4 Point

 

What is a 4 point inspection?

A 4 point inspection is completed at the request of the owner’s or buyer’s insurance company. Your real estate agent or insurance agent will let you know if this service is needed when buying a home. If you already own an older home, you may learn about a 4 point for the first time when you receive a renewal or cancelation notice on your insurance.

What are the 4 points?

The roof, HVAC , plumbing and electrical systems make up the 4 points in the inspection.  A Florida state licensed inspector is required to certify the condition of these four systems. Acceptable condition means that each system is working as intended and there are no visible hazards or deficiencies. If deficiencies are present, they must be noted on the form.

Why did my insurance company request this?
Formerly this service was used on homes 50 years or older.  Effective September 1, 2012, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation will require a 4 Point inspection for all homes for properties over 30 years (some insurance companies as early as 20 years).  The information on the inspection is used for insurance companies to prevent losses on older homes with outdated major systems.

What happens if there is a deficiency in one of the 4 points?

In most cases, owners will be allowed a specific time frame to bring any outdated systems up to standard before the policy is canceled. In other cases, coverage may be denied until corrections are made. If you are buying an older home and a deficiency was found in one of the major systems, contact your real estate agent on how to proceed to the next step.

How do I know if this service is needed?

Homeowners will be notified by their insurers if this service is needed.  Buyers should contact their insurance agents to find out if this service is required as discounts apply when ordering multiple services.  The agent will need the address of the home and the year it was built.

What form is used for the 4 point survey?

Sunstate uses a standardized form designed by InterNACHI and is approved by Citizens and all major insurance companies.  If your insurance company requires a specific form for this service, please forward the form to us or have a copy available prior to your appointment.
I already had a home inspection done, why do I have to have this done too?

Keep in mind that a pre-purchase inspection and a 4 point insurance inspection are not the same. The pre-purchase inspection is a comprehensive inspection that buyers have performed on their behalf in order to learn the true condition of the home. A 4 point inspection does not give the buyer the same information.  It is done only at the request of the insurer so the buyer or owner can obtain insurance on the property. If notified at or before the home inspection, Sunstate will acquire the additional information and photos needed to complete the 4 point inspection report.