How to Lower Homeowners Insurance Rates After Renovations in 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)

You just finished a big kitchen remodel, upgraded your systems, or put on a brand-new roof, and then your homeowners insurance bill shows up and looks higher than before.
It feels confusing, because you made your home safer, not riskier.

Here is the good news: in 2026, many insurers are finally catching up and rewarding “home hardening” and risk-reducing renovations with real savings, often in the range of 5–25 percent if you make the right upgrades and actually tell your insurer about them.
Across the U.S., the average homeowners insurance premium for a standard policy with around 300,000 dollars of dwelling coverage is generally landing somewhere between about 2,000 and 2,500 dollars a year, depending on the exact coverage amount, company, and state.
That is a lot of money over the life of your home, so even a 10–20 percent cut after renovations can add up to hundreds of dollars saved every single year.

At the same time, climate and weather risks are still a big deal in insurance pricing.
States with heavy hurricane, hail, tornado, or wildfire exposure see much higher premiums, sometimes well over 4,000 or even 6,000 dollars per year for a 300,000 dollar home.​
Because of this, insurers in those riskier places have been leaning harder into discounts for things like impact-resistant roofs, wind mitigation measures, and security or leak-detection technology that meaningfully cuts the chance of a big claim.

Quick answer: Can renovations really lower your insurance?

Yes. Many of the most common renovations you might do—like replacing an old roof, upgrading plumbing and wiring, installing a monitored security system, or adding water and fire protection devices—can qualify you for noticeable discounts on your homeowners insurance in 2026.

However, some projects will raise your rate because they increase what it would cost to rebuild your home or add new risks, like building an addition or putting in a pool.
The trick is to understand which renovations help, which ones hurt, and how to talk to your insurer so you actually see the savings.

Why 2026 is a good time to act

Premiums are not exploding as fast as they did in the early 2020s, thanks in part to a relatively calmer 2025 hurricane season and some improvement in insurance company results.​
But most companies are still very sensitive to big losses from storms, fires, and water damage, so they are focused more than ever on rewarding homes that are better protected.

Several large insurers now use aerial imagery, drones, and data from smart home devices to confirm when you have installed a new roof, upgraded systems, or added mitigation features, and then tie those to specific discounts.
You should not wait for them to notice.
If you just finished renovations, 2026 is the perfect time to call your agent, request a fresh review or inspection, and push for every discount you now qualify for.

What this guide will help you do

This step-by-step guide is built to help you:

• Understand which renovations lower your homeowners insurance and which can raise it in 2026.

• Focus on the top upgrades that most often earn discounts.

• Follow a simple, clear process to document your work, talk to your insurer, and, if needed, shop around.

• Estimate how much you might really save after your renovations.

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Why renovations can lower (or raise) your home insurance rates in 2026

Insurers care about one big thing: how likely they are to pay an expensive claim on your home.
Renovations that make fire, water, wind, theft, or injury less likely usually help your insurance price, while changes that increase the value or risk of the home can push it higher.

How renovations can lower your rates

Here are the main ways upgrades can bring your premium down:

• Lower risk of damage: A new, impact-resistant roof, updated wiring, modern plumbing, or storm shutters all reduce the odds of you needing a big claim from wind, hail, fire, or leaks.

• Fewer and smaller claims: Homes with monitored security systems and leak and fire detection have far fewer burglary and catastrophe claims, which means lower long-term costs for insurers.

• Stronger incentives in risky areas: In high-risk wind or hurricane states, many insurers give special “wind mitigation” or roof credits when you meet certain standards for materials and construction, which can be worth 10–45 percent on the wind portion of your premium in some markets.

How renovations can raise your rates

Some projects work in the opposite direction:

• Higher rebuild cost: If you add square footage, finish a basement, or do a luxury kitchen or bath expansion, your insurer may need to raise your dwelling coverage to match the higher cost to rebuild.
  More coverage means a higher premium, even if the risk level stayed the same.

• New high-risk features: Pools, trampolines, elaborate outdoor kitchens with gas lines, or other attractions often increase the chance of injury or property damage, so insurers may charge more liability or property premium.

• Higher-end materials: Premium finishes, imported materials, or custom work cost more to replace, which again pushes up the amount of coverage you need.

