What is a Four-Point Insurance Inspection?

A Four-Point Insurance Inspection includes a limited scope evaluation of the following four components:Heating/Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Roofing, and Electrical. The inspection is performed on behalf of the insurance companies and is typically, as a requirement for the insurer, offering insurance to the new homeowner or at the renewal of an existing policy. The Four-Point Insurance Inspection is far less in scope than a standard home inspection and should not be intended for use as a pre-sale or pre-purchase comprehensive inspection. It will not contain the type of information you will need to make an informed decision for purchase.

Why is my insurance company asking for this inspection?

If you're home is older than 25 years of age your insurance company may request you to have a Four-Point Insurance Inspection performed. Insurance companies have become increasingly reluctant to issue homeowner insurance policies on homes 25 years or older. Their concern is that there may be conditions in an older home that could become a liability to them.

Who can perform this type of inspection?

Most insurance companies except reports signed and completed by a licensed; building contractor, licensed home inspector, a licensed engineer and/or any licensed contractor certified in any of the four principles.

Is there a standard form to fill out?

Accredited Building Consultants Inc. uses the InterNACHI approved Four-Point Insurance Inspection Form, which is widely accepted by all insurance companies. The form must be accompanied with photographs of the; Front & rear of the home, Electrical panel with the door open,washing machine plumbing (hoses and stops),water heater pressure relief valve, plumbing under all sinks,Roof and HVAC Units. A sample copy of our Four Point Insurance Inspection Report, with full photographs can be seen on this link  ABC Sample 4 Point Inspection Form.pdf. Please note that you cannot fill out this report on your own, insurance companies require these forms completed by qualified, licensed and approved inspectors.

Can I use my Standard Home Inspection in lieu of a Four-Point Inspection Report?

Typically, insurance companies do not want large reports that contain other information. They only want specific information regarding the four principles. Before you pay us for a home inspection, you should ask your insurance agent whether the insurance company will require the Four-Point Insurance Inspection report. You could end up paying twice as much for the same service and information gathering. Accredited Building Consultants Standard Home Inspection Reports are anywhere from 15 to 30 pages in length and is not in the format that your insurance company may need. However, we will transfer all of the data collected to our Four-Point Insurance Inspection form for a small fee of $20 to all of our clients who have paid us for a Standard Home Inspection.

What could be some of the items regarding these four principles that can make my home uninsurable?

Heating: Properties which have a portable heater or open flame as a primary source of heat, (e.g., Electric, oil or kerosene portable space heaters, gas heater, or any device utilizing an open flame).

Electrical: Properties which contain any potentially hazardous electrical conditions, knob & tube or aluminum branch wiring circuits. Properties equipped with an electrical service less than 60 Amps.

Roof Conditions; Roofs that are damaged; or roofs that have visible signs of leaks; or roofs that have less than three years of remaining useful life. The “remaining useful life” is the remaining life expectancy of the roof covering to function as intended, based upon an inspection of the wear and tear, decay, deterioration, decline, or defect, present from natural, climactic, construction, or other local conditions.

Roof Covering Age; Shingle, built-up tar and gravel, or other roof coverings that are 25 years old and tile, slate, clay, concrete or metal roof coverings that are over 50 years old must be replaced or updated to be eligible for coverage.

Exceptions: There are exceptions to the above and we recommend that you speak with your insurance agent for complete definitions of those exceptions.

Guarantees

Who can guarantee the Four-Point Inspection form enables me to be approved for insurance? No Company can! Accredited Building Consultants Inc. is not employed by any insurance company or insurance agency and cannot guarantee any aspect of the four-point 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.

What is the cost of a Four Point Insurance Inspection?

A stand alone Four Point Insurance Inspection is $ 160.00. If there are other insurance inspections needed like a Wind Mitigation and/or a Roof Certification inspection the price is reduced. If the Four Point is included in a Due Diligence or Standard Home Inspection we will transfer the data to the four point form for a small fee of $ 20.00. Please consult your insurance agent for any and all insurance type inspections that your home may need for coverage such as a Roof Certification and/or Wind Mitigation Inspection Report.

We are Proud Members of The Florida Insurance Inspectors Chapter of InterNational Assocation of Certified Home Inspectors

More information regarding Four Point Insurance Inspections can be obtained at the flnachi web site.

Call 239-936-7579 or simply [Order an Inspection] on-line.