Insuring your home is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make. But let’s face it—like any purchase, it can be expensive. The good news? With the right strategy, you can keep your home protected while driving down your insurance costs.
At Higgins Insurance, we know that every dollar counts. Here are our top expert tips to help you save money and still get the coverage you need.
1. Shop Around and Compare Coverages
The simplest way to save money is to shop around. Don’t just renew your policy without checking other options first.
Working with a broker like Higgins Insurance makes this easier—we have access to multiple markets and can do the legwork for you.
2. Bundle Your Policies
Do you have both a home and a car? Bundling them with the same insurer can unlock serious discounts. Some companies also extend multi-line savings to recreational vehicles, motorcycles, or cottages.
Think of bundling as rewarding loyalty—you simplify your life and save money at the same time.
3. Increase Your Deductible
Your deductible is what you agree to pay before insurance kicks in during a claim. Raising your deductible usually means a lower premium.
Just make sure the new deductible is still manageable for your budget. Having an emergency fund set aside can give you peace of mind.
4. Upgrade Your Home’s Protective Devices
Insurance is all about risk—and the less risky your home is, the less you may pay. Installing devices such as:
Burglar alarms and security cameras
Reinforced roofing or storm shutters
Sewer backwater valves and sump pumps
Sprinkler systems or smoke detectors
…can lower your risk of fire, theft, and water damage, which in turn can help reduce premiums.
Even upgrading electrical, heating, and plumbing systems may qualify you for discounts. Always let your broker know when you’ve made updates.
5. Ask About Discounts
Sometimes savings are just a question away. Common discounts include:
55+ discount
Mortgage-free discount
Claims-free discount
Non-smoker discount
Union or association employer group discount (as Bob likes to remind our clients)
It pays to ask. At Higgins Insurance, we encourage clients to check in with us yearly to make sure they’re not missing out.
6. Pay Annually
Paying your premium annually instead of monthly can save you from service or interest charges. It’s a small change that adds up over time.
If you have group auto and property insurance through your employer, union or association, check if there are no fees for monthly payments.
7. Review Your Coverage Every Year
Your life changes—so should your insurance. Renovations, upgrades, or even big purchases (like a new entertainment system) can affect your coverage needs.
On the flip side, avoid over-insuring. Remember, you’re insuring the rebuild cost of your home—not the market value of the land it sits on.
8. Improve Your Home’s Safety and Maintenance
Prevention is one of the best forms of savings. Homes with fewer claims generally qualify for better premiums. Regular upkeep of your roof, plumbing, and heating system can save you from unexpected—and expensive—claims down the road.
9. Consider Factors That Affect Your Premium
Some things are outside your control, but it helps to know what insurers look at:
Proximity to fire hydrants and fire halls – closer means safer, and often cheaper.
Building age and features – older homes may cost more to insure unless updated.
Heating systems – oil heating usually means higher risk than electric or gas.
Your claims and credit history – maintaining a good record can help you qualify for better rates.
10. Work with a Broker You Trust
Navigating all of these options can be overwhelming, but that’s what brokers are here for. At Higgins Insurance, we shop the market for you, check for discounts you may not know about, and make sure your coverage fits your life—not just your house.
Final Word: Take Action and Save
Saving on your home insurance doesn’t mean cutting corners on protection. By shopping smart, bundling policies, increasing your deductible, upgrading your home’s protective systems, and reviewing your coverage regularly, you can take control and #DriveDownYourRates.
Our brokers know the ins and outs of discounts—from alarm system credits to union group benefits—and can help you keep more money in your pocket while staying fully covered.
If it’s been a while since your last review, now’s the perfect time. Contact Higgins Insurance today and see how much you could save.