A 4 point inspection and a wind mitigation inspection can happen at the same house, sometimes on the same appointment, but they are not interchangeable. One helps an insurer evaluate the condition of major home systems. The other documents construction features that may help the home resist wind damage.
What a 4 point inspection looks at
The “four points” are the roof, electrical system, plumbing system, and heating/air conditioning system. The report typically records age, type, visible condition, updates, hazards, and supporting photographs. It is narrower than a full home inspection and is used to help an insurer evaluate insurability.
Age thresholds are not universal. As one current example, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation states that it requires a 4 point inspection for certain new property applications involving homes more than 20 years old. Another carrier may use a different threshold, form, inspection age, or set of underwriting rules.
Does a 4 point inspection “pass” or “fail”?
Inspectors document conditions; carriers make underwriting decisions. A report may reveal something a carrier wants repaired, documented, or reviewed before offering or continuing coverage. Another carrier may treat the same condition differently.
What a wind mitigation inspection documents
A wind mitigation inspection focuses on features associated with resistance to wind and wind driven debris. Depending on the property and form, that may include the roof covering, roof deck attachment, roof to wall connection, roof shape, secondary water resistance, and protection for exterior openings.
Florida law provides for notice of available windstorm mitigation discounts, and the state’s uniform mitigation form is used to verify eligible features. A completed report does not promise a particular discount: the result depends on the documented features, the policy, the carrier’s filed credits, and other rating details.
The side by side difference
| Question | 4 point inspection | Wind mitigation inspection |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Helps underwriters evaluate the condition of four major systems. | Documents wind resistance features that may support rating credits. |
| Main areas | Roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC. | Roof and opening characteristics, attachments, geometry, water resistance, and related mitigation features. |
| Common trigger | Older home or specific carrier underwriting requirement. | Request to document mitigation features or seek available wind credits. |
| Guaranteed savings? | No. It is generally not a discount report. | No. A report may produce credits only when qualifying features are documented and accepted. |
| Can one replace the other? | Usually no. | Usually no. |
Could you need both?
Yes. A carrier may want a 4 point report to evaluate condition and a wind mitigation report to calculate wind credits. Ask the agent or carrier for the exact form name, required inspection date, inspector qualifications, and photo requirements before scheduling.
How to prepare for the appointment
- Confirm that the inspector holds an active license or qualification accepted for the requested form.
- Make the electrical panel, water heater, HVAC equipment, plumbing fixtures, roof access, and attic access reasonably available.
- Gather permits, roof invoices, product approvals, shutter documentation, or prior reports if available.
- Ask whether the fee includes both reports and whether return visits or corrections cost extra.
- Review the finished report for the property address, dates, photos, signatures, license information, and obvious errors before sending it.
The best next step
Do not order an inspection based only on a generic online checklist. First ask which report the carrier needs and why. That one question can prevent paying for the wrong form, or assuming a wind mitigation report satisfies a 4 point request when it does not.
Official sources & further reading
Educational information only. This guide is general and was reviewed in August 2026. Insurance rules, carrier underwriting requirements, forms, and policy terms can change. Your issued policy and current carrier instructions control. This is not legal advice, a coverage opinion, or a guarantee of eligibility, savings, or claim payment.
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