

• Insurance risk

• Lifespan of roof, appliances, furnace, etc.
  
  

5. Do not sign or complete insurance forms.
Insurance forms are not real estate documents.
Completing them exposes the agent to claims.

⚠️ Why It Matters

REIX warns that agents who “help out” insurers end up liable when:

• A claim is denied

• A defect turns out to be worse than assumed

• A client says “my REALTOR® told me it was fine”

• An insurer uses an agent’s statement against the homeowner

• A miscommunication results in lawsuit or complaint
  
  

This is a high-risk area for REALTORS®.
Even innocent comments can lead to litigation.

🧭 Best Practice Script (agents can copy/paste)

To the insurance company:

“Thanks for reaching out. I’m not authorized to provide property details or warranties. Please contact the homeowner directly.”

To the client:

“Your insurer contacted me for property information. I cannot provide details on your behalf, but you can speak with them directly and answer their questions.”