When NOT to get an Insurance Inspection

We get calls almost daily from people who think they need a 4 Point Insurance Inspection &/or a Wind Mitigation Inspection, but don’t.

New Homes – Newer homes shouldn’t need a Wind Mit. Without one, the insurance underwriter simply insures the property based on the building code from when the house was built. Unfortunately, it seems that some insurance companies consider homes built prior to 2007 “old,” & others say prior to 2001. Then there are the underwriters who make the argument, “for all we know, the prior home owners were disgruntled foreclosure victims who sold the hurricane panels for scrap metal.” They’re suggesting that the house may be LESS protected against Tropical Storm and Hurricane force winds than it was when it was originally constructed.

Condos – condo owners should check with their association before paying for their own inspection. Associations often have Wind Mits done to save on their insurance, and the individual condo units are covered by that report*.

* The exception – Owners of condo units that are better protected than the rest of the building (with hurricane shutters for example) may find that the savings in their insurance premiums out-weigh the cost of their own inspection.

DON’T get a Wind Mitigation Inspection when – the roof is original and there is no door / window protection (the house is protected as it was when it was originally constructed), the roof is damaged, or you are about to get a new roof &/or storm shutters or panels (you are about to increase the homes protection against Tropical Storm and Hurricane force winds).

A 4-Point Insurance Inspection is often required by insurance companies before insuring homes that are over 20 years old.

DON’T get a 4 Point Insurance Inspection when – there are problems with the roof, electric, plumbing, or HVAC*.

* The exception – Some insurance companies will accept a 4 Point that FAILS, & then allow the customer 90-180 days to make repairs before they drop the policy. This can be extremely beneficial for buyers who need a binder to close on a purchase, or homeowners whose current insurer is not offering to renew their policy.