Houston Homeowners Insurance Discounts

Living in the city of Houston is becoming more expensive, so looking for simple ways to save here and there is a no-brainer. Often insurance is put on auto-pay and auto-pilot, but we’ve compiled a list of Houston homeowners insurance discounts that are worth looking into because you may be leaving money on the table with things you are already doing! Depending on your chosen insurance provider, some may offer home insurance discounts if you bundle with auto or other lines of insurance or take on a few home improvement tasks, such as installing a home security system or storm shutters. Taking extra precautions to secure your home against theft or weather-related perils means you’re less likely to file an insurance claim, thus resulting in a discount. We’ve compiled some of the most popular discounts that lower your rate without compromising coverage. 

Bundle Your Insurance Policies

Most insurance providers will lower the price when you buy, for example, your home and auto with the same provider. According to the Insurance Information Institute, you can get anywhere from 5-15% off your premium if you buy two or more policies from the same provider. Combining your insurance policies can be cheaper than purchasing them from different companies. 

Secure Your Home By Improving Your Home Security 

Installing smoke detectors, alarm systems, or dead-bolt locks can impact the price of your home insurance policy. Some providers offer anywhere from 15-20% off your premium if you install high-tech sprinkler systems and a fire/burglary alarm that alerts police, fire, or monitoring stations. However, before you purchase anything, check with your insurance provider to see if they recommend any specific brands and how much it could save you. 

Have a Good Credit Score

Keeping a stable credit score is not just needed for good financial health; benefits can include reducing your insurance costs.  Most insurance companies use your credit information to determine the price of your homeowner’s policy. To establish good credit, pay your bills on time and manage your credit balances appropriately. 

Make Home Improvements

Insurers might provide you with a discounted rate for your homeowner’s insurance if you upgrade your home to make it more sustainable to windstorms or fire and water damage.

In certain parts of the country, you may be eligible to lower your premiums by replacing your roof or installing storm shutters to avoid shattered windows if a hurricane happens. Another way to reduce your home insurance policy is by modernizing your plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. Ask your insurance provider if any of these upgrades will aid you in lowering your premiums.

Increase Your Deductibles

A deductible is money you pay out of pocket toward a loss before the insurance provider begins to pay a claim. The higher your deductible is, the lower your premiums are. Most insurance providers will advise a deductible of a minimum of $500. If you can afford to increase it to $1,000, you could save almost 25%. 

Ask About Additional Discounts

Some insurance providers offer additional discounts that you may be eligible for:

• Being a nonsmoker
• Being 55 or older 
• New homebuyer
• Signing up for automatic payments 

Getting a good rate on your Houston homeowner’s insurance policy may be a major factor in determining which insurance provider you want to go with. Something to consider is a reliable provider with great customer service. At TGS Insurance, we will ensure you receive the appropriate coverage if you need to file a claim. We work with highly rated-insurance companies and will find you the best coverage for a low rate!