What is Four Point Inspection ?
After Hurricane Andrew, insurance companies in Florida have been trying to encourage home owners to make their homes safer and reduce claims. Many insurance companies and JUA (Joint Underwriting Association) now request 4 point inspections, which often include, but not limited to:

• Electrical
• Roof
• HVAC (Heat, Ventilation & Air Conditioning)
• Plumbing

What are they looking for in these reports?
As much as we really don’t know what any insurance company needs or wants, this is our interpretation through experience only. The insurance companies are looking for the four systems to be in generally good working condition and fulfilling their intended function. If the home is an older home the insurance companies want to see that the systems have been updated. In most cases, the forms are provided by the insurance companies to their clients. The clients then ask the inspector to fill the form out during the course of the home inspection.

Are there special forms ?
Some insurance companies like Citizens and others have forms that may be used for at least one of the four points (Electrical). In this particular form they have asked about the age, type and certain elements of the electrical system, which may have high claim ratios. HomeFirst has it's own form that complies with most insurance companies requirements but homeowner should verify with insurance company prior to inspection.

Who can perform this type of inspection ?
Usually a home inspector (full ASHI member or FABI member) can perform the entire inspection. Check with your insurance company as some MAY require the forms to be completed by a Licensed Electrician, AND/OR Licensed Contractor.

Can I Fill out the paper work myself?
No. A licensed Home Inspector, Roofing Contractor, Electrical Contractor, Inspector, AND/OR Engineer signature is required to certify homes of a certain age when required by most insurance companies.

Can I not comply with this type of request?
We have heard reports of hardships maintaining coverage and or acquiring new insurance.

How much does a 4-Point cost?
In general, prices start at $125.00 per inspection. Additional fees may apply for crawl spaces or drive time depending on the location.

I am buying a home. Can I use this as a less expensive pre-purchase inspection?
No. This type of inspection is not intended for use as a pre-purchase comprehensive inspection. As it is geared for your insurance needs, It will not contain the type of information you may need to make an informed decision for purchase.

Who can Guarantee the forms enable me to be approved for insurance? NO ONE ! Please be clear that HomeFirst Inspection Services, LLC is not employed by Insurance companies, and cannot guarantee any aspect of inspection, including but not limited to: INSURABILITY, UNDERWRITING, NEED FOR ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION OR INSPECTIONS SUBSEQUENT TO INITIAL INSPECTION, WORK TO BE PERFORMED FOLLOWING INSPECTION, Etc.