The short answer
A 4-point inspection is a focused check of a home's four most claim-prone systems — roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Florida insurers require it before writing or renewing a policy on older homes (commonly 30 years and up) to confirm those systems are in safe, insurable shape. It takes under an hour, costs about $100–$200, and produces a standardized report your insurer uses to approve coverage.
Why Florida Insurers Require a 4-Point
Insurance companies aren't worried about a scratched cabinet — they're worried about the systems that cause expensive, catastrophic claims: a leaking roof, failing wiring that starts a fire, old pipes that flood a house, or an AC that dies. As a home ages, the odds of those failures climb. So before a carrier takes on an older Florida home, they ask for a 4-point to confirm none of those four systems is a ticking time bomb.
If you're buying a home 30+ years old, switching insurers, or renewing an older policy, expect to be asked for one. Get it done right and coverage is approved; miss something and you can be declined or non-renewed.
The Four Points, Explained
1. Roof
Age, covering type, condition, and remaining life. Inspectors note leaks, damage, and whether the roof has enough life left for the insurer's threshold — usually the single biggest factor in a Florida 4-point.
2. Electrical
The panel, wiring type, and safety. Red flags include outdated panels (like Federal Pacific or Zinsco), knob-and-tube or aluminum branch wiring, and double-tapped breakers.
3. Plumbing
Pipe materials, water heater age, and signs of leaks. Problem materials like polybutylene or old galvanized pipe can flag the home with insurers.
4. HVAC
The age and condition of the heating and cooling system, and whether it's functional. Very old or non-working units can be a sticking point.
Notice what's not here: foundations, appliances, cosmetics, code compliance. A 4-point is deliberately narrow — it's about insurability, not a full home inspection.
What Makes a 4-Point Pass or Fail
There's no single national "pass" — each carrier sets its own thresholds — but the common deal-breakers are consistent. Here's what tends to clear vs. raise a flag:
| System | Usually passes | Common red flags |
|---|---|---|
| Roof | Sound covering with several years of life left | Active leaks, widespread damage, or near end of life |
| Electrical | Modern breaker panel, copper wiring, no hazards | Federal Pacific/Zinsco panels, aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring |
| Plumbing | Copper, CPVC, or PEX in good shape | Polybutylene or corroded galvanized pipe, active leaks |
| HVAC | Functional system in reasonable age range | Non-working or very aged unit |
The roof is where most Florida 4-points are won or lost. If yours is older, a quick roof inspection first can tell you where you stand before the insurer does.
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Call (407) 437-9477Request a Free QuoteHow to Pass Your 4-Point Inspection
You can't fake a system into compliance, but you can avoid easy failures:
- Fix obvious roof leaks and replace missing shingles before the visit
- Address known electrical hazards (double-taps, exposed wiring)
- Repair any active plumbing leaks and clear access to the water heater
- Make sure the AC actually runs — a tripped breaker can read as "non-functional"
- Clear access to the panel, attic, and water heater so nothing gets marked "unable to inspect"
If your roof is the weak point, it often makes sense to pair the 4-point with a roof evaluation. Many homeowners book a 4-point and a wind mitigation together — one trip, both reports, lower total cost.
What a 4-Point Inspection Costs in Florida
Most Central Florida 4-point inspections run $100–$200. Bundling it with a wind mitigation inspection in the same visit is cheaper than two separate trips — and the wind mit can lower your premium, so the pair often nets out in your favor. Get a quick estimate with our cost calculator or read the full roof inspection cost guide.