If you want to limit the expense of the repairs, we suggest first submitting the report to your insurance company and waiting to get a list of what they want fixed before proceeding with any repairs. We have done a lot of four points over the years, along with the follow-up revised reports after repairs, and found that the underwriters sometimes don't ask for every defect listed on the report to be addressed. Window air conditioners as the sole source of heat in a home is unacceptable to most companies, and they require "permanently installed heat”, for example. But a few allow them as long as everything else is satisfactory. Also, the level of repair required can vary. An insurer may want a leaking roof repaired (not that expensive), or decide it must be replaced (much more expensive).

    And, conversely, sometimes things that aren’t even listed as a defect become an issue. If the box for PEX water pipe is checked on the four-point form indicating that it is present, some companies now require it to be replaced, even if no deterioration or evidence of leakage is found. See our article Can I get insurance with PEX piping? for more on this.

    Another thing you will find out if you wait for their reply is how long the insuror gives you to make the required repairs. They give 30 or 60 days for many repairs, and issue coverage right away. This allows you time to get bids for the work and find the best price. But if, for example, your roof is clearly in failure and requires replacement based on the report, you can anticipate that the insurance company will not issue coverage until it is replaced, and should not wait for their response. Find a roofer that can get it done right away.  

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Here’s links to other questions we get asked about four point inspections: 

• Is the 4-point insurance inspection strictly pass or fail? 

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

• 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?  

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

• Do I need a home inspection to get insurance?  

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

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

• How do I get insurance if my home can't pass a 4-point inspection? 

• At what age of the house does an insurance company require a four point inspection to issue or renew homeowners insurance?  

• What would cause a home inspector and roofing contractor to disagree on the remaining life left in a roof? 

• Can a patched roof pass a 4-point inspection? 

• Why are old electrical components not always "grandfathered" as acceptable by home inspectors?

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

• Do I need to get a four point inspection for insurance for an older condominium? 

• Is a four-point inspection mandatory in Florida for insurance? 

• How long is a four point inspection valid?

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