How to get home insurance discounts in 2026

How to get home insurance discounts

To get home insurance discounts, start by reviewing your policy to see which discounts you’re getting. Then, ask for a full list of available discounts and ask which ones can be applied to your policy.

1. Review your current policy

Start with your declarations page and look for discounts already applied to your policy. Knowing what you receive now makes it easier to spot missing savings. Check your coverage, deductible and home details at the same time because outdated information can affect your premium and eligibility for discounts. 

Make a note of discounts for:

• Bundling
• Claims-free history
• Home age
• Roof or system upgrades
• Security or fire protection
• Loyalty
• Payment method

If you recently replaced your roof, installed a security system or updated plumbing, electrical or heating systems, make sure your insurer has that information.

2. Ask for a full list of available discounts

Ask your agent or insurer for a complete list of home insurance discounts available in your state. Insurers offer different programs, and some discounts shown on a company website may not apply in your area. A direct review can also help you find savings tied to features you already have.

While you're making this call, it's a good idea to confirm that the discounts listed on your policy are up to date.

3. Ask to have discounts applied

Once you know which discounts are available, ask your insurer to apply all the ones you qualify for. Some discounts require proof, such as an alarm monitoring certificate, roof documentation, or records of electrical and plumbing upgrades. Confirm exactly what documentation the insurer needs before spending money on an improvement. 

If there are discounts you don't qualify for but could with a little effort, ask what you need to do to get them. These include discounts for home security systems or upgrades to your home. It's important to know whether there are specific types of burglar alarms that earn a discount.

4. Compare with other companies

Other companies may offer discounts that your current company doesn't. Those may include discounts for military or other professions, green car discounts and more. It's a good idea to compare quotes and discounts annually at renewal time to ensure you're still getting the best deal.

Types of homeowners insurance discounts to ask for

Home insurance discounts fall into several groups: discounts based on your home’s age and construction, safety and security features, policy choices and your personal profile. Some factors cannot be changed, but upgrades, bundling, payment choices, and loss-prevention features give you more control over what discounts you can earn. 

For example, many homeowners' insurance companies offer a discount when you install a home security system, upgrade your roof to weather-resistant materials, or bundle your home and car insurance with the same company.

Homeowners discounts generally fall into four categories:

• Building materials, age and upgrades
• Home security
• Policy discounts
• Homeowner profile

Discounts for home upgrades and security

Updating your roof, electrical system, plumbing, heating, or security features can lower your insurance costs because these improvements reduce the likelihood or severity of a claim. According to Insurance.com data, major system upgrades save 13% on average, while a roof upgrade saves 11% and some monitored alarms save about 4% on home insurance. 

Here are several examples of changes you can make:

• Upgrade your electrical, plumbing, or heating system
• Install stormproof materials
• Install water-leak and fire-prevention systems or alarms, sprinklers, smoke detectors, etc.
• Install a security system or deadbolts

“Security alarms and fire suppression systems can save you some money; make sure you ask your agent about those,” says Wells.

Some upgrades are expensive, but Wells says they’re worthwhile, especially with respect to your roof.  

“Check with your agent about possible discounts if you are considering a roof replacement,” she says.

Policy and homeowner profiles discounts

You do not need to renovate your home to qualify for every discount. Your policy choices, payment method, claims history, and personal circumstances can also lower your premium. Paid-in-full savings average 6%, five-year claims-free discounts average 5%, and loyalty discounts range from about 5% to 8% based on tenure. 

You can also ask your insurance company how to qualify for insurance discounts by:

• Bundling your coverage with your auto insurance or other types of insurance
• Staying with the same company to earn a loyalty discount
• Not filing claims for three to five years, especially small claims that add up
• Paying in advance, paying in full, or setting up an electronic funds transfer

“Bundling your car insurance with the same insurer can save you a substantial amount of money,” says Wells.

There are also a few personal factors that can get you a discount, such as:

• Being married
• Being a non-smoker
• Being retired
• Being in the military or other specific professions

How do home insurance discounts work?

Home insurance discounts lower your premium when you meet an insurer’s eligibility rules. You can stack several discounts, but insurers cap your total savings at about 30% to 40%, depending on the company. 

Here are a few things you should know about how they work:

• Discount totals are usually capped. Insurers usually limit the total percentage by which your premium can be discounted. The discount cap varies by insurance company but is usually around 30% or 40%.
• Not everyone gets the “up to” amount. The highest savings amount may only be for those who meet certain qualifications. For instance, homeowners with excellent credit who have not filed any claims for five years.
• Discounts vary by state and insurance company. Not all discounts are offered in all states or by all insurance companies.

How to get cheap home insurance

The best way to get cheaper home insurance is to combine discounts with comparison shopping and smart policy choices. You can also consider a higher deductible if you can afford it should you file a claim. Raising your deductible from $500 to $2,500 saves $512 a year on average, based on Insurance.com 2026 data.

Other ways to save on home insurance include:

• Compare home insurance rates with multiple companies
• Don't buy extra coverage you don't need
• Raise your deductible

Insurance.com’s average homeowners insurance rates tool provides rates by ZIP code for 10 coverage levels. It also shows the highest and lowest rates fielded by up to six major insurers. The difference between those two shows how much you can save by comparing home insurance rates.

Another easy way to decrease your homeowners insurance premiums is to raise your deductible. By simply increasing your homeowners insurance deductible from $500 to $1,000, you could save hundreds.

Helpful home insurance tools and calculators

• Home insurance calculator
• Condo insurance calculator
• Renters insurance calculator
• When to file a home insurance claim