If you’re a real estate agent in Florida, understanding how 4-point and wind mitigation inspections affect home insurance isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. These two inspection types can heavily influence whether a buyer qualifies for insurance, how much they pay, and how fast they can close. In today’s volatile insurance market, being able to confidently explain these inspections gives you a major edge.
Let’s break down what each inspection includes, how they affect insurance rates, and why they should be part of your conversation with every buyer purchasing an older home or a home in a wind-prone area.
What Is a 4-Point Inspection?
A 4-point inspection evaluates four of the most essential systems in a home:
- Roof
- Electrical system
- Plumbing
- HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
Insurance carriers use this inspection to determine the condition, age, and life expectancy of these systems. Why? Because these are the most common causes of major claims. If any of these systems are outdated, improperly installed, or pose a safety hazard, the insurance company may increase the premium or deny coverage entirely.
The inspection report is typically a short document that summarizes the following:
- The approximate age of each system
- Whether there is any visible damage or risk
- If the system meets current safety or insurance standards
For example, many insurance carriers won’t cover homes with Federal Pacific or Zinsco electrical panels, polybutylene plumbing, or roofs over 20 years old, even if there are no visible leaks.
As an agent, knowing what these red flags are and whether they’re present in the home your client is buying, can help you avoid last-minute underwriting issues.
What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection evaluates how well a home can withstand high winds and hurricanes. These inspections are especially important in Florida and other coastal areas where windstorm insurance is required.
The inspector looks at wind-resistant construction features like:
- Roof shape (hip vs. gable)
- Roof-to-wall attachments (nails vs. clips vs. straps)
- Roof deck attachment (e.g., how well plywood is fastened to trusses)
- Age and permits of the roof
- Secondary water resistance (underlayment)
- Window and door protection (impact glass or shutters)
Homes that meet certain standards can qualify for significant insurance discounts, sometimes up to 40% off the windstorm portion of the premium.
According to People’s Trust Insurance, the average Florida homeowner can save hundreds to thousands annually through wind mitigation credits. That’s not small change and for budget-conscious buyers, it can make or break a deal.
Why These Inspections Matter to Agents
In Florida, homes older than 20 years almost always require a 4-point inspection before an insurance carrier will bind coverage. And if the home is in a windstorm zone (which includes most of the state), a wind mitigation inspection is the only way to access premium discounts.
So what happens if your buyer doesn’t get these inspections done on time?
- The insurer may decline to issue coverage, delaying or derailing the closing.
- The buyer may get quoted a much higher rate than expected.
- Closing costs or monthly escrow amounts may rise unexpectedly.
- Repairs or upgrades may be needed before closing can proceed.
All of this creates stress, delays, and possibly cancellations.
By proactively guiding your buyers to get both inspections early, ideally during the inspection period, you can eliminate surprises and strengthen your position as a trusted advisor.
Talking Points for Buyers and Sellers
For buyers, the benefit of these inspections is twofold: they gain peace of mind knowing the home’s major systems are in good shape, and they potentially save a significant amount on insurance.
For sellers, providing a recent 4-point or wind mitigation report (especially if it’s favorable) can make their listing more attractive. It also allows them to address potential issues ahead of time instead of reacting under pressure.
Common Scenarios to Watch For
- The roof is older than 15 years: Some insurers won’t write a policy unless there’s proof the roof still has life left. A 4-point inspection helps clarify that.
- The home has a gable roof and basic nail attachments: These may not qualify for wind mitigation discounts. But if the home has a hip roof and clips or straps, that discount could be substantial.
- The buyer is using VA or FHA financing: Many lenders will require a 4-point inspection, even if the insurance company doesn’t.
How to Help Your Clients
- Recommend inspectors who can do both inspections at once to save time and cost.
- Encourage buyers to share inspection reports with their insurance agent early, so they can get accurate quotes and avoid last-minute issues.
- Educate sellers on replacing out-of-date systems or panels that might cause insurance problems before listing the home.
Final Thoughts
4-point and wind mitigation inspections aren’t just about boxes to check. They directly affect how much your client pays for insurance and whether they can get coverage at all. As a real estate agent, understanding these inspections and explaining them clearly can help you close deals faster, reduce stress for your clients, and stand out in a competitive market.
If you’re working with buyers or sellers in Florida, make these inspections a standard part of your transaction checklist. Max Home Inspections offers both services statewide, with fast turnaround times and detailed reports you can trust.
Let us help you keep your closings smooth and your clients informed. Want to learn more or schedule an inspection? Contact Max Home Inspections today.
