If you own an older home in Florida, sooner or later your insurance company will probably ask for a four-point inspection. If you’ve heard the term but aren’t sure what it involves, here’s a plain-English rundown, especially for homeowners in Hernando, Pasco and Citrus counties.

A four-point inspection is a focused look at the four systems insurers care most about before they write or renew a policy.

What Is a Four-Point Inspection?

A four-point inspection covers four main areas:

• Roof
• Electrical system
• Plumbing system
• HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning)

It isn’t a full home inspection. It’s a focused report on whether those four systems are in safe, working condition, documented the way insurance underwriters need to see it. Insurers often require one for homes 20 or more years old, though the exact requirement varies by carrier.

Why these four? They’re behind many of the most expensive insurance claims. A leaking roof, faulty wiring, failing plumbing or a worn-out HVAC system can lead to costly damage or safety hazards.

Why Do You Need a Four-Point Inspection?

Insurers want to know what they’re covering. Older homes can have issues that aren’t obvious on a walk-through, and the 4-point gives the underwriter a snapshot of the systems that matter most.

For homeowners, it means a clear picture of what needs attention. For buyers, it can surface insurance hurdles before closing instead of after.

Here’s what to expect:

• A licensed inspector visits and examines the roof, electrical panel and wiring, plumbing and water heater, and HVAC system.
• They look for signs of wear, damage and outdated components.
• You get a report with photos, on the form insurers use.
• The report goes to your insurance company to support the coverage decision.

If something is flagged, your insurer may ask for repairs before it writes or renews the policy. You can see what we check on our 4-point inspection page.

How Much Does a 4-Point Inspection Cost?

Prices vary from inspector to inspector. At PointWise, a 4-point inspection is a flat $140, with no extra charge for larger homes and no travel fee in our service area. If you also need a wind mitigation inspection, the combo is $200, which saves $65 over booking them separately. Reports usually arrive the same day.

Whoever you choose, check that they’re licensed in Florida and experienced with insurance inspections, so the report comes back right the first time.

What Happens After the Inspection?

You get a report covering the four systems, with photos and notes. If everything checks out, it simply goes to your insurer. If there are problems, the report shows what was found. Common ones include:

• Roof damage, such as missing shingles or signs of leaks
• Outdated or unsafe electrical components
• Plumbing leaks or corroded pipes
• HVAC units that are old or not working properly

Have a licensed contractor handle any repairs, then ask your agent what documentation your insurer needs. If you’re selling, a recent 4-point can help a buyer’s insurer move faster and cut down on surprises at closing.

How Should You Prepare for a Four-Point Inspection?

A few simple steps make it go smoothly:

• Clear access to your electrical panel, water heater, attic access and HVAC units.
• Have repairs done first if you already know about a leak or another problem. Use a licensed contractor for anything electrical.
• Gather records if you have them: dates and receipts for roof, water heater, HVAC or electrical updates.
• Be available, or arrange access, so questions can be answered on the spot.

Schedule Your 4-Point Inspection

Most of our 4-point inspections take 30 to 60 minutes. We serve Hernando, Citrus and Pasco counties, including Spring Hill and Brooksville. Call or text (352) 616-8768, or book online.