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As a homeowner, you’re likely always looking for ways to reduce your expenses, and one area where you may have yet to consider potential savings is your home insurance.
Insurance companies consider various factors when determining your premium, and many of them are related to the condition and features of your home. Investing in improvements that enhance your home’s safety, security, and durability can lower your insurance premiums while making your home a safer and more enjoyable place to live.
Insurers typically offer discounts for upgrades that reduce risk, enhance safety, or improve the overall resilience of your home. Let’s explore 10 home improvements that could potentially lower your home insurance premium and help you save money in the long run.
1. Install a Security System
One of the most common and effective ways to reduce your home insurance premium is by installing a security system. A security system with features like cameras, motion detectors, door/window sensors, and smart locks can deter burglars and reduce the risk of theft or break-ins.
Most insurers offer discounts for homes equipped with professionally monitored alarm systems, cameras, or motion detectors because they lower the likelihood of loss. It’s a win-win: you increase your home’s safety and get a discount on your premium.
Look for systems that include fire detection and carbon monoxide monitoring in addition to break-in alerts, as these features can provide an extra layer of protection and potentially earn you an even higher discount.
2. Upgrade Your Roof
Roofing is a significant factor in determining the cost of your home insurance. Older or damaged roofs are more vulnerable to wind, hail, and snow, making them riskier for insurance companies. If your roof is more than 10 years old, or if it has suffered significant wear and tear, consider replacing it with a more durable material.
Roof damage from storms, hail, or wind can be one of the most expensive claims you may have to file. A strong, weather-resistant roof can help protect your home from the elements and may qualify you for a lower premium. This is especially beneficial in regions like Ontario or Alberta, where severe storms can cause significant damage.
3. Install Storm Shutters or Impact-Resistant Windows
In parts of Canada that are prone to severe weather, such as coastal areas or regions that experience heavy snowstorms, impact-resistant windows or storm shutters can be a valuable upgrade. These upgrades provide additional protection against wind, hail, and flying debris, reducing the risk of damage during extreme weather events, which can be particularly costly.
Some insurance providers may recognize this as a proactive step in mitigating property damage and may reward you with lower premiums for taking preventative measures to protect your home from such risks.
4. Upgrade Electrical Wiring and Plumbing
Old electrical wiring and plumbing systems can pose significant risks to your home, such as electrical fires or water damage. Updating outdated systems not only improves the safety of your home but also reduces the likelihood of claims related to electrical malfunctions or water leaks.
Replacing old wiring (especially knob-and-tube) with modern copper wiring or upgrading aging plumbing systems will affect your eligibility with more competitively priced carriers. Customers may qualify for a different carrier that offers better rates if they have upgraded wiring or plumbing.
5. Improve Your Home’s Wiring and Surge Protection
In addition to updating your electrical system, adding surge protection to your home can prevent damage from power surges due to lightning or other electrical issues. Surge protectors safeguard expensive electronics and electrical systems, which can lower your home’s risk profile. Some insurance companies offer discounts for homes equipped with whole-house surge protection devices.
6. Install Fireproof or Fire-Resistant Materials
Fire safety is a priority for insurance companies, and homes with fire-resistant materials are typically seen as less risky to insure. You can reduce your premium by installing fireproof materials such as fiberglass insulation, fire-resistant roofing, or non-combustible siding like brick or stone. Fire-resistant upgrades, particularly in fire-prone areas or homes near wooded lots, can result in significant insurance savings.
7. Upgrade Your Heating System
Older heating systems, such as outdated oil furnaces or space heaters, can be fire hazards. If your home still relies on older heating methods, upgrading to a more modern, energy-efficient system like a natural gas furnace or an electric heat pump can lower the fire risk and improve your energy efficiency. Not only will you likely save on insurance, but you’ll also reduce your energy costs.
While upgrading your home’s heating system may involve a slightly higher upfront cost, it is a valuable renovation that enhances energy efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and lowers utility bills.
8. Install a Sump Pump or Backflow Valve
Flooding can cause extensive damage to homes, especially in regions prone to heavy rains or snowmelt. Installing a backflow valve can prevent sewage and water from backing up into your home during a flood, reducing the risk of costly water damage.
A sump pump is an effective way to prevent basement flooding caused by heavy rain or snowmelt. If your home is at risk of water intrusion in the basement, installing a sump pump can prevent significant damage to your foundation, personal belongings, and electrical systems.
Many insurance companies offer discounts for homes equipped with backflow valves or sump pumps, which help manage water flow during severe weather conditions, especially in areas prone to flooding.
9. Add a Fire Sprinkler System
Fire is a major risk for Canadian homeowners, especially in areas prone to wildfires or dry conditions. Installing a fire sprinkler system can dramatically reduce the risk of fire damage and help control a fire before it gets out of hand, reducing the extent of damage to your home.
This is a more advanced upgrade but can be well worth it if you live in a high-risk area and can effectively lower your insurance premium. Insurers often see homes with fire sprinklers as having a lower risk, which can translate to reduced premiums.
10. Maintain and Keep a Clean Property
A well-maintained property boosts curb appeal and reduces the risk of significant damage during storms or adverse weather conditions. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning gutters, trimming trees, and removing dead branches, reduces the risk of water damage, falling tree limbs, and other hazards that could cause a claim.
Maintaining the exterior of your home and keeping it in good repair helps minimize the potential for claims related to damage and upkeep issues. If regular maintenance is not done and damage is caused, a claim can be denied if the carrier determines the damage could have been prevented with regular maintenance.
Safety and Savings
By taking proactive steps to improve the safety, security, and durability of your home, you can lower your insurance costs while simultaneously increasing your home’s overall value. A little investment now can lead to significant savings down the road!
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