PREPARING FOR YOUR INSURANCE INSPECTION
You’re updating an existing or applying for a new insurance policy!
Now what?
Make sure you’re prepared for inspection day by reviewing the information below about insurance inspections.
4-POINT INSPECTION
What’s Included in a 4-Point Inspection?
A 4-Point inspection consist of inspecting the 4 major components of your home: Electrical, HVAC, Roof, and Plumbing. An insurance company wants to know that an older home has been well maintained, and the major systems are in good working condition. This is not a safety inspection.
- Roof – Type of Roof Covering (shingles, tile, metal). The age and condition of the roof. Are there missing shingles or leaks?
- Electrical System – The type of the wiring in the home (copper, aluminum, knob and tube). The brand of the electrical panel. The condition of the homes electrical system
- Heating and Cooling – Is there central heat and air in the home? The age and condition of the system. Are there signs of leaking?
- Plumbing System – Type of supply and drain lines found in the home (copper, CPVC, galvanized, lead, polybutylene, etc. Is there evidence of current leaks? The age of the hot water heater.
Can your home fail a 4-Point Inspection?
If your home has problematic systems, or does not meet an insurance companies underwriting guidelines, you may be declined. If this happens, you can fix that issue and we will reinspect the problematic item and update them on a new report. We will notify you at the time of inspection if we believe an item will need to be corrected.
WIND MITIGATION INSPECTION
What’s Included in a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection looks at seven key areas of your roof to determine its ability to withstand strong winds and water intrusion. Your roof is the first line of defense against wind and rain which is why wind mitigation inspections focus on your roof.
The wind mitigation report will examine seven areas:
- Construction Year: the year your home was built, which tells the home inspector how strict the building codes were
- Roof Covering: the type of roof covering (shingle, tile, etc.) and age of the roof
- Roof Deck: the material your roof deck (i.e. the material your shingles are nailed to) is made of, the type of nails securing the shingles, and how far apart the nails are
- Roof To Wall Attachment: the method used to attach the roof to your walls
- Roof Geometry: the shape and slope of your roof
- Secondary Water Resistance: the type of material between the shingles and roof decking
- Opening Protection: whether you have additional protections on openings such as a sunroof, garage door, windows, etc.
Benefits of a Wind Mitigation Inspection:
In addition to protecting your home, the most popular reason for getting a wind mitigation inspection is to save money on your homeowners insurance.
Legally, your carrier must provide you with insurance discounts for a “passing grade.” The more wind-resistant features your roof has, the deeper your discount.
Generally speaking, the following features will all get you extra “wind mitigation credits” that insurance companies will turn into discounts.
- Newer roofs
- Longer nails placed closer together
- Upgraded materials
- Hipped roofs
- Secondary water resistance
- Higher-rated doors, windows, shutters, etc.
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