Upgrades That Keep Insurance Costs Down

Homeownership comes with plenty of recurring costs, but your monthly insurance premium doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, certain risk-reducing improvements may help lower your homeowners insurance premium – depending on your insurer, location and policy – while protecting your property from costly damage. From strengthening your roof against severe weather to installing smart security systems, simple safety enhancements signal to providers that your home is a low-risk investment. Whether you’re searching for a home in Miami, FL, Austin, TX, or Seattle, WA, this Redfin guide will walk you through the most effective home improvements that keep your insurance costs down, boost your property value, and offer long-term peace of mind. Focus on high-impact risk reduction Not all home improvements are created equal in the eyes of insurance companies. A common trap for homeowners is assuming that every major home improvement will trigger a discount, especially when it comes to energy efficiency. “Homeowners often assume energy upgrades help their insurance, but when I installed a hybrid water heater in December it did nothing for my premium,” explains Brenden Rendo, Realtor at NextHo...