4-Point Inspections: What Florida Insurance Companies Look For

This article by Home Inspector Proz explains what Florida insurance companies look for during a 4-point inspection — and how homeowners can prepare to stay compliant and protected.

Introduction

If your Florida home is more than 20 years old, your insurance company will likely require a 4-point inspection before issuing or renewing a policy. This targeted evaluation focuses on the systems most likely to cause claims: roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC — helping insurers assess overall safety and risk.
For homeowners, understanding what inspectors and insurers look for can help you avoid coverage delays and costly surprises.

What a 4-Point Inspection Covers

A 4-point inspection provides insurers with a concise overview of the home’s four essential systems:

• Roof – Type, age, remaining life, and visible damage such as leaks or missing shingles.

• Electrical System – Panel brand, wiring type, grounding, and safety of breakers or connections.

• Plumbing – Pipe materials, visible leaks, and the condition of the water heater.

• HVAC (Heating & Cooling) – Functionality, age, and proper maintenance.

Unlike a full home inspection, this evaluation is streamlined for insurance purposes, zeroing in on system integrity rather than overall property condition.

Why Insurance Companies Require It

Florida’s climate presents unique challenges: heat, humidity, and hurricanes. These conditions can accelerate wear and increase the risk of claims. Insurance companies use 4-point inspections to:

• Verify that key systems are in good working order

• Identify potential hazards (e.g., old aluminum wiring or polybutylene pipes)

• Ensure roofs have sufficient remaining life

• Minimize the risk of fire, water, or structural damage

If significant issues are found, insurers may require repairs before coverage can be approved.

Benefits for Homeowners

While it may feel like an extra step, a 4-point inspection can actually benefit you:

• Faster insurance approval — fewer underwriting delays.

• Lower premiums when systems are well-maintained.

• Peace of mind knowing your home meets safety and reliability standards.

It’s also an opportunity to address small issues before they grow into expensive repairs.

How to Prepare for Your Inspection

A little preparation goes a long way. Before your scheduled visit:

• Replace missing roof tiles or shingles.

• Clear debris and overgrown vegetation around the property.

• Ensure electrical panels are labeled and accessible.

• Check for leaks around plumbing fixtures and water heaters.

• Replace HVAC filters and ensure the system is functional.

Being proactive helps demonstrate responsible ownership and may result in a smoother inspection report.

Conclusion

A 4-point inspection is more than an insurance requirement; it’s a safeguard for your home’s most important systems. By understanding what insurers look for and preparing in advance, you can protect your investment and maintain continuous coverage with confidence.

Ready to book your inspection?
Learn more about our Florida 4-point inspection services today.