When you are buying a home, renewing a policy, or comparing homeowners insurance in Broward County, an insurer may ask for a property inspection. Two reports homeowners often confuse are the 4-point inspection and the wind mitigation inspection. They serve different purposes, and neither guarantees that a home will qualify for coverage or a premium discount.
What a 4-point inspection reviews
A 4-point report typically documents four systems: the roof, electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling. The Florida Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate provides a consumer overview of four-point inspections, which insurers commonly request when issuing or renewing a homeowners policy. The report helps the insurer assess the condition of those systems; the insurer decides whether it is acceptable and whether repairs or more information are needed.
Before requesting a quote, gather any recent 4-point report, roof documentation, permits or paid invoices for completed work, and clear photos if available. Tell us if a system was recently replaced so we can help identify supporting records.
What a wind mitigation inspection reviews
A wind mitigation inspection records features that may help a home resist wind damage, such as roof shape, roof-to-wall connections, roof-deck attachment, and opening protection. The Florida Department of Financial Services explains the inspection and Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form. The department says the revised form, OIR-B1-1802 (Rev. 04/26), must be used for inspections on or after April 1, 2026; inspections before that date may use the prior form. It also says a completed form may remain valid for up to five years if no material changes have been made to the structure and no inaccuracies are found. An insurer may still request another inspection or updated documentation.
Eligible features may affect the windstorm portion of a premium, but the effect depends on the home, the documentation, and the insurer’s rating and underwriting rules. A report is not a promise of a discount, coverage, or a particular premium.
They are different reports
- 4-point: documents the condition of major home systems for underwriting review.
- Wind mitigation: documents wind-resistance features that an insurer may consider when rating windstorm coverage.
- Both: may be requested, but one report does not replace the other.
Before you pay for a new inspection
Contact our agency with the property address, your renewal or closing deadline, and any reports you already have. Ask which reports are needed for the insurers being considered, whether an existing report is acceptable, and what form, photographs and inspector qualifications are required. Confirm the inspection price and what is included directly with the inspector before booking.
Need help arranging an inspection?
Call us at (800) 310-2743 for help coordinating with an independent inspection company. You choose the inspector and approve their scope and fees directly. Our agency does not perform inspections or guarantee their findings.
About inspection assistance
At your request, Direct Insurance Network, LLC can help coordinate an inspection with an independent inspection company. The inspection company performs the inspection and provides its own agreement, scope, limitations, fees and report.
Our agency does not inspect the property or certify its condition or the completeness of the inspector’s findings. You may choose another qualified inspector, subject to insurer requirements. Inspections do not guarantee coverage, eligibility or discounts.
Review and approve the inspection company’s scope, agreement and fees directly before an inspection is ordered. Ask the inspector about any findings or concerns about the report. A four-point or wind mitigation report serves a limited insurance purpose and is not a substitute for a comprehensive home inspection when purchasing a property.
Calling our agency does not place an inspection order.
Documents to have ready
- Share the property address, year built, roof age and material, and whether the home is owner-occupied, seasonal, or rented.
- Send any recent 4-point and wind mitigation reports, even if you are not sure they are current.
- Gather permits, paid contractor invoices, and photos for major roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or opening-protection work.
- Include the current declarations page and renewal date if the home is insured now.
- Ask us to check which reports and documents the insurers being considered will accept before ordering new inspections.
Requirements vary by insurer and can change. We can help review the information and discuss available options, subject to each insurer’s eligibility rules, underwriting, policy terms, conditions, and exclusions.
For roof replacement dates and supporting records, use our roof-age and home insurance guide. For coverage choices beyond inspections, visit our Broward County homeowners insurance page.
Common questions
Will a wind mitigation report lower my premium?
It may help an insurer determine whether qualifying wind-resistance features affect the windstorm premium. The result depends on the property, acceptable documentation, and the insurer’s rules; a discount is not guaranteed.
Does a 4-point inspection guarantee that a home can be insured?
No. It provides information for underwriting review. The insurer makes the eligibility decision and may request additional information or repairs.
Should I order both inspections before asking for quotes?
Not necessarily. First ask which reports the insurers being considered will accept and whether they need a new inspection. That can help avoid ordering a report that does not meet a particular insurer’s requirements.
Need help with a Broward County home? Visit our Broward County homeowners insurance guide for local coverage information. Start a guided home quote or send our team a short quote request. For property in Fort Lauderdale, read our local homeowners insurance guide. Submitting a request does not bind, change, or cancel insurance coverage.
For general education only. This article is not a coverage determination or a substitute for reviewing a specific policy and insurer requirements. Florida Department of Financial Services: Homeowners Insurance Overview.