Homeowners insurance is essential, but that doesn’t mean you should ever pay more than necessary. Most insurance companies offer a long list of discounts—but many homeowners don’t know they exist, don’t know how to qualify, or assume they’re automatically applied.
The truth is: You could be missing out on significant savings.
Here’s how to make sure you’re getting every discount you deserve.
1. Bundle Your Home and Auto Insurance
One of the biggest and easiest discounts comes from bundling your home and auto insurance with the same company. Carriers reward customers who bring multiple policies by lowering both premiums.
Bundling can save you:
- 15%–25% on your home insurance
- 10%–20% on your auto insurance
If you haven’t bundled yet, this is usually the first place to start.
2. Improve Your Home’s Safety Features
Insurance companies love homes that are harder to damage or break into. Adding the right systems can qualify you for multiple savings.
You can often earn discounts for:
- Monitored security systems
- Smart home safety devices
- Fire and smoke alarms
- Fire sprinklers
- Deadbolt locks
- Video doorbell cameras
- Water sensors and leak detection systems
These upgrades not only reduce your premium—they also protect your home from costly losses.
3. Increase Your Deductible
If you’re willing to take on a slightly larger deductible, your rate may drop. For example:
- A $500 deductible creates a higher premium
- A $1,000–$2,500 deductible often results in noticeable savings
Just make sure you choose a deductible you can comfortably afford in an emergency.
4. Maintain a Good Credit Score
In many states (including California, depending on changes in regulation), your credit history can influence your insurance rates. People with higher credit scores are statistically less likely to file certain types of claims.
Keeping your credit strong may help you qualify for better pricing and more discounts.
5. Stay Claim-Free
Insurance companies reward homeowners who haven’t filed claims in several years. A clean claims history may unlock:
- Claims-free discounts
- Longevity discounts
- Preferred homeowner status
If you’re thinking about filing a small claim, speak with your agent first. Sometimes paying out of pocket can save you more long-term.
6. Upgrade Your Home’s Systems
Certain improvements make your home safer and reduce the risk of major losses. You may qualify for discounts if you update:
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing
- Roofing
- HVAC systems
Newer roofs and updated wiring are especially valuable when trying to reduce premiums.
7. Install Disaster-Resistant Features
In Sacramento and many parts of California, insurers may offer savings for homes with stronger protection against:
- Wildfires
- Windstorms
- Earthquake damage (separate policy needed)
Discount-worthy upgrades include:
- Class A fire-resistant roofing
- Non-combustible siding
- Covered vents and ember-resistant screens
- Fire-resistant landscaping
- Storm shutters (for certain areas)
These upgrades not only help with pricing—they may also improve insurability in high-risk regions.
8. Ask About Senior, Military, Professional, and Loyalty Discounts
Depending on the insurance company, you may qualify for savings based on:
- Age
- Profession (teachers, nurses, engineers, first responders, etc.)
- Military service
- Membership in certain organizations
- Length of time with the same insurer
These are often not automatically applied—you must ask.
9. Work With an Independent Insurance Broker
One of the best ways to maximize discounts is to work with a local independent broker, who can:
- Shop multiple companies at once
- Identify which carrier offers the best discounts for your situation
- Combine savings that company agents might overlook
- Review your policy annually for new possible discounts
Independent brokers like Eugene C. Yates Insurance Agency can compare pricing across top carriers and help you qualify for discounts you may not even know exist.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to lower your home insurance premium—but discounts aren’t always automatic. By proactively improving your home’s safety, maintaining a clean insurance history, and working with a knowledgeable Sacramento insurance agent, you can unlock maximum savings.