2026 factors you should know

Rebuild costs are still elevated compared with pre-2020 levels, thanks to years of construction inflation and periodic spikes in labor and material prices.​
Some reports also point to tariffs and supply chain issues that can keep certain building products more expensive, which insurers factor into how much it would cost to rebuild your home after a total loss.​

At the same time, insurers are using better data and technology.
Aerial imagery, drone inspections, and smart home data help them see when a roof or major system is newer and safer, which supports more targeted discounts for risk-reducing renovations.

How common renovations impact premiums

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Top renovations and upgrades that qualify for discounts in 2026

Not every renovation moves the needle on your insurance, so it helps to focus on upgrades that major insurers consistently reward.
Here are the ones that tend to matter most in 2026.

1. New roof (especially impact-resistant and wind-rated)

A new roof is one of the most powerful upgrades you can make for both protection and insurance savings.
Multiple industry and consumer sources report that replacing an older roof can cut your homeowners premium by roughly 5–35 percent, especially when you use impact-resistant or wind-rated materials.

Insurers care about roof age, material, and how well it stands up to local hazards like hail, wind, or fire.
Impact-resistant shingles, metal roofs, and roofs installed to stricter wind or hurricane standards often qualify for the best discounts in high-risk areas.

What helps you qualify:

• Use materials rated for your region (impact-resistant in hail zones, wind-rated in hurricane zones).

• Make sure the contractor is licensed and pulls permits where required.

• Keep the invoice, permit sign-offs, and manufacturer specs that show the rating.

2. Upgraded plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems

Older electrical panels, knob-and-tube wiring, brittle pipes, and outdated furnaces or boilers are common triggers for fire and water damage claims.
Insurers often provide meaningful discounts when you modernize these core systems because the chance of major loss goes down.​

While exact numbers vary by company, a full update of very old systems can often contribute to total savings in the 5–20 percent range when combined with other safety upgrades.​
Insurers may also simply be more willing to insure an older home, or offer coverage on better terms, once the systems are brought up to modern codes.​

What helps you qualify:

• Have licensed contractors do the work and keep detailed invoices.

• Get final inspection reports or sign-offs from local building officials.

• Ask your agent if your insurer offers “restoration” or “updated home” credits for older homes with new systems.

3. Home security systems

Adding a security system helps protect against theft and can also add fire and water protection if you choose the right setup.
Research from insurers and consumer sites shows that many companies offer discounts of around 2–15 percent for security systems, and some monitored systems with extra sensors can qualify for 15–20 percent or more in premium savings.

Systems that include professional monitoring, cameras, motion sensors, entry sensors, and integrated smoke or water leak detection usually earn the strongest discounts.
Insurers especially like systems that automatically alert a monitoring center or the fire department, because that can limit how severe a loss becomes.​

What helps you qualify:

• Choose a professionally monitored system rather than only self-monitoring.

• Ask the security provider for a certificate of installation to share with your insurer.

• Link smoke, carbon monoxide, and water sensors to the same monitored platform if possible.

4. Water leak detection and automatic shut-off valves

Water damage from burst pipes, failed hoses, and slow leaks is one of the most common and costly claim types.
Some insurers now give specific discounts or credits for smart water leak detectors and automatic shut-off valves that can stop a leak before it floods your home.

Advanced systems can detect abnormal water flow and close the main valve automatically if something looks wrong, which dramatically reduces the size of potential claims.​
Even simple leak sensors near appliances and under sinks can trigger alerts early enough to limit damage.​

What helps you qualify:

• Install monitored or app-connected leak detectors in high-risk spots (under sinks, behind toilets, near water heaters, in basements).

• Consider a whole-home shut-off device if your insurer offers a specific discount for it.

• Ask your insurer which brands or certifications they recognize.

5. Fire safety upgrades

Fire can lead to total losses, so insurers take fire safety very seriously.
Discounts for smoke detectors are almost universal, and some companies provide even larger savings for sprinkler systems or centrally monitored fire alarms.

While exact numbers vary, research and insurer materials suggest that fire sprinklers in homes can sometimes contribute to discounts well into double digits because they greatly reduce total loss risk.​
Hard-wired, interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, especially when tied into a monitored security system, are also seen as strong risk reducers.

What helps you qualify:

• Install smoke and CO detectors on every level and inside or near bedrooms.

• Consider interconnected or smart detectors that all sound together.

• If you add sprinklers during a renovation, keep engineering plans and inspection reports.

