A wind mitigation inspection documents the wind-resistant features of a home. The report focuses on construction details that may help reduce hurricane or high-wind damage, such as roof covering, roof deck attachment, roof-to-wall connections, roof geometry, secondary water resistance, opening protection, and certain building-code related items.
A four-point inspection is a limited insurance inspection of four major home systems: roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. It is not the same as a full home inspection. The purpose is usually to help an insurance company understand the age, condition, visible hazards, and remaining serviceability of those systems. This is commonly used by insurance underwriting to assess the risk of older properties. The insurance underwriter will use this inspection report to determine if the property meets the insurance carriers risk profile.
Homes in hurricane-prone and humid coastal areas face higher risk from wind, rain, roof wear, water intrusion, and aging building systems. Insurance companies often ask for documentation before issuing, renewing, or rating a policy. Wind mitigation reports may identify qualifying features for credits, while four-point reports help underwriters evaluate system condition and insurance eligibility.
No. They are separate reports with different purposes. A wind mitigation inspection focuses on storm-resistance features that may affect windstorm premium credits. A four-point inspection focuses on the roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems for underwriting and risk review. Many homeowners order both at the same appointment because insurers may request both.
No. The inspection documents observable qualifying features, but the insurance company decides whether credits apply and how much they are worth. Discounts can vary by carrier, policy type, property characteristics, documentation, and current underwriting rules.
No. A four-point report gives the insurer information about major systems, but the carrier makes the final underwriting decision. If the report identifies hazards, older components, leaks, damage, or system defects, the insurer may request repairs, additional documentation, exclusions, or decline coverage.
The inspector typically documents the roof covering and permit information when available, roof deck attachment, roof-to-wall connections in the attic, roof shape, secondary water resistance, opening protection such as shutters or impact-rated openings, and other items required by the applicable wind mitigation form. Photographs are commonly required to support the report.
The inspector typically documents the roof age and condition, visible roof damage or leaks, electrical panel and wiring conditions, plumbing supply and drain materials, water heater condition, visible leaks, HVAC age and condition, and whether the major systems appear to be functioning or present visible concerns at the time of inspection.
Attic access is often needed to verify roof deck attachment and roof-to-wall connections for a wind mitigation report. Without access, the inspector may not be able to confirm certain features, and the report may need to mark those items as unknown or not verified.
Make sure the inspector can access the attic, electrical panel, water heater, air handler, exterior HVAC equipment, plumbing areas, garage, and roof perimeter. If you have permits, roof invoices, shutter documentation, impact-window labels, product approvals, or prior inspection reports, have them available. Stored shutters or panels should be accessible for verification.
It is helpful, but not always required. A responsible adult or authorized representative should be present if access is needed. That person should know where attic access, electrical panels, water heaters, HVAC equipment, and shutter materials are located.
Usually no. Insurance inspections are visual and documentation-based. Inspectors generally do not move heavy stored items, open concealed areas, perform repairs, operate unsafe equipment, or certify hidden conditions. Areas that are blocked, unsafe, or inaccessible may be listed as limited or not inspected.
That depends on roof height, slope, condition, weather, access, and safety. Some information may be documented from the ground, ladder, attic, permit records, photos, or other visible areas. Safety limitations should be noted in the report when they affect what can be inspected.
Common concerns include roof damage or advanced age, active or past leaks, damaged plumbing or water heater issues, outdated or unsafe electrical components, double-tapped breakers, missing covers, aluminum branch wiring concerns, cloth wiring, HVAC systems that are not operating as intended, and evidence of prior moisture or deterioration.
Common features include a newer permitted roof covering, stronger roof deck fastening, clips, wraps or straps at roof-to-wall connections, hip roof geometry, secondary water resistance, impact-rated windows and doors, approved shutters, and garage door protection. The report should document only what can be verified.
They can provide insurance-ready documentation of observable construction features and major system conditions at the time of inspection. They can also help identify missing documentation, access limitations, visible hazards, or repairs that may need to be addressed before an insurer completes underwriting.
They do not replace a full home inspection, engineering evaluation, roof certification, code compliance review, mold assessment, or warranty. They do not guarantee hidden conditions, remaining life, future performance, insurance acceptance, or premium savings.
The completed report and supporting photos are usually sent to the client for submission to the insurance agent or carrier. The insurer reviews the information, applies any eligible wind mitigation credits, or asks for repairs, clarification, or additional documentation if needed.
Follow the insurance company’s requirements. Wind mitigation forms are often reused for several years when the documented features have not changed, while four-point requirements can depend on property age, renewal timing, carrier rules, and system updates. A new roof, new windows, upgraded electrical work, plumbing updates, or HVAC replacement may justify a new report.
Wind mitigation and four-point inspections help homeowners, buyers, agents, and insurers document important property information. The wind mitigation report focuses on verified storm-resistance features that may support premium credits. The four-point report focuses on the condition of the roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems for insurance underwriting. Together, they can reduce delays, clarify next steps, and support a more informed insurance review.
