5 Tips to Lower Your Home Insurance Costs

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1. Review Your Policy Once a Year

If you’ve had the same home insurance since flip phones were cool, it’s time for a checkup.

Your coverage might not match your current home value, and that can cost you big.

Here’s what to look for when you review:

• Outdated coverage limits that don’t reflect today’s higher repair costs.
  
• Discounts you qualify for that you’ve never applied for (loyalty, alarm system, etc.).
  
• Optional add-ons you’re paying for but don’t actually need anymore.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Set a calendar reminder every 12 months to review your policy or call your insurer for a quick check-in.

Make It Easy: Compare policies fast through Insurify to make sure you’re not missing a cheaper rate.

2. Combine Your Home and Car Insurance

You know that “bundle and save” commercial you’ve seen a hundred times? Yeah, it’s actually true.

Insurers love it when you buy multiple policies from them. And they reward you with lower premiums.

Here’s what makes bundling worth it:

• Discounts up to 25% when you combine home and auto coverage.
  
• Simpler billing, since both policies are handled in one place.
  
• Better loyalty perks, like accident forgiveness or deductible savings.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Call your provider and ask about multi-policy discounts. Most will adjust your rate on the spot.

3. Pick a Higher Deductible to Pay Less Each Month

Raising your deductible is like swapping daily coffee runs for home-brew. Small change, big savings.

You’ll pay less each month, but you’ll need a little cushion in case something happens.

Here’s what to remember:

• Higher deductibles = lower monthly premiums, often cutting your bill by 10–20%.
  
• Make sure you can afford it, so you’re not scrambling if you need repairs.
  
• Keep emergency savings ready, just in case you need to cover that deductible quickly.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Log into your insurer’s portal and simulate different deductible amounts to see how much you could save monthly.

Make It Easy: Open a Betterment Cash Reserve Account to stash your deductible fund where it earns interest safely.

4. Add Safety Features to Protect Your Home

The safer your home is, the less risk your insurer takes. And that means lower costs for you.

Think of it as upgrading your security and scoring a discount at the same time.

Here are smart upgrades that pay off fast:

• Smoke detectors and fire alarms can cut rates by 5–10%.
  
• Smart security systems add protection and help prevent theft claims.
  
• Deadbolts and motion lights can qualify you for additional discounts.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Install basic safety devices this weekend and send proof of upgrades to your insurance company for discounts.

Make It Easy: Try a smart smoke and CO2 combo alarm that sends alerts right to your phone.

5. Keep Your Credit Score High to Save Money

Your credit score doesn’t just affect loans. It can actually change your home insurance rate.

Insurers see a strong credit score as a sign of financial responsibility (aka “less risky”).

Here’s how it helps:

• Better credit = lower premiums, especially in states where credit is a pricing factor.
  
• Good payment history can qualify you for additional financial perks.
  
• Credit monitoring helps you catch errors before they impact your score.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Pay bills on time and check your credit report twice a year for mistakes.

Make It Easy: Track and improve your credit score automatically with Credit Karma for free.

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