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Insurance

Lower your homeowners insurance bill

Homeowners insurance can be cut by shopping around, raising the deductible and making sure you are not over- or under-insured.

Quickest win: Compare quotes every year or two

Where to start: effort vs impact

Small ← Impact → Big
1Compare quotes every year or two
2Raise the deductible3Bundle with car insurance
5Check your rebuild cost
6Improve your roof or wind mitigation
4Ask about protective device discounts
EasyEffortHard
Homeowners insurance

Photo: Philip Mallis, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Premiums have risen sharply in many states. Comparing quotes and adjusting coverage keeps the price fair without leaving gaps.

Ways to save

1
Compare quotes every year or two

Use an independent agent to compare several insurers at once.

Easy Big saving
2
Raise the deductible

A higher deductible lowers the premium.

Easy Good saving
3
Bundle with car insurance

Multi-policy discounts are common.

Easy Good saving
4
Ask about protective device discounts

Smoke detectors, monitored alarms, deadbolts and water leak sensors.

Easy Small saving
5
Check your rebuild cost

Insure for the cost to rebuild, not the market value of the house and land.

Some effort Good saving
6
Improve your roof or wind mitigation

In storm-prone states, inspections and upgrades can earn large discounts.

More effort Good saving

Step by step

  1. Read your declarations page: dwelling, personal property, liability and deductibles.
  2. Get three or more quotes for the same coverage.
  3. Ask each insurer what discounts apply.
  4. Ask your current insurer to match the best quote.

What to say

Hi, I’m reviewing my homeowners policy before it renews. I have a quote of [$amount] from [insurer] for the same coverage. Can you review my discounts and see if there’s anything you can do on price? I’m also open to raising my deductible.

Fill in your details in the script builder →

When

Shop about 30 to 45 days before renewal.

Watch out for

  • Cheaper quotes that use actual cash value instead of replacement cost.
  • Separate wind or hurricane deductibles you did not notice.

Did it work? What readers report

Real results from people who tried these steps on their homeowners insurance bill. "Worked" means they got a lower price; savings are per month, counting only people who saved something.

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Tried one of these? Tell us how it went

Anonymous. We show results only once at least 5 people have reported, and never show single reports.

See results for every bill on what worked.

General information, not financial, legal or insurance advice. Terms vary by provider and state.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way to lower my homeowners insurance bill?

Compare quotes every year or two. Use an independent agent to compare several insurers at once.

When should I shop for homeowners insurance?

Shop about 30 to 45 days before renewal.

What worked for readers

Cut your Homeowners insurance bill? Tell us what worked. The first good one goes right here.

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Questions from readers

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