Four-point vs. full home inspection: which do you need?

What is a four-point inspection for?

The Florida guide explains that homeowners insurance companies commonly request four-point inspections when issuing or renewing a policy. The report focuses on four critical systems and gives the insurer information relevant to underwriting.

The guide discusses system age, type and condition, along with supporting photographs. It also notes that insurer criteria can vary. A report provides information; the insurer still decides whether it will accept the property and whether repairs or further documentation are needed.

• Roofing
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• HVAC: heating, ventilation and air conditioning

Why is that different from a purchase home inspection?

A buyer’s inspection request is about property-condition information for a purchase decision. The four-point guide explicitly distinguishes the limited insurance evaluation from a comprehensive home inspection. Similar system names in the two services do not make the reports interchangeable.

If you want a purchase inspection, ask about its actual scope, access needs and exclusions. Do not assume specialty services such as mold testing, termite inspection or a sewer scope are automatically included. The useful comparison is the agreed scope and purpose, not just which report is shorter or less expensive.

Can a buyer need both inspections?

Yes. A purchase may create one need for the buyer and a separate paperwork need for the insurer. An agent’s request for a four-point form does not remove the buyer’s separate condition questions.

Tell the inspection company which services you are requesting and share the insurer’s instructions. Ask for the complete scope and quote rather than assuming one form comes with another service or that a combined-service discount applies.

What should you ask your insurer before booking?

Get the required form and current version, acceptable report age, supporting-document requirements, required professional qualifications and submission deadline. The Florida guide says the insurer determines the acceptable timeframe for the report.

Citizens has published updates to its roof and four-point forms. That does not mean every insurer uses the same form or that an archived bulletin is sufficient for your policy today. Use current instructions from the party that must accept the document.

A completed inspection does not guarantee insurability. Depending on findings and underwriting requirements, an insurer may ask for repairs or more information. General guidance about qualified professionals also does not verify the credentials of a particular provider; ask about the requirements before booking.

Where does wind mitigation fit?

Wind mitigation is another distinct insurance-related request. Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation publishes resources about documenting wind-related building features and potential mitigation credits. It is not simply another name for a four-point report.

Ask the insurer whether it needs a four-point, a wind-mitigation form or both, and which current versions it will accept. Neither inspection guarantees coverage, a premium reduction or a particular credit.

How should you compare cost and timing?

Compare quotes for the service you actually need. Kerwin’s condo inspections start at $350 through 1,500 square feet of unit interior/living area, regardless of bedroom count. Single-family inspections start at $450 for 800–1,200 square feet and $550 for 1,201–1,500 square feet, with further approved size brackets on the pricing page. Selected private pool and garage inspections add $75 each. These are starting estimates; confirm the property-specific scope and total quote.

Four-point and wind-mitigation prices require a service quote. Kerwin’s same-day delivery commitment applies to home-inspection reports; confirm delivery for insurance documents separately. A lower-priced limited report is not a substitute for a different inspection purpose.