4-Point Inspection vs. Wind Mitigation Inspection in Florida: What's the Difference?

If you're buying or insuring a home in Central Florida, your insurance company may ask for a 4-point inspection, a wind mitigation inspection, or both. They sound alike, but they answer two completely different questions. Knowing the difference can save you money and a lot of confusion at closing or renewal.

The short version

A 4-point inspection tells your insurer whether the home's major systems are in safe, insurable condition. A wind mitigation inspection tells your insurer how well the home is built to survive a hurricane — and it can earn you a discount. One is about risk and eligibility; the other is about savings.

What is a 4-point inspection?

A 4-point inspection is a focused look at the four systems most likely to cause a claim. Insurers typically require it on homes 20 years or older before they'll write or renew a policy.

Roof — age, material, and remaining life

Electrical — panel type, wiring, and any hazards

Plumbing — supply lines, water heater, and signs of leaks

HVAC — age and condition of heating and cooling

The goal is simple: prove the home isn't a ticking time bomb. If one of these systems is at the end of its life, the insurer may ask for repairs before issuing coverage.

What is a wind mitigation inspection?

A wind mitigation inspection documents the features that help a home resist hurricane-force wind. Florida law requires insurers to offer premium discounts for these features, so this inspection often pays for itself.

**Roof covering** and whether it meets current code

Roof deck attachment — how the roof is nailed down

Roof-to-wall connections — clips, straps, or single/double wraps

**Roof shape** (hip roofs perform better than gable)

**Secondary water barrier** and opening protection like impact windows or shutters

4-point vs. wind mitigation: side by side

Purpose — 4-point checks insurability; wind mit checks storm resistance for discounts

Required vs. optional — 4-point is often required on older homes; wind mit is optional but almost always worth it

Effect on your premium — 4-point can be a condition of coverage; wind mit usually lowers your premium

What it covers — 4-point looks at four systems; wind mit looks only at wind-resistant construction

Do you need both?

Often, yes. A 20-year-old Orlando home may need a 4-point to get covered at all, while the wind mitigation report finds discounts that offset the cost of both inspections. Newer homes may only need wind mitigation to unlock savings. The right answer depends on the home's age, your insurer, and whether you're buying or renewing.

Get both in one visit

Scheduling both at the same time saves you a second trip fee and gets your insurance paperwork done faster. Simplispect performs 4-point and wind mitigation inspections across Orlando and Central Florida, with clear, insurer-ready reports delivered fast. Reach out and we'll tell you exactly which inspections your situation calls for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need both a 4-point and a wind mitigation inspection?

Often yes. Older homes may need a 4-point inspection to qualify for coverage, while a wind mitigation inspection finds discounts that frequently offset the cost of both. The right mix depends on the home's age and your insurer.

Which inspection saves money on insurance?

The wind mitigation inspection. Florida law requires insurers to offer premium discounts for documented wind-resistant features, so it typically lowers your premium and can pay for itself.

Is a 4-point inspection the same as a full home inspection?

No. A 4-point inspection only evaluates the roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems for insurance purposes. A full home inspection is a much broader evaluation of the entire property.

How old does a home have to be to need a 4-point inspection?

Most Florida insurers require a 4-point inspection on homes that are 20 years or older, though the exact threshold can vary by carrier.