We have had a ton of calls and questions on 4 point inspections so I wanted to post this blog again for those of you that have any questions!Remember we can always help you when you need it!———–

Asper Inspection Services provides 4 point insurance inspections throughout all of Tampa Bay, including, but not limited to, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, New Port Richey and beyond. We are qualified to fill out all electrical, roof, shutter and roof tie down inspection forms supplied by any insurance company. As of September 30, 2012, “all inspection forms must be inspected and completed by a verifiable Florida-licensed professional. Without a verifiable, certified inspector’s dated signature, the form will not be accepted. The following FLORIDA-LICENSED individuals may complete a 4-Point Inspection for Citizens in its entirety:

• A general, residential, or building contractor

• A building code inspector

• A registered architect

• A home inspector

• A professional engineer

• A building code official who is authorized by the State of Florida to verify building code compliance

While the four point insurance inspections were started by Citizens, they have quickly spread to most, if not all of the insurance companies that provide coverage in Florida.

What is a 4 point inspection?

Insurance company statistics show that homes more than 30-years old have more claims than newer homes. Plus the claims are often due to a deteriorated condition of older building components. So, as a loss-prevention measure, many insurance companies now require an inspection of key home components of an older home before they will issue a policy–to see if they are in serviceable condition or have been replaced/upgraded since the home was built.

There are a few companies out there that will write insurance on an older home without a 4-point inspection. The four points are: 1) roof, 2) plumbing (including water heater), 3) electrical, and 4) heating/air conditioning system. Recently, one insurance company has started requiring the inspection of a 5th point: windows. Because the inspection is provided for the benefit of the insurance company, not you, it only covers the areas they are concerned about. It is not a full home inspection and should not be relied upon to determine the condition of a home you are considering buying. In essence, it is an abbreviated inspection of the key components of a home which, if they fail, will likely lead to an insurance claim.

Each insurer has their own standards, and what one company accepts may be required to be repaired or replaced by another company. So there are no set standards, but certain deficiencies almost all insurance companies require to be repaired. Here’s our “Top 10” list:

1) A roof with any leaks at all, or an older roof, typically over 15-years old for a 3-tab asphalt shingle roof, for example. An estimated additional roof life of 5-years is the usual standard for a roof to be acceptable.

2) An electric panel with screw-in type fuses.

3) Newer 3-slot type electric receptacles connected to old wiring that does not have grounding.

4) An older water heater, typically more than about 20-years old.

5) Lack of an installed heating system. Window a/c units or plug-in portable heaters are not considered “installed.”

6) Any evidence of plumbing leaks or other water intrusion into the home, even previous ones.

7) Older knob-and-tube wiring that’s still “live.”

8) Exposed, amateur electrical wiring, especially open electrical splices.

9) Deteriorated, damaged, or unvented plumbing piping.

10) Deteriorated washing machine hoses.

We at Asper Inspection are more than qualified to do these reports as we hold licenses as residential contractors and home inspectors. 4 point inspections are quickly becoming required for all new insurance and insurance renewals can often save you hundreds on your insurance bill. Give us a call to schedule yours today!