Your agent can help you assess the coverage you need. Improve security and safety Items such as dead bolt locks, burglar alarms, and smoke detectors can usually bring discounts of 5 percent each, depending on the company. Your insurance company may also offer a significant discount of 15 or 20 percent if you install a sophisticated home-security system. If you're thinking about buying such a system, check with your insurer to see which systems you'll get a discount for. Stop smoking Smoking accidents account for more than 23,000 residential fires every year.
Some insurers offer to reduce premiums if no one in the home smokes.
Look for senior discounts Insurance companies have found that retired people stay at home more and spot fires sooner than working people. Older people also have more time for maintaining their homes. If you're at least 55 years old and retired, you might qualify for as much as a 10 percent discount. Look for group coverage Alumni and business associations often work out insurance deals with an insurance company, which includes a discount for association members. Ask your association's director about any such deals.