Big difference. A wind mitigation inspection evaluates the hurricane-resistant structural features of a home. The State of Florida requires insurers to give a discount on the windstorm portion of a homeowner’s insurance policy for each documented hurricane-resistant feature. So the wind mitigation form is intended to benefit you by providing a reduced insurance rate. 

    You can’t “fail” this inspection. However, you may not get much of a discount if your home is older. Also, although a wind mitigation report is not necessary to get insurance, many agents insist on receiving one in order to give you the most competitive price.

   The four-point inspection, on the other hand, benefits the insurance company by advising them of any defects in the home that are likely to cause an insurance claim in the near future. The four points are roof, electrical, plumbing, and heating/air conditioning. Examples of what they want the inspector to check for include a deteriorated roof, unsafe electrical wiring, leaking plumbing, or a clogged condensate drain from an air conditioner. Significant problems found by the inspector may mean that insurance won’t be issued until they are repaired.

    Insurance companies know that a high percentage of claims come from older homes with “deferred maintenance,” so most require a home that is 30 years or older to provide a four-point report to bind coverage. Some want a four-point for even younger homes. 

    Also see our blog posts How long is a four point inspection valid? and Is a four-point inspection mandatory in Florida for insurance? and Is the 4-point insurance inspection strictly pass or fail? and Will a house without air conditioning pass a 4 point inspection? and How do I get insurance if my home can't pass a 4-point inspection? and Do I need to get a four point inspection for insurance for an older condominium? 

    And for more on wind mitigation inspections, go to Can I do my own wind mitigation inspection? and How do I get the hip roof discount for my homeowners windstorm insurance? and What are the different roof deck attachment discount categories for a wind mitigation inspection? and Do I get a a discount for partial hurricane shutters in a Wind Mitigation inspection? and What are the different roof deck attachment discount categories for a wind mitigation inspection? and What is the difference between a toe nail, clip, single wrap, and double wrap for the wind mitigation form?

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Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about INSURANCE:

* Could faulty work or lack of a building permit for home improvements cause an insurance company to deny a claim?

• Why is a fuse box/panel an insurance problem for homebuyers? 

• How is Citizens Property Insurance different from other Florida homeowners insurance companies?  

• Do I need a home inspection to get insurance?  

• What determines the year of a house? 

• What is the difference between a toe nail, clip, single wrap, and double wrap for the wind mitigation form?

• Should I give a copy of the home inspection report to the bank or insurance company? 

• How do I get my home ready for a four point inspection for insurance? 

• Will a house without air conditioning pass a 4 point inspection?  

• What’s the difference between a gable and hip roof for my insurance? 

• Why does my homeowner's insurance want a four point inspection? 

• Which water pipes are an insurance problem and possibly uninsurable? 

• Why does my homeowner's insurance want a roof inspection? 

• Is it common for an insurance company to require an inspection?  

    Visit our HOME INSPECTION and INSURANCE pages for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.