Wind Mitigation vs. Four-Point Inspection: What's the Difference?

Two different reports for two different reasons

Florida insurance companies ask for both of these, so they get mixed up all the time. The easiest way to remember the difference: a wind mitigation inspection can lower your premium, and a four-point inspection can decide whether you get insured at all.

Wind mitigation inspection

What it's for: discounts. It documents features that help the home hold up in a hurricane, such as impact windows, shutters, roof-to-wall clips, the roof shape and how the roof deck is attached.

Who asks for it: any homeowner who wants credit for those features. It's optional, but without it your insurer may not give you the discounts.

The form: the state's official Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form, OIR-B1-1802.

How long it lasts: generally five years, as long as the home hasn't changed.

Four-point inspection

What it's for: insurability. It reports on four systems: the roof, the electrical, the plumbing and the heating and air conditioning, including their age and condition.

Who asks for it: many insurers require it for older homes, often homes around 25 to 30 years old or older, before they'll write or renew a policy. Each insurer sets its own rules.

The form: most insurers accept a standard four-point form, and some have their own.

How long it lasts: it's short. Many insurers want a report dated within about 30 days of the application, according to the Florida Department of Financial Services consumer guide. Check with your agent.

Do you need both?

If you're buying an older home in South Florida, usually yes. The four-point gets you approved, and the wind mitigation lowers what you pay. If you have a newer home, you may only need the wind mitigation.

Ask your insurance agent which ones they need before you book. They'll know what their company requires.

Save time by doing them together

Both reports can be done in the same visit, and when you add them to a home inspection, they cost less than booking them on their own. Buyers especially benefit, because you can shop for insurance quotes before your inspection period ends. See our four-point inspection and wind mitigation pages for what's included.