Coverage & Claims
4-Point Inspection
A limited inspection of roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC — the check many carriers require on older homes before binding a policy.
A 4-point inspection is a limited, insurer-focused inspection covering four systems: roof (age, condition, remaining life), electrical (panel type and wiring), plumbing (pipe material and condition), and HVAC. It's distinct from a full home inspection a buyer orders — it exists specifically to answer a carrier's underwriting questions, most commonly triggered by a home's age (often 25–30+ years, varying by carrier and state).
It's most closely associated with Florida, where it's near-universal on older homes, but many carriers in other wind- and hail-exposed states use the same concept, sometimes under a different name.
Why it matters
- Failing a 4-point inspection on any one of the four systems can mean a decline, a non-renewal, or a large premium surcharge — even if the home otherwise shows well.
- Roof age is usually the single most decisive factor, and a specific age threshold (commonly 15–20 years, carrier-dependent) can trigger automatic decline regardless of the roof's actual condition.
- Ordering one early — before it's a closing contingency — gives time to address a finding rather than discovering it against a deadline.
Where this shows up
Related terms
Insurability
Whether a property can realistically be insured at all, and how hard that placement will be — a distinct question from what it will cost.
Non-Renewal
A carrier's decision not to renew a policy at its next term — distinct from a cancellation, and the leading edge of a market pulling back from a geography.
1 free property search · no credit card required