Homeowners premiums have climbed everywhere, but you have more control than you think. Here are seven legitimate ways to cut your premium without leaving yourself underinsured. (The detailed version lives in our how to lower your premium guide.)
The high-impact moves
| Tactic | How it helps | Typical impact |
|---|---|---|
| Raise your deductible | You absorb small losses; insurer charges less | 10–25% off |
| Bundle home + auto | Multi-policy discount | 5–25% off |
| Shop & compare yearly | Rates vary a lot between insurers | Often large |
| Impact-resistant roof | Lower wind/hail risk; often discounted | Varies by state |
| Water/security devices | Leak sensors, monitored alarms, smart shut-offs | Small, stackable |
| Claims-free / new-roof discounts | Reward low risk | Small, stackable |
| Improve insurance credit | A rating factor in most states | Moderate over time |
1–3: deductible, bundling, shopping
These three do the heavy lifting. Raising your deductible is the single fastest lever — just make sure you can pay it at claim time. Bundling home and auto with one insurer typically earns a discount. And re-shopping every renewal matters because loyalty rarely pays: the same home can get very different quotes from different insurers.
4–7: mitigation, discounts, credit
Strengthening your home reduces claim risk and often earns discounts — an impact-resistant roof, a monitored alarm, and automatic water shut-off devices. Ask your insurer to list every discount (claims-free, new roof, age, profession, paperless). In most states, your insurance credit score is a rating factor, so keeping credit healthy helps over time.
What not to do
Don’t underinsure the dwelling, don’t file tiny claims (a small claim can cost you a claims-free discount worth more than the payout), and don’t drop wind/hail or water coverage in exposed areas. See what drives your premium for the full picture, and check your state’s average for context.
General information, not advice. Discount availability and savings vary by insurer and state. Verify with licensed insurers and your state insurance department.