Wind Mitigation vs. 4-Point Inspection: What's the Difference

A wind mitigation inspection can lower your premium. Citizens Property Insurance requires a 4-point inspection on homes more than 20 years old, and most private carriers apply a similar age threshold. Here is how they differ and when you need each.

A wind mitigation inspection is optional and can shrink your windstorm premium. A 4-point inspection exists to protect the insurer against roof, wiring, plumbing, and HVAC risk. Homeowners with a home over 20 years old often need both at once.

Side by side

	Wind mitigation inspection	4-point inspection
Purpose	Documents hurricane-resistant features to unlock a premium discount	Confirms the four major systems are in safe working condition
Required or optional	Optional, but you lose eligible discounts without it	Required for coverage applications on homes more than 20 years old (Citizens' rule; most other carriers apply something similar)
What's checked	Roof shape, roof-deck attachment, roof-to-wall connections, opening protection, secondary water resistance	Roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC
Form used	OIR-B1-1802	Carrier-specific 4-point form
Validity	Up to 5 years, per the form's own terms	No fixed statewide term; ask your insurer how long they will accept it
Typical cost	$75–$150	$75–$175

Do I need one, the other, or both?

If your home is 20 years old or newer and you mainly want to lower your windstorm premium, a wind mitigation inspection alone covers it; see our full pillar guide for what it checks. If your home is more than 20 years old, plan on a 4-point as well. Citizens Property Insurance requires one for coverage applications past that age, and most private carriers apply a similar threshold before they will write or renew a policy. Get both. Our 4-point inspection guide covers what fails it. Many inspectors offer both in a single visit, which can be more convenient than booking separately.