10 ways to pay less
- Compare at least three quotes every year or two. Insurers price the same home very differently.
- Raise your deductible, for example from $1,000 to $2,500, if you have savings to cover it.
- Bundle home and auto with one insurer, and compare the bundle with separate policies.
- Improve your roof: newer or impact-resistant roofs can earn discounts in storm states.
- Add protective devices: monitored alarms, smoke and water-leak detectors, deadbolts.
- Protect your credit: in most states, poor credit raised the average premium from $2,490 to $4,290.
- Avoid small claims: one claim raised the average premium about 10%; pay minor repairs yourself.
- Insure for rebuild cost, not market value, which doesn’t include the land.
- Ask about discounts: claims-free, new home, loyalty, paperless and paying in full.
- Review add-ons each year and drop any you no longer need.
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Sponsored listings. FindBestInsurance may be paid when you click them.Don’t cut the wrong things
- Don’t underinsure the dwelling. Falling below 80% of replacement cost can reduce claim payments.
- Keep enough liability cover to protect your savings.
- Don’t switch to actual cash value just to save money without understanding how much less a claim would pay; see replacement cost vs ACV.
If your insurer won’t renew
Non-renewals have risen in storm and wildfire areas. Start shopping as soon as you get notice, ask an independent agent to search several companies, and look at your state’s FAIR plan or insurer of last resort if private cover isn’t available. See average home insurance costs by state.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to lower home insurance?
Compare quotes from several insurers, raise your deductible and bundle with your car insurance.
Does a higher deductible lower my premium?
Yes. A higher deductible means you pay more of each claim, so the premium is lower.
Does credit affect home insurance?
In most states, yes. Poor credit raised the average premium from $2,490 to $4,290 a year in NerdWallet’s 2026 data.
Should I file small home insurance claims?
Often not. One claim raised average premiums about 10%, so paying small repairs yourself can cost less over time.
Sources
- NerdWallet: The average home insurance cost in the U.S. for 2026 (updated May 6, 2026)
- Insurance Information Institute: What is covered by a standard homeowners policy?
Figures checked November 7, 2026. Insurance rules and prices change and vary by state and insurer; confirm details with the insurer or your state.