THE 4-POINT INSPECTION
Four systems. One short visit. A clearer picture for your insurer.
If your insurance company has asked for a “4-Point,” here’s what that means — and why it’s less intimidating than it sounds.
What it is
A 4-Point inspection is a quick, focused look at the four parts of a home most likely to lead to an insurance claim: the roof, the electrical system, the plumbing, and the heating and air conditioning. The inspector notes how old each one is, what it’s made of, and what shape it’s in, then puts it all on a standard form with photos.
It is not a full home inspection. Nobody is grading your housekeeping or looking in closets. The point is simply to give your insurer an honest snapshot of those four systems.
Why insurers ask for it
It used to be something only older homes needed. These days, Florida insurers ask for a 4-Point on most homes that aren’t brand new — sometimes anything more than a few years old — when you apply for a new policy, and often at renewal too. Roofs, wiring, pipes, and equipment all wear with age, and the insurer wants to know what it’s taking on before it agrees to cover the home.
What the inspector looks at
Roof
The type of covering, its age, its general condition, and any signs of leaks or damage — plus a sense of how much useful life is likely left.
Electrical
The main panel and its capacity, the kind of wiring in the home, and any safety concerns. Certain older panel brands and wiring types are noted because insurers pay close attention to them.
Plumbing
What the supply and drain pipes are made of, the age and condition of the water heater, and any visible leaks. Some older pipe materials are flagged because of their track record.
Heating & cooling
The type of system, its age, and whether it’s working. Central air, heat pumps, and window units are all noted.
What to expect on the day
Most 4-Point inspections take well under an hour. The inspector will need to see the electrical panel, the water heater, the air handler, and the attic if there is one, and will take photos of each. That’s it — no need to tidy up, and no need to be nervous.
How to make it go smoothly
- Make sure the electrical panel, water heater, and AC equipment are easy to reach.
- Dig out any paperwork you have on roof replacements, re-piping, panel upgrades, or a new AC system. Permits and receipts help establish dates.
- If you already know something is broken — a leak, a dead AC, a panel that trips — tell us before the inspector heads out. A known problem that gets fixed first is a non-issue. A known problem the inspector finds and has to mark “unsatisfactory” can make the home uninsurable until it’s repaired, and that’s a much harder spot to be in.
What happens with the report
The report goes to your insurance company, which decides what to do with it. Sometimes that’s nothing at all. Sometimes the insurer asks for a repair — an older panel replaced, a roof leak fixed — before it will write or renew the policy. The inspection itself can’t guarantee coverage or a particular premium; it just makes sure everyone is working from the same facts.
Often paired with a Wind Mitigation inspection
Insurers frequently ask for both at once, and an inspector can usually do them in the same visit. The Wind Mitigation is the one tied to Florida’s wind-mitigation discounts.
Learn about Wind Mitigation inspections