A 4-point inspection and a wind mitigation inspection are not the same thing, and mixing them up can cost you money on your policy.

A 4-point looks at the four main systems that keep a house running.

A wind mitigation report checks how well your home holds up in a storm. Both matter for insurance here, but they answer different questions.

I’ll walk through what each one covers so you order the right report for your Pompano Beach home.

What Is a 4-Point Inspection?

A 4-point inspection reviews four systems in your home: the roof, electrical system, plumbing, and heating and cooling. The inspector checks the age and condition of each one. The goal is to tell an insurance company if these systems are safe and likely to last.

Insurers usually ask for this report for homes 30 years or older. They want to avoid writing a policy on a house that may fail soon. If your roof is worn or your wiring is outdated, the report will say so.

Here is what the inspector looks at in each area:

Roof – age, material, leaks, and remaining years of life.
Electrical – the panel, wiring type, and any unsafe or banned equipment.
Plumbing – pipe material, leaks, and the water heater condition.
HVAC – the age and working order of your air conditioning and heat.

This report is shorter than a full home inspection. It does not cover the whole house. Buyers who want a deeper look often pair it with a broader check, and it helps to understand how buyer inspections differ from a basic 4-point.

You can also book a stand-alone 4-point inspection in Broward if your insurer requests one.

What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

A wind mitigation inspection records the features that help your home resist hurricane winds. The inspector fills out a state form called the OIR-B1-1802. Insurance companies use that form to give you credits that can lower your premium.

South Florida sits in a high-wind zone, so these features carry real weight. The stronger your home, the less risk the insurer takes on. Florida law requires insurers to offer discounts for qualifying features, which is why this report can pay for itself fast.

The inspector checks items like these:

Roof shape – a hip roof usually earns a bigger discount than a gable roof.
Roof covering – whether it meets current building codes.
Roof deck attachment – the nails and spacing that hold the roof down.
Roof-to-wall connection – clips or straps that tie the roof to the walls.
Secondary water barrier – a layer that slows leaks if shingles blow off.
Opening protection – storm shutters or impact-rated windows and doors.

If you want the full list of what an inspector grades, this guide on the elements of a wind mitigation inspection breaks each one down.

Strengthening these features is also a smart move for hurricane-proofing your home before storm season.

4-Point vs Wind Mitigation Inspection: Key Differences

The main difference is the goal. A 4-point inspection tells the insurer if your home is safe enough to cover. A wind mitigation inspection tells the insurer how much of a discount you have earned. One protects the company from risk. The other saves you money.

Here is how they compare:

What they check: A 4-point covers four systems inside the home. A wind mitigation report covers storm-resistant building features.
Why insurers want them: A 4-point inspection determines whether you get coverage at all. A wind mitigation report decides your discount.
Who benefits most: A 4-point mostly protects the insurer. A wind mitigation report mostly helps your wallet.
How long it lasts: A wind mitigation report is valid for five years. A 4-point rating is usually good for a shorter window and may be requested at renewal.

A 4-point can raise your rate if it finds problems. A wind mitigation report rarely raises your rate. It only adds credits. That is a key reason to get one even when your insurer does not require it.

Which Inspection Does Your Pompano Beach Home Need?

Most Pompano Beach homeowners need both reports, but the timing depends on your situation. If you are buying an older house, your lender or insurer will likely ask for a 4-point first. If you want to cut your premium, the wind mitigation report is the one that delivers savings.

Ask yourself these questions:

Is my home 30 years or older? You will probably need a 4-point for coverage.
Do I want a lower premium? Order a wind mitigation report.
Am I buying or refinancing? Check with your lender, since some lenders require a home inspection before closing.
Has it been more than five years? Your old wind mitigation report may be expired.

Both reports tie into how much you pay to insure the house, and it helps to know what insurance inspections cover in Florida before you schedule. If you live in the area and want local help, our team on the Pompano Beach inspection page can handle both in one visit. Booking a wind mitigation inspection in Broward at the same time saves you a second trip.

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make

The biggest mistake I see is thinking one report replaces the other. A 4-point will not earn you a wind discount, and a wind mitigation report will not satisfy an insurer that asks for a 4-point. Order the wrong one, and you may still get denied or miss out on savings.

Another mistake is skipping the wind mitigation report to save the inspection fee. That fee is small next to the credits many homeowners get back on their premium. Over five years, the savings often add up to far more than the cost.

Your Next Step Before You Insure or Buy

A 4-point and a wind mitigation inspection each play a clear role in protecting your Pompano Beach home and your budget. If you are buying, start with the report your lender or insurer asks for first. If you already own the home, a wind mitigation report is the fastest way to trim your premium.

Call a licensed local inspector, tell them your goal, and they will point you to the right report for your home.

4-Point Vs Wind Mitigation Inspection in Pompano Beach