The 4-point inspection: what it checks and how to prepare

What it covers

For Citizens, a Florida-licensed inspector checks the home’s electrical system, plumbing, heating and cooling and roof, and must provide the age, type and condition of the wiring, heating and plumbing systems, and roof ^[1]. Other insurers and states use similar reports; ask your insurer which form it requires.

Citizens requires a four-point inspection for property owner, dwelling and mobile home applications for properties more than 20 years old, and says serious hazards or deficiencies such as exposed wiring, active leaks or evidence of leaks should be repaired before an application is submitted ^[1].

Older roofs

Citizens requires documentation of at least five years of remaining useful life for roofs older than 25 years (shingle and similar) or 50 years (tile, slate, clay, concrete or metal), with an inspection by a Florida-licensed inspector ^[1]. Florida law separately limits refusing or non-renewing a policy solely because of roof age; see the roof-age guide ^[2].

Prepare in an afternoon

• Roof: install year and material, permit record or invoice, recent photos of each slope.
• Electrical: panel brand and amperage, wiring type if you know it (copper or aluminum), and any updates with invoices.
• Plumbing: supply pipe material (copper, PEX, CPVC, galvanized, polybutylene), water heater age and location of the T&P discharge.
• HVAC: install year of each unit, last service invoice.
• Hazards: fix exposed wiring, missing cover plates and active leaks first.
• Access: clear the panel, attic hatch, water heater and air handler.

After the report

Read it before it goes to the insurer if you can. If something needs repair, get it quoted, done and documented. Keep the report: inspection reports are also useful proof for later renewals.