Home Safety Upgrades That Can Lower Your Premium This Year
Updated: 7 days ago
Some home safety upgrades can earn a discount on your homeowners insurance. All of them can help you avoid a claim, which protects your premium over time. Discounts vary a lot between insurance companies, so the best first step is to ask your agent which upgrades count on your policy.
Upgrades insurance companies often reward
Monitored burglar and fire alarms. A system watched by a central monitoring company is the upgrade most often tied to a discount.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Basic alarms are required by law in Minnesota (see below). Alarms connected to a monitored system may count for more.
Water leak detection and automatic shutoff valves. Some insurance companies offer credits for devices that detect leaks or shut off the water main automatically.
Deadbolts and fire extinguishers. Older, simpler discounts that some policies still include.
A newer or impact-resistant roof. Roof age and type can affect your rate, and some insurance companies give a credit for impact-resistant shingles in hail areas.
Updated electrical, plumbing and heating. Replacing old wiring, pipes or a furnace can make a home easier to insure.
Do smart devices lower insurance premiums?
Sometimes. Some insurance companies now give credits for self-monitored smart devices like leak sensors or connected smoke alarms, and some partner with specific device brands. Others only give a discount for professionally monitored systems. Ask before you buy, so you know which devices and what proof your insurance company accepts.
Even without a discount, a device that warns you about a leak or a freezing basement can stop a small problem from becoming a large claim.
Minnesota smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules
Smoke alarms: every dwelling unit in Minnesota must have a working smoke alarm (Minnesota Statutes § 299F.362). In a rental, the owner is responsible for maintaining it, and the tenant must tell the owner within 24 hours if one stops working.
Carbon monoxide alarms: single-family homes and each unit in a multifamily building must have an approved CO alarm within 10 feet of each room used for sleeping (Minnesota Statutes § 299F.51).
Test alarms monthly and replace them by the date the manufacturer recommends.
Winter upgrades that prevent claims
Sump pump backup (battery or water-powered) so the pump keeps working in a power outage.
Pipe insulation in exterior walls, crawl spaces and garages.
Low-temperature alerts that warn you if the house gets too cold while you're away.
Surge protection for the furnace, appliances and electronics.
Also check your policy for water backup coverage. Damage from a sewer or drain backup, or a sump pump that fails, is often excluded unless you add it.
How to get credit for an upgrade
Ask your agent first which upgrades qualify and what proof is needed.
Keep receipts and installation records, and take photos of each device.
For monitored systems, get the alarm certificate from the monitoring company.
Send it to your agent so the discount can be added. It usually isn't added automatically.
FAQ
Do home safety upgrades really lower insurance premiums?
Some do. Monitored alarm systems are the most common discount. Other credits, like leak detection or impact-resistant roofs, depend on the insurance company. Ask your agent which upgrades count on your policy.
Do smart devices like leak sensors lower my homeowners insurance?
Some insurance companies give credits for them, and others don't. Ask before you buy, and keep proof of installation.
Are smoke and carbon monoxide alarms required in Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota requires a working smoke alarm in every dwelling unit (§ 299F.362) and a CO alarm within 10 feet of each room used for sleeping (§ 299F.51).
How do I prove an upgrade to my insurance company?
Send your agent receipts, installation records and photos. For a monitored system, include the alarm certificate from the monitoring company.
Does water backup coverage come with my homeowners policy?
Often not. Sewer, drain and sump pump backup is usually excluded unless you add it. Ask your agent to check.
Want to know which discounts your home qualifies for? Call City Insurance and Financial Services at (763) 582-1888, contact us, or get a quote online. Related: Minnesota homeowners insurance winter review.
City Insurance and Financial Services, Minnetonka, MN.
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