Certified Insurance Inspector

Serving Duval, Nassau, St Johns, Clay, and Flagler Counties

1-904-612-1325

What is a 4 Point Insurance Inspection?

A 4 Point is actually not an inspection but an insurance survey done at the request of your insurance company. The 4 points surveyed include:

the roof

the electrical system

the HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning)

the plumbing

Insurance companies are more likely to require this survey before insuring homes 40 years or older. The inspector verifies the age and condition of the 4 major systems for the insurance company and they use the report to decide if they will issue coverage on the home.

What if the home fails?

Because a 4 point is not an inspection, a home cannot pass or fail. Some or all systems may not be in acceptable condition for the insurance company to cover. If so, most insurance companies allow a grace period for necessary repairs or upgrades.

I just paid to have my home inspected before purchasing it, why do I need this also?

A pre-purchase inspection is completely different from an insurance survey. Insurance companies cannot use the information on the pre-purchase inspection. 4 point surveys must be submitted on standardized forms and signed by a certified insurance inspector. We have the experience and training to do the job correctly and our company audits all reports for accuracy.

I’m buying a home and have been told I need both a wind survey and a 4 point survey. Would it be okay to skip the pre-purchase inspection and only order the 2 insurance surveys requested?

That is up to the customer to decide. Some customers feel since the 4 point survey covers the major systems they can skip the pre-purchase inspection. This is actually a risky idea. A pre-purchase inspection is much more thorough than a brief insurance survey. Whatever you decide, we can provide the services you need and offer you a competitive rate when multiple services are ordered.

What is a wind mitigation survey and why do I need it?
A wind mitigation survey is a detailed inspection that documents existing wind resistant construction features on your home. Features inspected include:

roof type and construction

window coverings

garage door, entry doors

connections from roof to wall to foundation

Insurance companies are required by law to give discounts if the home has certain features. The insurance companies will require documentation from a person with state training in building codes such as a certified insurance inspector.

How do I know if my insurance company will give discounts?
Insurance companies are required by law to give discounts when your home has certain features that protect it against wind damage.

Why can't I just tell them what features my home has?
The average homeowner is not qualified to make construction, and building code compliance determinations and either is the average insurance agent. Insurance companies depend on trained experts such as a certified insurance inspector like myself.