The cost of home insurance is getting more expensive by the day. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, home insurance premiums rose an average of 13% in 2024, with rates rising more than 20% in some states. As premiums continue to climb, many homeowners are starting to feel the financial strain.
In addition to rising premiums, homeowners are facing challenges in securing affordable insurance coverage due to natural disasters and inflation. In some cases, residents in areas prone to natural disasters are now paying more for insurance and property taxes than their mortgage payments, leading to difficult decisions about maintaining coverage and protecting their largest asset.
This financial strain is particularly evident in states like Florida, where 20% of homeowners pay at least $4,000 per year in insurance premiums. The surge in costs is driven by inflation in building materials and a rise in weather and climate-related disasters, prompting insurers to raise rates and reduce coverage, especially in high-risk areas.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
While homeowners insurance premiums are on the rise, there are effective strategies to manage and even reduce these costs. By taking proactive steps, you can lift some of the financial burden without compromising your coverage. Here are four practical ways to lower your homeowners insurance premium in 2025.
1. Bundle your policies
If you haven’t done so already, the first step to take is to bundle your homeowners and auto insurance policies. If you carry any other insurance, bundling all your policies under the same insurer can save you even more money.
The amount of money you can save will vary depending on the state in which you live, the type and amount of coverage you have and the insurer. For example, Liberty Mutual advertises that consumers can save up to $950 on home and auto insurance when bundling policies.
State Farm offers discounts of up to $1,273 with bundling, while Progressive states that new customers save over 20% on average when they bundle their home and auto insurance with the company. Allstate advertises that consumers can save up to 25% on their bundled policies.
2. Ask about discounts
Many insurers offer discounts, but they don’t do so upfront. You will need to call and ask what discounts you may be eligible for before you’ll be able to get many of these discounts. Here are some common types of discounts offered by insurers on homeowners policies:
- New roof discount
- Home security discounts
- Disaster resistance discounts
- Long-term customer or loyalty discounts
- Military discount
- E-billing discount
- Discount for paying all of your premium in advance
- Claim-free discount
- Fire safety discount
- Green home discount
- Retiree discount
Implementing simple home upgrades can lead to savings on your homeowners insurance premiums. Installing a centrally monitored security system may qualify you for discounts from many insurers. Companies like ADT and SimpliSafe offer professional monitoring services that can provide rapid emergency response and round the clock monitoring for a monthly fee.
Installing devices such as smoke detectors, fire alarms and sprinkler systems not only protect your home but may also qualify you for discounts from insurers like State Farm. For instance, Lowe's offers a variety of fire safety products in store and online, including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers to help safeguard your home.
In addition to the discounts offered directly by insurers, you may also be eligible for savings through affiliations with various organizations. Many insurance companies provide group discounts to members of professional associations or alumni groups. Similarly, some insurers extend discounts to employees of companies and members of service organizations they work with.
3. Raise your deductible
You can also save on your homeowners insurance by raising your deductible. A higher deductible can also reduce the impulse to file smaller claims that could lead to a rate hike. The Insurance Information Institute estimates that raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can slash your premiums by up to 25%.
Of course, the more you raise your deductible, the more savings you will see on your annual home insurance premium. However, the higher your deductible, the more you will have to save in order to cover home repairs in case something happens.
For example, increasing your deductible from $500 to $2,500 might save you about $500 annually, but you'll need to pay the first $2,500 of any claim. Ensure you have sufficient emergency funds to cover this higher amount.
Otherwise, unexpected expenses could strain your finances. Remember that each claim requires you to pay the deductible, so multiple claims can quickly add up.
4. Improve your credit score or maintain a high credit rating
This last strategy for lowering your home insurance premium is more of a long-term plan. Insurers often use credit-based insurance scores to assess risk, and a higher credit score can lead to more favorable rates.
To improve your credit score, focus on paying all bills on time, keeping your credit utilization ratio low by using no more than 30% of your available credit and regularly monitoring your credit report to promptly correct any errors. Additionally, avoid opening multiple new credit accounts in a short period, as this can negatively impact your score.
Consider using budgeting tools like Quicken Simplifi. This app offers customizable spending plans, helping you track expenses, set savings goals and plan for future cash flows.
For credit monitoring, services like myFICO provide access to your FICO® credit scores and three-bureau credit monitoring, offering insights into your financial health. Alternatively, LifeLock by Norton offers identity theft protection alongside credit monitoring as well.
The bottom line
It's always a good idea to shop around for coverage, even if you’ve been with the same company for years. There is always a chance that you’ll be able to find a lower home insurance premium somewhere else.
Insurance premiums vary widely among providers, and by comparing quotes, you may find a policy that offers the same or better coverage at a lower cost. This proactive approach ensures you're not overpaying and that your policy remains tailored to your evolving circumstances.
Use our tool below, in partnership with Bankrate, to compare today's homeowners insurance options:
Related Content
-
Dow Hits New Intraday High on Fed Day: Stock Market TodayNot even the most important stock in the world could keep the oldest equity index down on a significant day for markets.
-
Savings Goal CalculatorTools Want to know how much you need to save each month to reach your financial goals? Our calculator helps you build a realistic savings plan.
-
The Seven Best-Paying Side Gigs For RetireesIf you're worried you won't have enough saved for a comfortable retirement, or that life after work will be boring, these well-paid roles could be the answer.
-
$40,000 CD vs. $40,000 High-Yield Savings Account: 3 Things Savers Should Consider NowBoth options offer risk-free methods to grow your savings. Learn how much you can earn with each, how they differ and which one suits you best.
-
T-Mobile's Free iPhone 17 Deal: A Smart Switch or a Hidden Catch?Receive a free iPhone 17 when you switch to T-Mobile. We'll explain whether the deal is worth it.
-
How an Expired Passport Thwarted Blackmail (and What Other Important Documents You Should Keep)An optometrist produced his expired passport to foil a blackmail attempt by the daughter of a former employee. After proving he was out of the country on the date of a forged diary entry, he took it a step further.
-
Confused About the New COVID Vaccine and Medicare? What You Need to KnowGetting the new COVID-19 vaccine covered by Medicare isn't as easy this year as it was in the past. Here's what you need to know before you take a trip to your pharmacy.
-
How Digital Platforms Are Changing the Way You Invest in GoldInvesting in gold is easier than ever thanks to digital platforms. Learn how online tools are lowering costs, increasing transparency and making gold accessible to all investors.
-
This Is How Life Insurance Can Fund Your Dreams NowBeyond a death benefit, life insurance can provide significant financial value and flexibility through 'living benefits' while you are still alive, helping with expenses like education, business ventures or retirement.
-
Potential Trouble for Retirees: A Wealth Adviser's Guide to the OBBB's Impact on RetirementWhile some provisions might help, others could push you into a higher tax bracket and raise your costs. Be strategic about Roth conversions, charitable donations, estate tax plans and health care expenditures.
