Need new insurance?
What is a 4 Pt Inspection and why is it required?
A Four Point Insurance Inspection is often required when obtaining a new homeowners insurance policy or renewing an existing policy in Florida. The inspection includes a limited scope evaluation of the following four systems:
- Roof Inspection
- Electrical Inspection
- HVAC (Heat, Ventilation & A/C)
- Plumbing
The focus of the 4-point insurance inspection is to determine the approximate age, components, and general condition of these systems. A Deltona 4 Pt insurance inspection is NOT a comprehensive home inspection and can take less than an hour to complete. This type of insurance inspection should not be confused with a residential home inspection, which is more comprehensive in detail and scope.
4 Point Insurance Inspection History
The Four Point or 4 Pt Inspection is completed by a trained, licensed, and qualified inspector. The inspectors are required to be State of Florida Licensed Home Inspectors.
The 4 Point Insurance Inspection was developed after Hurricane Andrew struck Florida in 1992. The inspection is performed on behalf of the insurance companies; it is a requirement for the insurer to issue insurance to the new homeowner. Insurance companies may also require four-point inspections on homes that have reached 15, 20 years, or more. After the 2004 round of hurricanes in Orlando and Central Florida, the Four Point Insurance Inspection has renewed importance.
Insurance companies see the benefit of the inspection; the program is extending to other areas of the United States. The insurance company desired result is reduced loss on homeowner’s insurance policies. Most Insurance companies require a 4 Pt Inspection on homes 20 - 30 years and older. Some require a four-point inspection for homes as new as ten years old.
New 4 Pt home requirements for writing an insurance policy
Insurance companies have new strict changes that the homeowner needs to meet. Insurance underwriters require insurance agents verify the homes meet particular standards.
Roofs
Shingle roof must be less than 20 years old.
Flat roof must be less than 10 years old.
Tile roof must be less than 25 years old.
Metal roof must be less than 30 years old.
All roof must be free of signs of damage.
A Wind Mitigation Inspection is required.
If the roof age is over the age limit; only non-standard companies are available, and the roof may be excluded from coverage.
Plumbing
The plumbing should have been updated in the last 20 years.
No polybutelyne plumbing, poly is ineligible and must by replaced.
Water Heater
The water heater must be 14 years or newer.
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning
The HVAC system must be in working order and updated within the last 20 years.
Electrical
Wiring
Aluminum wiring ineligible for most companies. Aluminum wiring with AlumiConns/Copper pigtails are accepted by one company.
All cloth wiring must be replaced.
Double tapped wiring must be repaired.
Electrical panels
Challenger, Sylvania, Zinsco, and Federal Pacific electrical panels are not acceptable panels for new or renewing insurance policies.
To schedule an Insurance Inspection; Wind Mitigation, 4 Pt Insurance, or Roof Condition Certification in Seminole or Volusia county contact our office at (386) 624-3893.
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| Frank Carr, Florida Licensed Home Inspector |
