ConsumerLatest.comYour homeowner's insurance company has a list of discounts that could be saving you hundreds of dollars annually. Some are well-advertised. Others exist in the system but are only applied when you specifically ask.
The difference between paying full price and getting every available discount can easily be $300-600 per year. Here's what you might be missing.
Security System Discounts
Most insurers offer 5-20% discounts for monitored security systems. The keyword is "monitored," meaning a system that alerts a monitoring center when triggered, not just one that makes noise.
Modern smart home security systems often qualify, but you may need to provide documentation of monitoring service. Self-monitored systems (where alerts go to your phone but no monitoring center is involved) typically don't qualify for the full discount but may still get a smaller one.
If you have a security system and haven't verified your insurer knows about it, you might be missing an easy discount.
Protective Device Discounts
Beyond security systems, various protective devices can unlock discounts. Deadbolt locks often qualify for a small discount (2-5%). Fire extinguishers on each floor sometimes help. Smoke detectors (especially interconnected or smart detectors) are another factor. Fire sprinkler systems can deliver significant discounts (5-15%). Storm shutters or impact-resistant windows matter in hurricane-prone areas. Sump pumps with battery backup help in flood-risk areas.
None of these individually move the needle dramatically, but they add up. And many homes have these features without the owner ever mentioning them to the insurer.
Claim-Free Discounts
If you haven't filed a claim in several years, you may qualify for a claim-free discount. This isn't always applied automatically.
Timeframes vary by insurer, but typically 3-5 claim-free years unlocks meaningful savings. Some insurers also offer "vanishing deductible" programs where your deductible decreases for each claim-free year.
Call your insurer and specifically ask about claim-free discounts and whether they're applied to your policy.
Bundling Discounts
This one is relatively well-known, but the savings are larger than many realize. Bundling home and auto insurance typically saves 15-25% on homeowner's premiums, and often reduces auto premiums too.
If you have your home and auto with different companies, comparing bundle pricing through services like [HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE OFFER NAME/LINK] can reveal significant savings.
New Home Discounts
Newer homes typically cost less to insure because they have updated electrical, plumbing, and roofing systems less likely to cause claims. Most insurers offer age-based discounts for newer homes, sometimes up to 10-15% for homes under 10-15 years old.
Even if your home isn't new, recent updates to major systems (roof replacement, electrical panel upgrade, plumbing replacement) sometimes qualify for discounts. Document these updates and ask if they help your rate.
Loyalty Discounts (Maybe)
Unlike auto insurance where the "loyalty tax" is well-documented, homeowner's insurance loyalty can sometimes work in your favor.
Some insurers offer tenure-based discounts that increase over time. Others don't, and your rate quietly increases each year while new customers get better deals.
The only way to know is to shop around periodically through platforms like [HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE OFFER NAME/LINK] while also asking your current insurer specifically what loyalty benefits you're receiving.
Retirement Discounts
Some insurers offer discounts for retired homeowners, the theory being that retirees are home more often, potentially catching problems earlier and being present to deter break-ins.
These discounts aren't universal, but if you're retired and haven't asked, you might be missing 5-10%.
Payment Discounts
How you pay affects what you pay. Paying annually instead of monthly often saves 5-10% by avoiding installment fees. Setting up automatic payments sometimes unlocks an additional small discount. Paperless billing and communication preferences occasionally provide modest savings.
These aren't technically coverage discounts, but they reduce your total cost just the same.
Getting What You're Owed
The common thread here: insurers don't always apply every discount automatically. Some require you to ask. Some require documentation. Some exist but aren't advertised.
Review your policy and look at which discounts are currently applied. Then call your insurer with this list and ask specifically about each one you might qualify for.
If you're shopping for new coverage through services like [HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE OFFER NAME/LINK], mention all your qualifying features upfront so the quotes you receive reflect your actual best rate.
Final Thoughts
Insurance discounts are there for the taking, but only if you know to ask. A 30-minute phone call to review your policy and verify all applicable discounts could save you hundreds annually.
The money is there. The insurance company isn't going to hand it to you unprompted. You have to ask.
