Thinking about getting insurance on an older home in Florida? Chances are, someone’s mentioned a Four Point Inspection. If you’re in Pinellas, Tampa, or even Pasco, this short but crucial inspection could make or break your insurance deal. But don’t worry we’ve got your back.
This guide walks you through every nook and cranny of what a Four Point Inspection actually is, why it’s important, what it covers, and how you can ace it like a pro.
What Is a Four Point Inspection?
Origins and Purpose
So, what exactly is a Four Point Inspection? Unlike a full home inspection, a Four Point Inspection focuses only on four vital systems in a home:
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HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning)
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Electrical
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Plumbing
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Roof
Insurance companies want to make sure these four systems are up to snuff—especially for homes over 25 years old.
Why Insurance Companies Require It
Imagine being an insurer and covering a 40-year-old home with a 30-year-old roof. Risky, right? That’s why most Florida insurance companies require a Four Point Inspection before they’ll issue or renew your policy—especially Citizens Insurance.
The Four Critical Areas of a 4-Point Inspection
Let’s break down what inspectors actually look at in each category.
HVAC System
Age Requirements
If your AC is older than 13–15 years, it might raise eyebrows. Insurers want systems that are not only functional but efficient.
Common HVAC Issues Found
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Leaking refrigerant
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Rusted drip pans
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Dirty coils
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Non-working thermostats
A malfunctioning HVAC system screams “expensive claim waiting to happen.”
Electrical System
Outdated Panels to Watch Out For
Some old brands like Zinsco or Federal Pacific are basically blacklisted. If your panel is ancient or unsafe, it’s a no-go for most insurers.
Aluminum vs. Copper Wiring
Aluminum wiring? Big red flag. Most modern insurers prefer good old copper wiring because it’s safer and more reliable.
Plumbing System
Types of Plumbing Materials
Not all pipes are created equal. Here’s how they rank:
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Copper or CPVC – 👍
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Galvanized or Polybutylene – 👎
Common Plumbing Red Flags
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Active leaks
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Corroded pipes
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Water stains under sinks or in ceilings
Roofing
How Old Is Too Old?
Roofs older than 20 years often don’t pass muster—even if they look fine. Insurance companies want to see recent replacements or certifications.
Signs of Roof Damage
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Missing shingles
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Sagging areas
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Active leaks or mold
If your roof tells a horror story, so will your insurance report.
Four Point Inspection vs Full Home Inspection
What’s the Difference?
A Full Home Inspection is like a deep-tissue massage—thorough and all-encompassing. A Four Point Inspection, on the other hand, is more like a blood pressure check.
It’s quicker and targets only the four major systems insurers care about.
When Do You Need Each One?
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Buying a home? Go full inspection.
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Insuring an older home? Four Point is your go-to.
Who Needs a Four Point Inspection in Pinellas & Tampa?
Older Homes Over 25 Years
If your home is 25+ years old, most Florida insurers won’t touch your application without a Four Point Inspection in hand.
Homeowners Seeking Insurance
Even if you’re not buying or selling, you may need a Four Point Inspection just to renew your existing insurance policy—especially in Pinellas, Tampa, and Pasco counties.
How Much Does a Four Point Inspection Cost?
Typical Pricing in Florida
Prices usually range from $95 to $150, depending on your location. At Inspect Florida, it’s just $95—and that includes all the required forms and photos.
What’s Included in the Fee?
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Full inspection of all four systems
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Digital report in PDF format
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Insurance-approved forms (like Citizens)
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Clear repair recommendations if needed
What to Expect During Your Inspection
How Long It Takes
Expect the inspection to take about 30–60 minutes, depending on your home’s condition and size.
What the Inspector Looks For
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Age of systems
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Visible damage or defects
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Safety hazards
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Code compliance
Inspectors won’t tear into your walls, but they’ll spot surface-level red flags like a hawk.
Common Issues That Could Fail a 4-Point Inspection
HVAC Red Flags
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Non-functioning AC
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Mold on ducts
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Leaky condensate lines
Electrical Hazards
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Double-tapped breakers
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Exposed wires
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Over-fused circuits
Roof Deterioration
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Curling shingles
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Mold in the attic
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Improper flashing
Plumbing Leaks
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Rusty water heaters
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Leaky shut-off valves
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Water stains or warped wood
How to Prepare Your Home for Inspection
Quick Fixes Before the Inspector Arrives
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Replace missing outlet covers
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Clean HVAC filters
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Patch minor roof leaks
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Remove clutter from access points
Documents You Should Have Ready
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Age and maintenance records of HVAC
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Roof replacement receipts
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Plumbing upgrades (if any)
This isn’t just a chore—it’s a way to put your best foot forward and avoid unnecessary re-inspections.
What Happens If You Fail the Inspection?
Can You Still Get Insurance?
Some insurers may issue a temporary policy with the condition that repairs are made within a certain timeframe.
Steps to Pass a Re-inspection
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Fix the issues flagged in your report
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Schedule a re-inspection (often cheaper or even free)
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Submit the updated report to your insurance company
Why Choose Inspect Florida?
Local Expertise in Pinellas and Tampa
Inspect Florida has been in the game for over five years, performing thousands of inspections across Pinellas, Tampa, and Pasco counties.
Thousands of Inspections Completed
We’re not just ticking boxes—we’re helping homeowners stay safe, insured, and informed.
How to Schedule a Four Point Inspection
Booking Process
Just call 727-222-5955 and get scheduled within 24–48 hours. It’s quick and painless!
What Happens After Scheduling
You’ll receive:
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A confirmation email
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Inspection checklist (optional)
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Final report within 24 hours of the visit
Service Areas Covered
Pinellas County
Including:
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Clearwater
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St. Pete
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Largo
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Palm Harbor
Tampa and Surrounding Areas
We serve all of Hillsborough, including:
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Tampa
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Brandon
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Valrico
Also covering Four Point Inspection Pasco and Hernando Counties.
Final Thoughts
If your home is creeping past the 25-year mark and you’re in Pinellas, Tampa, or Pasco, a Four Point Inspection isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. It’s your golden ticket to securing homeowner’s insurance and giving insurers peace of mind.
Need someone reliable? Inspect Florida is your go-to. Fast, professional, affordable—and we know Florida homes like the back of our hand.
FAQs
1. How long does a 4-point inspection take?
Typically 30–60 minutes. Larger or more complex homes may take a bit longer.
2. Do I need one for a condo?
It depends. Some insurers still require it, especially if your condo unit has individual systems like a water heater or AC.
3. Is a 4-point inspection the same as a wind mitigation inspection?
Nope! A wind mitigation focuses on your home’s hurricane resistance, not internal systems. But you may need both for insurance discounts.
4. Can I do repairs before the inspection?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s encouraged. Fix obvious issues to improve your chances of passing on the first go.
5. Will insurance companies accept digital reports?
Yes! All major insurers accept digital reports—especially when they’re on approved forms like Citizens Insurance requires.
