Florida home insurance premiums have surged in recent years, with homeowners facing costs 125% higher than they were five years ago. It’s a sharp rise and reflects insurers introducing stricter requirements, including the need for a 4-point inspection on some Florida homes.
If you own a property in Central Florida and are currently looking to begin or renew your home insurance, read on. This guide will explain all you need to know about the 4 point inspection for insurance, including when you need one, when to schedule the work, and what an inspector will check.
What Is a 4 Point Inspection for Insurance Coverage?
A 4-point inspection is a home check on four critical systems rather than a full home inspection. These four checks are:
- The roof
- The electrical system
- The plumbing
- The HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
Insurance companies use a 4-point check for properties to check their condition and safety, and it’s something of particular importance on older properties. Insurers use this information when starting or renewing a policy to check whether the property insurance is sufficient for what the building might need in terms of repairs or the risk of problems.
In Florida, a 4-point inspection can be crucial given the unique weather risks in this part of the world, which can impact a home’s structure and systems. Homeowners can also use this information to help manage property risks and flag any potential repair work to get the property into a safer and more livable condition.
What Happens During a Home Inspection for Insurance Coverage?
A trained inspector is responsible for running the four critical checks, and they focus on several aspects, including the system’s condition, age, and functionality.
When checking the roof, for example, they will look for leaks and signs of wear and tear, like loose tiles. They’ll also inspect it for stability, such as sagging or uneven parts of the roof structure.
Similarly, the plumbing system will also include some tests for leaks, and the inspector will also investigate the types of materials used and the general condition of the pipework.
The electrical inspection will include checks on the wiring, breakers, and panels. Plus, it will ensure the setup is fully compliant with the latest safety rules.
Finally, the inspector will look at the HVAC system, including its age, maintenance status, and functionality.
All these checks help an assessor determine if there are property risks like fire, water damage, or structural problems.
The 4-Point Inspection for Insurance Discounts: How It Impacts Coverage
For Florida residents, the 4-point inspection can significantly shape your home insurance and whether you can secure a renewal.
Homeowners are more likely to face issues with the inspection for older properties, where the risks from wear and tear are greater. Damaged, unsafe, and outdated areas could leave you paying a higher premium for your home insurance, and in some extreme scenarios, insurers could deny coverage.
It’s vital that homeowners stay proactive in order to get discounts on their premiums. If you are aware of outstanding repairs that could impact your inspection, get the work completed beforehand. This will help the inspection run more smoothly and avoid delays in your home insurance.
You should do this whether you are renewing or looking at new insurance coverage for a home purchase.
4-Point Inspections: Getting the Timing Right
It’s essential, if you need a 4-point inspection, to book it early. Planning ahead means you won’t face any last-minute delays or rushes.
Arrange an inspection at least 2-3 weeks before finalizing a new insurance quote. If you need a policy renewal on an older property, it’s best to allow at least 30 days before your renewal date to complete the inspection. This gives you time to repair any urgent issues before your insurance runs out.
The inspection itself typically takes around 2-4 hours, so you will need to schedule a time when you’re at home to allow the inspector to look at your property. You will normally receive the results of the inspection within 1-2 days.
Do All Florida Homes Need 4-Point Inspections?
Not all Florida homes require a 4-point inspection. However, it’s still a valuable step to take to protect your home, ensure you know about any risks that could cause you problems later on, and provide peace of mind that your property is safe.
There are no state laws in Florida about 4-point inspections.
Decisions about 4-point inspections in Florida are made by insurers based on an insurance coverage checklist and are most likely stipulated for homes over 20 years old. The exception is if you have recently invested in a major renovation to your property, but the insurer will let you know if that’s the case.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that insurance rules change. Always check with your insurer before you need to renew to find out if your inspection is required.
Choosing an Inspector: Why Local Experience Matters
When it’s time to choose a 4-point inspection team, always opt for a local company like Central Florida Building Inspectors, who understand some of the unique challenges that come from owning a property in Central Florida.
You will have a property that experiences intense sunlight, humidity, tropical storms, and hurricanes. All these factors can have a long-term impact on your roof, HVAC system, and plumbing, and a local inspector will have the experience to spot early signs of damage.
Local inspection teams will also be familiar with specific Florida insurance requirements and understand what your provider needs. At Central Florida Building Inspectors, we bring our experience and local knowledge to every inspection, and our team is all state-licensed and certified.
Book Your 4-Point Inspection Today at Central Florida Building Inspectors
If you need a 4 point inspection for insurance coverage, don’t delay the work. Early inspection planning will help keep things moving with your home insurance so that you don’t experience any unnecessary delays.
You can do that now by booking with Central Florida Building Inspectors. Trusted by homeowners across Florida since 1988, we provide industry-standard inspection reports for properties. Our friendly, experienced team is ready and available to help you with all your property inspection needs, and you can head here to schedule your inspection today.
