Home Safety Upgrades That Can Lower Your Premium This Year
- Gerald Burns
- Oct 16
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Home safety upgrades that can lower your premium this year aren’t just about protection — they’re about prevention. Insurers reward homeowners who invest in safety systems that reduce risk, prevent loss, and enable quick emergency response.
In cold-weather regions and during winter across the U.S., smart home upgrades do more than keep you safe — they can help lower your insurance premiums and prevent expensive claims.
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Why Home Safety Upgrades Can Lower Your Premium This Year
Insurance premiums reflect risk. When you install certified or smart systems that cut the chances of fire, theft, or water damage, your insurer sees a safer property — and often offers discounts in return.
Professionally monitored, certified systems usually qualify for the highest savings. But self-monitored smart devices like Eufy or Govee can still earn credits or lower your long-term risk profile without monthly contracts.
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💡 Did You Know:
Most insurers only apply safety discounts if you submit proof of installation — many homeowners miss out simply because they never send receipts or monitoring certificates.
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1. Security Systems That Earn Real Discounts
Installing a certified home security system can trim your premium by 5 – 15 percent.
Key requirements:
Must be professionally monitored or directly linked to emergency services.
Some insurers require proof of installation or certification.
🛡️ Eufy Security Systems — Smart and Flexible
Mix-and-match motion sensors, door/window contacts, cameras, and video doorbells.
Optional professional monitoring with no contracts.
Visible deterrence — signage and exterior cameras help prevent break-ins before they happen.
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💡 Tip: Ask your insurer if certification is needed to qualify for a discount. Keep receipts and submit them when requesting your credit.
👉 Affiliate link: Explore Eufy Security Systems
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2. Smart Water and Temperature Protection
Water damage is one of the most expensive and frequent home insurance claims nationwide, especially during freeze–thaw seasons and plumbing failures.
🧠 Govee Leak & Temperature Sensors provide real-time protection:
Monitor basements, sump pumps, kitchens, and water heaters.
Send instant alerts if leaks or freezing conditions appear.
Battery backup keeps them active through short power cuts.
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A $40 sensor can save thousands in repairs and offer valuable proof if you ever file a claim.
👉 Affiliate link: Explore Govee Leak & Temperature Sensors
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Together they make your home safer, smarter, and more affordable.
🔗 Visit CityInsuranceMN.com to schedule your homeowners insurance review today.
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3. Fire and Carbon Monoxide Safety
House fires spike every winter as heaters and overloaded outlets work overtime.
🔥 Upgrade to Smart Fire Safety:
Install connected smoke and CO detectors that send alerts to your phone.
Test alarms monthly and replace units every 7 – 10 years.
Keep extinguishers on each level, especially near kitchens and furnaces.
Many insurers add small discounts when fire alarms tie into your monitored security system.
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💡 Did You Know:
Water-damage claims cost U.S. homeowners over $10 billion a year — more than fire and theft combined. A $40 leak sensor can literally save thousands.
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4. Backup Power and Surge Protection
Winter storms and grid hiccups can shut down essential systems, from sump pumps to Wi-Fi routers.
⚡ Recommended safeguards:
Whole-home surge protectors to shield appliances and HVAC.
Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) for routers, sump pumps, and smart hubs.
Standby generators for rural homes to keep the heat on and pipes unfrozen.
These upgrades rarely bring direct discounts but do prevent claims that raise premiums later.
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5. Document Your Upgrades
To get credit, you’ll need proof.
Save receipts and installation confirmations.
Photograph every installed device.
Share model numbers with your insurance agent.
This documentation not only supports discounts but also speeds up future claims.
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6. Weather and Seasonal Risk Considerations
Homeowners across colder U.S. regions face higher risks from freezing temperatures, thaw cycles, and heavy snowmelt. Combining Eufy security (for fire and intrusion) with Govee sensors (for leaks and freeze alerts) tackles the top causes of damage — theft, fire, and water.
The result is peace of mind for both you and your insurer.
Home Safety Upgrade ROI Snapshot
Upgrade | Approx. Cost | Potential Savings | Protection Type |
Eufy Security System | $250 – $600 | 5 – 15 % | Theft, intrusion, emergency response |
Govee Leak Sensors | $40 – $100 | Prevents $1 000 s in damage | Leak & freeze detection |
Smart Smoke/CO Detectors | $50 – $150 | Up to 5 % | Fire, carbon monoxide |
Surge Protectors / UPS | $100 – $200 | Indirect | Electrical safety, equipment protection |
Conclusion: Prevention Pays Off
The best insurance policy is the one you never have to use. Every proactive upgrade — from smart leak sensors to monitored alarms — strengthens your protection and can cut long-term costs.
Eufy Security Systems: keep your home secure and discount-eligible. Govee Sensors: detect trouble before it becomes a claim.
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Together they make your home safer, smarter, and more affordable.
🔗 Visit CityInsuranceMN.com to schedule your homeowners insurance review today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do home safety upgrades really lower insurance premiums?
Yes — many insurers offer 5–15 % discounts for verified safety systems. Upgrades like monitored security, leak sensors, and smart smoke alarms reduce your risk profile, which insurers reward through lower premiums.
2. Which upgrades qualify for discounts in Minnesota?
The most common include professionally monitored security systems, smart smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors, and automatic water-leak or freeze-detection devices. Some carriers also credit whole-home surge protectors or generators that prevent losses during outages.
3. How do I prove my upgrades to my insurer?
Provide installation receipts, model numbers, and clear photos of each device. Your agent can then submit them to underwriting for verification. If the system is monitored, include the monitoring agreement or certificate.
4. Are DIY smart systems like Eufy or Govee accepted?
Yes, most insurers now recognise self-monitored smart systems, though discounts are typically smaller than those for certified, professionally monitored ones. They still show proactive risk reduction and can prevent expensive claims.
5. How much can I expect to save overall?
Savings depend on your carrier and coverage type, but homeowners who combine multiple upgrades — such as security, leak detection, and smart fire alerts — often save between 10 % – 20 % annually.
6. Do upgrades increase my home’s resale value?
Often they do. Buyers value modern safety and energy-efficiency features, so upgrades like smart thermostats, cameras, and water sensors can make your home more appealing and easier to insure.
7. What’s the first upgrade you recommend for Minnesota homes?
Start with a leak and freeze-detection system. Frozen pipes and water damage are the leading winter insurance claims in Minnesota, and sensors like Govee provide immediate protection at a low cost.
8. Will these upgrades affect my deductible or coverage?
No — discounts apply to your premium, not your deductible. However, preventing claims can help you maintain claim-free discounts over time, which indirectly lowers long-term costs.
9. Should I tell my insurer before or after installation?
Let your agent know in advance. They can confirm which upgrades qualify for discounts and what proof you’ll need afterward, ensuring you receive every eligible credit.
10. Can renters benefit from similar devices?
Absolutely. Renters can install portable smart detectors and self-monitored security cameras without altering the property. While discounts are smaller, these devices protect personal belongings and may earn loyalty or claims-free rewards.
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