If you’re a Florida homeowner trying to secure or renew your insurance policy, chances are you’ve been asked to get a 4 point inspection. But what exactly is it—and why is it so important?
Here’s everything you need to know about a 4 point home inspection, including what’s covered, when it’s required, and how it protects both your home and your wallet.
What Is a 4 Point Inspection?
A 4 point inspection is a specific type of home inspection that focuses on four major systems of a house:
- Roof
- Electrical System
- Plumbing System
- HVAC (Heating & Cooling)
Unlike a full home inspection, which looks at the entire property, a 4 point is limited to just these four critical areas. The goal is to evaluate the age, condition, and functionality of each system to determine if the home is insurable.
Why Are 4 Point Inspections Required?
Insurance companies in Florida often require a 4 point inspection before issuing or renewing a homeowners insurance policy—especially for homes over 20 years old.
That’s because older homes may have outdated or deteriorating systems that increase the risk of fire, water damage, or other claims. The 4 points inspection gives insurers a quick snapshot of whether your home meets current underwriting standards.
What Does a 4 Point Home Inspection Include?
Let’s break down what your four point inspection will typically include:
1. Roof
- Type of roofing (shingle, tile, metal, etc.)
- Age of roof
- Visible damage or deterioration
- Estimated remaining life
- Signs of leaks or past repairs
2. Electrical
- Type of wiring (e.g., aluminum, copper)
- Panel brand and condition
- Presence of outdated or hazardous components
- Grounding and bonding
- GFCI/AFCI protection
3. Plumbing
- Type of pipes (e.g., copper, CPVC, galvanized)
- Condition and age of water heater
- Presence of leaks or corrosion
- Drainage and water pressure issues
4. HVAC (Heating & Cooling)
- Type and age of system
- Functionality of both heating and cooling
- Evidence of leaks, rust, or neglect
- Proper installation and ventilation
What Happens After the 4 Point?
After the 4 point home inspection is completed, you’ll receive a detailed report that includes:
- System types and components
- Notes on condition and functionality
- Photos of each inspected area
- Inspector’s findings
If you provide us with your insurance provider’s contact information, we can submit the report directly to your insurance company to help them determine eligibility and coverage. Simply give us a call with their information, and we’ll take it from there! You will also receive a digital copy of the report within 24 hours of the inspection.
What If My Home Doesn’t “Pass”?
The 4point inspection isn’t a pass/fail test—but your insurer may require repairs or upgrades if certain systems are found to be too old or unsafe. Common red flags include:
- Roofs with less than 3–5 years of life left
- Federal Pacific or Zinsco electrical panels
- Polybutylene or galvanized plumbing
- Inoperable or outdated HVAC systems
If repairs are needed, they must typically be completed before the policy is issued or renewed.
Why 4 Point Inspections Are So Common in Florida
In Florida’s high-risk climate—with hurricanes, heavy rain, and aging infrastructure—insurers are more cautious than ever. That’s why the 4 point inspection Florida homeowners are asked to get is such a standard part of the insurance process. Our customers often opt to add on a wind mitigation inspection, which can lead to insurance discounts. You save time and money when you bundle a 4 point inspection and wind mitigation inspection.
You can learn more about pricing in our blog, How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost? A Complete 2025 Guide
When Should You Schedule a 4 Point Inspection?
You may need a 4 point if you are:
- Buying a home that’s over 20 years old
- Renewing an existing homeowners insurance policy
- Changing insurance companies
- Asked by your agent to verify system updates
At My Safe Home Inspection, we offer fast, affordable 4 point inspection services with same-day scheduling and next-day reporting to help you meet insurance requirements quickly.
Protect Your Home and Policy with a 4 Point Inspection
A 4 point inspection is one of the easiest ways to ensure your home qualifies for insurance, and stays protected for years to come. Whether you need a standalone 4 point, or want to bundle it with a wind mitigation inspection for maximum savings, we’ve got you covered.
Book your 4 point home inspection today and get insurance-ready documentation and expert insights, fast.