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

A wind mitigation inspection can lower your premium. A 4-point inspection is often required just to get coverage on a home 20 years or older. Here is how they differ and when you need each.

The short version: a wind mitigation inspection is optional and can shrink your windstorm premium, while a 4-point inspection is frequently mandatory on older homes and 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 by most carriers for homes over 20 years old, per Citizens Property Insurance
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	Typically accepted for around 12 months from the inspection date, per Citizens
Typical cost	$75–$150	$75–$175

Do I need one, the other, or both?

If your home is newer than 20 years and you simply want to lower your windstorm premium, a wind mitigation inspection alone is the right move; see our full pillar guide for what it checks. If your home is 20 years or older and you are buying, switching carriers, or renewing, expect the insurer to ask for a 4-point regardless of whether you also want the wind mitigation discount; our 4-point inspection guide covers what fails it. Most inspectors will do both on one visit for less than booking them separately.