What Is a 4-Point Inspection, and Why Does My Insurance Company Want One?

Hi, it’s Seth again with Fair Property Inspections. One of the most common questions I get is, “What exactly is a 4-point inspection, and why does my insurance company need one?” Let’s clear it up.

A 4-point inspection is a shorter, more focused inspection that checks just four main systems of a home:

• The roof: how old it is and what condition it’s in.
• The electrical system: the panel and the wiring.
• The plumbing: the pipes and the water heater.
• The HVAC system: the heating and air conditioning.

Insurance companies ask for this inspection, not buyers. They want to know if these four systems are old or risky before they agree to sell you a policy. A home with a newer roof and updated electrical is less likely to have a big, expensive claim, so insurers want proof of that before they take you on as a customer.

Most insurance companies start asking for a 4-point inspection once a home is 15 to 30 years old. If your home falls in that range, don’t worry, it’s very normal and doesn’t mean anything is wrong. It just means the insurance company wants an updated look at those four big systems.

Here’s something important: a 4-point inspection can actually “fail.” A full home inspection doesn’t have a pass or fail, I just report what I find. But with a 4-point, if one of those four systems is outdated or unsafe, like old aluminum wiring or a roof close to the end of its life, that can cause an insurance company to deny coverage or ask for repairs first.

A standalone 4-point inspection usually costs between $150 and $200. If you also need a wind mitigation inspection, I can bundle both together and save you some money.

If your insurance company is asking you for a 4-point inspection, give me a call. I’ll get it scheduled quickly and get your report to you fast so it doesn’t hold up your policy.