Quick answer
A 4-point inspection looks at four parts of a home: the roof, the electrical system, the plumbing, and the heating and cooling (HVAC). It records their age, type and condition. A wind mitigation inspection documents features that help a home stand up to hurricane wind, such as how the roof is attached and whether openings are protected. Your insurer decides which one it needs, which form it accepts, and what the results mean for your policy.
This guide explains what each inspection looks at, so you know what to expect. It is not insurance or legal advice. Ask your agent or insurer about your own policy.
What a 4-point inspection looks at
Citizens Property Insurance Corporation of Florida describes the 4-point inspection on its public inspections page as a check of the home's electrical system, plumbing, heating and cooling, and roof, recording the age, type and condition of each. Its sample 4-Point Inspection Form, linked from that page, shows the kinds of questions an inspector answers:
- Roof: the covering, its age, and any visible damage or signs of leaks.
- Electrical: the panel type and age, whether the amperage fits current use, and wiring such as cloth wiring, knob and tube, or branch-circuit aluminum. It also lists hazards such as tripping breakers, loose wiring or corrosion.
- Plumbing: the age of the supply and drain piping, pipe materials such as galvanized, cast iron or polybutylene, the water heater and its relief valve, and any active or past leaks.
- HVAC: whether the system works, its age, the date of the last service, and whether the air handler, condensate line or drain pan shows blockage or leakage.
The same Citizens page says serious hazards, such as exposed wiring or active leaks, should be repaired before an application for coverage is submitted. Other insurers use their own forms and rules.
What a wind mitigation inspection looks at
A wind mitigation inspection documents how well a home is built to resist wind. Citizens describes the features it covers on its wind mitigation page: doors and windows built to withstand wind pressure and flying debris, storm shutters or panels, roof coverings rated for high wind, roof-to-wall attachments, and roof and building shapes that resist wind better.
For one- to four-unit homes the inspector fills in the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (OIR-B1-1802), the form named on Citizens' Your Wind Inspection page. Citizens says documenting these features may help a policy qualify for mitigation discounts. Whether a discount applies, and how much, is your insurer's decision.
The difference in one table
| 4-point inspection | Wind mitigation inspection | |
|---|---|---|
| What it checks | Roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC: age, type, condition | Wind-resistant features: roof attachment, roof shape, opening protection |
| What your insurer decides | Whether it needs one and how it reads the results | Whether it needs one, and whether any discount applies |
| Common form | A 4-point form or report your insurer accepts | OIR-B1-1802 |
| Inside the attic? | Often, to check the underside of the roof deck for leaks | Yes. Citizens says attic access is needed to verify some features |
Who can do the inspection
Each form says which professionals may complete and sign it, and the insurer checks that. Citizens says a form may not be accepted if the right professional, as outlined on the form, did not do the inspection. Before you book anyone, ask your agent which forms your insurer accepts and who may sign them.
How to prepare
- Clear the way. Make sure the inspector can reach the attic, the electrical panel, the water heater, and the indoor AC unit. Citizens notes that without attic access some wind features cannot be verified.
- Gather records. Roof installation date and permit, receipts for shutters, impact windows or doors, and any product approval papers. Citizens says these documents help show features that are hard to see.
- Note the year of each system. Find the date plate on the water heater and the AC equipment, and note any rewiring or repiping work.
- Fix what you already know about. A dripping valve, a breaker that keeps tripping, a clogged AC drain line, or a stain under a roof leak is easier to deal with before an inspection than after.
- Stay with the inspector, or send an adult you trust. Citizens' wind inspection page allows a representative to attend.
Common findings, and which Hero fixes them
Older homes are common in St. Petersburg: about half of the city's housing units were built in 1969 or earlier, according to Census housing data. Their original systems are the ones these forms ask about.
- Roof: worn or storm-damaged coverings, flashing leaks, signs of past leaks. See what a roof inspection covers and roofing in St. Petersburg. For a storm check you can do from the ground, read storm damage on your roof.
- Electrical: an aging panel, a breaker that will not hold, aluminum branch wiring. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission links aluminum branch wiring to overheating at connections (CPSC guide). See electrical in St. Petersburg.
- Plumbing: galvanized or polybutylene supply lines, an old water heater, a valve or fitting that leaks. See plumbing in St. Petersburg and how to find a hidden leak.
- HVAC: a blocked condensate line or a rusted pan. See how to clean an AC drain line and HVAC in St. Petersburg.
Where HALOFIX fits
HALOFIX does not sell insurance and does not decide what your insurer accepts. HALOFIX books repair work. When an inspection report lists a problem, you book once and HALOFIX assigns one credential-reviewed Hero for that trade. You can see the Hero's profile before arrival. The Hero inspects on site and sets the final price, which you approve before work starts. Ask the Hero for an itemized invoice and photos of the finished work so you can send them to your agent. The repair carries the Hero workmanship warranty. The booking hold is $89, shown before you confirm. Your booking hold amount is deducted from your main bill. Dispatch depends on Hero coverage and availability.
FAQ
- What is the difference between a 4-point and a wind mitigation inspection? A 4-point inspection records the age, type and condition of the roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC. A wind mitigation inspection documents features that help the home resist wind, on a form such as OIR-B1-1802.
- Do I need a 4-point inspection? Your insurer decides. Some insurers, Citizens among them, describe when they ask for one on their public pages. Ask your agent.
- Does a wind mitigation inspection lower my premium? It can document features that may qualify for discounts, according to Citizens. Whether a discount applies, and how much, is up to your insurer.
- What happens if the inspection finds a problem? Ask your insurer what it needs and by when. Then book the matching Hero to repair it, and keep the invoice and photos for your agent.
- Can HALOFIX do the inspection itself? HALOFIX books repair work by Heroes. Each inspection form names who may complete it, and your insurer decides whether it accepts a report, so ask your agent who to use.
Book a Hero for a repair on your report
See roofing, electrical, plumbing or HVAC in St. Petersburg, or start your booking.
