Reducing Premiums with Preventative Home Improvements: A Guide to Saving Money and Mitigating Risk

As a homeowner, you want to protect your most valuable asset from unforeseen disasters. At DoozyProof, we believe that prevention is the best defense. By making smart home improvements, you can reduce your insurance premiums and minimize the risk of catastrophic losses. In this article, we’ll explore the ways to safeguard your home and wallet. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (link to https://ibhs.org/)  is a great resource for learning more about which resilience measures reduce risks for different types of perils such as wildfire, hurricane, or flood.

Disaster-Resistant Home Improvements

1. Storm Shutters: Install storm shutters to protect your windows from high winds and debris.
2. Roof Reinforcement: Reinforce your roof with impact-resistant materials to withstand extreme weather conditions. The Insurance Information Institute (Link to https://www.iii.org/)  has additional details on how “A new roof matters to insurers and keeps you and your family safer. Make sure to check the roof’s condition. Depending on the type of roof and whether or not it’s made with fire and/or hail resistant materials, you may even qualify for an insurance discount.”
3. Modernize HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical Systems: Upgrade your systems to reduce the risk of mechanical failures and electrical fires.
4. Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Clear flammable vegetation and debris from your property to prevent wildfires.
5. Water Shut-Off System: Install a water shut-off system to automatically turn off your water supply in case of a leak.

Safety Features for Lower Premiums

1. Security System with Fire Monitoring: Install a security system with fire monitoring to alert authorities in case of an emergency.
2. Dead Bolt Locks: Upgrade to deadbolt locks to prevent unauthorized entry.
3. Carbon Monoxide and Fire Detectors: Install detectors to alert you of potential dangers.
4. Fire Sprinkler System: Install a fire sprinkler system to reduce fire risk and lower premiums.

Additional Discounts and Considerations

1. Age Discount: If you’re over 55, you may qualify for a discount with some insurance carriers.
2. Flood Insurance: Consider flood insurance, even if you’re not in a high-risk area, to protect against unexpected floods.
3. Backup Generator: Install a backup generator to protect against power outages and rolling blackouts.
4. Foundation Repairs: Address foundation issues to prevent severe structural damage.
5. Smart Home Devices: Invest in smart home devices, like whole-house surge protectors and automatic water shut-off systems, to mitigate risks.

Energy-Efficient Upgrades

1. New Insulation: Upgrade your insulation to reduce energy consumption and lower premiums.
2. Storm-Resistant Windows: Install storm-resistant windows to protect against extreme weather.
3. Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems: Upgrade to energy-efficient HVAC systems to reduce energy consumption.

Modernizing Old Homes

1. Electrical System Upgrades: Modernize your electrical system to reduce the risk of internal fires.

By implementing these preventative home improvements, you can:

• Reduce your insurance premiums
• Minimize the risk of catastrophic losses
• Protect your home and loved ones
• Increase your home’s value

At DoozyProof, we’re committed to helping you navigate the complex insurance landscape. Our advanced AI technology assesses your unique situation and provides personalized recommendations to optimize your insurance portfolio. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start saving on your premiums.