⚙️ 4-Point Inspections Explained (and Why Florida Insurance Companies Require Them)
If You Own an Older Florida Home, Your Insurance Company Wants This Report
If your home in Jacksonville, Orange Park, or Green Cove Springs is more than 20 years old, there’s a good chance your insurance agent has asked for a 4-point inspection. Many homeowners are caught off-guard when they first hear the term — but it’s actually one of the simplest ways to protect both your home and your wallet.
At High Road Home Inspections LLC, we perform hundreds of 4-point inspections each year across Northeast Florida. Below, we’ll explain what this inspection includes, why insurance companies require it, and how you can use it to your advantage.
🧱 What Is a 4-Point Inspection?
A 4-point inspection is a focused evaluation of the four major systems that most often cause costly insurance claims:
Roof
Electrical system
Plumbing system
HVAC (heating & cooling)
Instead of assessing the entire home like a full home inspection, this report zeroes in on these high-risk areas to help insurers determine how well the home has been maintained — and whether it’s eligible for coverage.
💡 Why Insurance Companies Require It
After years of storm damage claims and aging housing stock, Florida insurers grew cautious about older homes. The 4-point inspection helps them:
Evaluate Risk: Are there hazards that could lead to fire, water damage, or roof failure?
Confirm Updates: Have older systems been replaced or upgraded?
Determine Eligibility: Does the home meet underwriting standards for new or renewed policies?
Without a current 4-point inspection, many insurance carriers will simply decline coverage — especially for homes built before 2005.
🏠 The Four Components in Detail
1️⃣ Roof Condition
Inspectors record the age, material, and remaining life expectancy of the roof. They look for:
Leaks or soft spots
Missing or curling shingles
Proper flashing and ventilation
Evidence of prior repairs
A newer, well-maintained roof often qualifies homeowners for lower premiums. Pairing this inspection with a wind mitigation inspection can further increase insurance discounts.
2️⃣ Electrical System
Electrical fires are a top cause of insurance claims. The inspection identifies:
Outdated or unsafe panels (Federal Pacific, Zinsco, etc.)
Aluminum wiring or double-tapped breakers
Exposed conductors or undersized service lines
GFCI protection in kitchens, baths, and exteriors
If issues exist, many can be fixed affordably by a licensed electrician — a small investment that protects your home and keeps you insurable.
3️⃣ Plumbing System
Water leaks can cause thousands of dollars in damage before you even notice them. The plumbing portion documents:
Type of supply and drain lines (copper, PVC, PEX, polybutylene)
Visible leaks or corrosion
Hot-water-heater age and installation quality
Polybutylene piping, common in 1980s-90s Florida homes, is notorious for bursting under pressure and often triggers insurance denials. Re-piping may be required for full coverage.
4️⃣ HVAC System
Jacksonville’s climate demands dependable cooling. Inspectors verify:
System age and capacity
Duct condition and insulation
Proper condensate drainage
Secure electrical connections
Systems over 20 years old or showing visible damage may raise underwriting concerns — but documentation of maintenance or replacement can offset them.
🧾 What the Report Looks Like
A High Road 4-point report includes:
Color photos of each component
Condition ratings (“satisfactory,” “deficient,” or “not inspected”)
Detailed notes your agent can submit directly to underwriting
You’ll receive the report the same day, formatted to meet all major Florida insurers’ requirements (Citizens, State Farm, Progressive, etc.).
🧮 Typical Costs & Timeframe
Average Cost: $125 – $175 (less if bundled with a full inspection)
Inspection Time: 30 – 60 minutes
Report Delivery: Same day
When bundled with your home inspection or wind mitigation, you save time and money while completing everything your insurer needs in one visit.
⚙️ 4-Point vs. Full Home Inspection
4-Point Inspection
Purpose: Insurance eligibility
Systems Reviewed: 4 major systems
Depth: Basic risk assessment
Report Length: 3–5 pages
Ideal For: Insurance renewal or older homes
Full Home Inspection
Purpose: Overall home condition
Systems Reviewed: 400+ components
Depth: Comprehensive evaluation
Report Length: 30+ pages
Ideal For: Buying or selling a home
Most homeowners benefit from both: a 4-point for insurance, and a full inspection for peace of mind.
🔍 Common Issues Found During 4-Point Inspections
Roofs nearing end of life expectancy
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) or Zinsco panels
Aluminum branch wiring
Polybutylene or corroded galvanized plumbing
HVAC units older than 20 years or missing drip pans
Knowing these items in advance lets you budget or repair before submitting the report — avoiding policy denials or costly last-minute fixes.
🧰 How to Prepare for Your 4-Point Inspection
Turn on Power & Water — Inspectors need to operate systems.
Clear Access to the electrical panel, water heater, and HVAC.
Have Documentation Ready — Roof receipts, permit records, or photos of updates help validate the report.
Replace Filters & Light Bulbs — Small touches signal good maintenance to insurers.
🌀 How Wind Mitigation & 4-Point Work Together
Many Jacksonville homeowners schedule both at once.
4-Point → Required by insurance for risk evaluation.
Wind Mitigation → Optional but provides discounts for storm-resistant features.
Completing them together gives you full documentation for insurers while qualifying you for potential premium savings.
👉 Schedule both inspections in a single visit to save time and money.
🧩 Real-World Example
A Jacksonville homeowner with a 1998 house was denied renewal until submitting an updated 4-point inspection.
Our report showed:
New roof (2022)
Updated electrical panel
Copper plumbing in good condition
HVAC replaced in 2018
Their policy was reinstated immediately — and they received a $312 annual premium reduction thanks to the supporting wind mitigation report.
❤️ Why Homeowners Choose High Road Home Inspections LLC
Certified InterNACHI Inspectors experienced with Florida underwriting standards
Same-Day Reports formatted for every major carrier
Comprehensive Bundles (Home + 4-Point + Wind Mitigation)
Transparent Pricing & Professional Communication
Local Expertise on Jacksonville-area homes
Community Commitment: We give back locally through Victory Homes Jacksonville
Our mission is simple — to help you Cross With Confidence while protecting what matters most.
📍 Serving Jacksonville & Surrounding Areas
Proudly serving homeowners in Jacksonville, Orange Park, Green Cove Springs, Atlantic Beach, Fernandina Beach, Callahan, Palm Coast, and neighboring communities across Northeast Florida.
👉 Need a 4-point inspection for insurance?
Book your inspection online or call (904) 257-8381 to speak with our friendly team today.