Most insurance companies in Florida require a four-point inspection for homes built over 30 years ago. The inspection covers four critical areas of the house and is for insurance purposes only.

With recent insurance challenges in Florida that are leaving many homeowners without insurance, more homes now need a four-point inspection. Kenco Home Inspections offers the inspections you need to secure new insurance.

When Do You Need A Four-Point Inspection?

Only older homes require a four-point inspection. The two primary times a home needs this inspection is upon purchase and when switching insurance companies.

For example, when an insurance company drops coverage on an older home, the new insurance company will likely require a four-point inspection before agreeing to insure the home.

What Does A Four-Point Inspection Cover?

Four-point inspections are very specific. Unlike a full home inspection that checks all the visible areas of the home, this inspection only includes four elements.

• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, or HVAC

• Electrical Wiring and Panels

• Plumbing Connections and Fixtures

• Roof

The inspection report identifies the age and current condition of these four features. We use a standard form to report the findings. If an insurance company requires a specific form, we are happy to accommodate.

Why Do Insurance Companies Want A Four-Point Inspection?

In areas like Florida that experience extreme weather, a four-point inspection informs the insurance company about the condition of specific elements of the home. These four areas frequently have insurance claims, often related to storm damage.

Frequent storms, including wind, flooding, and lightning, can lead to damage. Older homes are more likely to have sustained damage over the years. Also, the inspection identifies the house's current condition at the start of the new insurance coverage. The insurance company will know if a recent storm damaged these elements or if the damage already existed.

Also, building codes have changed over the years. Older homes may not meet specific building requirements. Homes that don't have protection to prevent storm damage may create more risk for the insurance company. The company uses the four-point inspection to decide whether to provide insurance and at what cost.

Is There Any Benefit to the Homeowner?

Yes. While the inspection gives the insurance company data to evaluate whether to insure the home, it can also benefit the homeowner. You want your insurance company to know if your home has updates, like a new roof or HVAC. If a storm hits and damages your new roof, you want your insurance company to approve the claim.

Also, the inspection may mean more companies are willing to provide insurance because they clearly understand the risk. Even with an older home that needs work, you need homeowner's insurance. Scheduling a four-point inspection means you have the required information to find new insurance and won't risk a lapse in coverage.

Kenco Helps Homeowners with Insurance Requirements

At Kenco Home Inspections, we provide homeowners in Southeast Florida with quality and trusted home inspections. Our team of highly-skilled inspectors understands the different types of inspections, including four-point inspections. We provide the necessary inspection and complete the required form to help secure insurance coverage.

Contact us today to schedule an inspection.