6. Wind and hail hardening

In states prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or severe thunderstorms, upgrades that improve your home’s ability to stand up to high winds and flying debris can unlock major discounts.
These include impact windows, storm shutters, roof-to-wall straps, and meeting or exceeding local “wind mitigation” or fortified building standards.

In some coastal and high-risk states, documented wind mitigation measures can reduce the wind and hail portion of your premium by 10–45 percent, depending on how exposed your home is and how strong the upgrades are.
Some programs, such as FORTIFIED Home standards, are specifically designed to help homeowners qualify for both better protection and insurance credits in wind-prone areas.​

7. Energy-efficient and green upgrades

A growing number of insurers now offer small discounts or special endorsements for energy-efficient or “green” homes, especially if they include features like solar, high-efficiency HVAC, or advanced insulation.
Others provide a “green rebuild” option that pays extra to replace with eco-friendly materials after a loss, sometimes at a modest premium discount if your home already meets certain efficiency benchmarks.​

These incentives are usually smaller than roof or wind discounts but can still shave a bit off your bill while improving comfort and long-term costs.
They also pair well with smart tech, which insurers are increasingly using to verify how your home performs.

8. Smart home technology

Insurers are paying close attention to smart home devices that directly reduce risk, rather than just adding convenience.
Examples include smart thermostats that prevent freezing pipes, smart locks and video doorbells that deter theft, and integrated sensors for smoke, CO, and water leaks.

Some carriers partner with device makers to offer device discounts or direct premium credits if you install and keep certain smart devices online.
Security-focused devices with monitoring, and water and fire sensors, tend to have the clearest ties to insurance savings.

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Step-by-step: How to lower your rates after renovations

This is the core process you can follow once your renovation work is finished.
Think of it as a simple checklist to make sure you do not leave any savings on the table.

Step 1: Document everything

Before you call your insurer, gather clear proof of what you have done.
This makes it much easier for an underwriter or inspector to apply the right discounts.

Prepare:

• Before-and-after photos of the areas you renovated (especially roofs, mechanical rooms, and exteriors).

• Copies of all contractor invoices and contracts.

• Permits and final inspection sign-offs from your city or county.

• Manufacturer specs for key items like impact-resistant shingles, windows, doors, or smart devices.

If you replaced a roof, try to get a line in the invoice (or a separate letter) that clearly states the material, rating (for example, impact-resistant class), and installation date.
This is the kind of detail insurers use to decide the size of a discount.

Step 2: Review your current policy

Next, take out your current homeowners policy and look at the declarations page.
This is the summary page that lists your coverage limits, deductibles, and major endorsements.

Focus on:

• Dwelling coverage (Coverage A) amount.

• Separate structures, personal property, and loss-of-use coverage.

• Liability coverage limit.

• Deductible type and amount (flat or percentage, wind or hurricane deductibles if any).

If you added square footage or made your home significantly more valuable, the dwelling limit may need to go up.
This raises your premium but also keeps you from being underinsured if the worst happens.

Step 3: Contact your insurer or agent as soon as work is done

Do not wait until renewal if you can help it.
Once your renovation is complete and inspected, call or email your agent or insurer and say clearly that you have finished risk-reducing upgrades and want your policy re-evaluated.

Ask them to:

• Add notes about each renovation (roof, systems, security, mitigation) to your file.

• Request a re-inspection or updated exterior survey if that is part of their process.

• In hurricane or high-wind states, provide or accept a wind mitigation inspection form that documents your upgrades.

Many companies will adjust your premium mid-term once they confirm the upgrades, while others may apply the bigger changes at your next renewal.
Either way, starting the conversation quickly puts you in line for savings.

Step 4: Ask specifically for available discounts

Do not assume that every discount will automatically appear when an inspector updates your file.
Politely ask your agent to review every potential discount category based on your renovations.​

Mention upgrades like:

• New roof and its material/rating.

• Updated electrical, plumbing, or HVAC.

• Newly installed monitored security system and smart devices.

• Added leak detection and automatic water shut-off.

• Fire sprinklers or upgraded smoke/CO detection.

• Wind mitigation features (shutters, impact windows, roof straps, fortified roof).

Also ask whether your insurer has any special credits for older homes that have been “restored” or updated to modern standards, as some carriers reward this explicitly.​

Step 5: Get competing quotes and compare

Even if your current carrier offers some discounts, another insurer may value your upgrades more.
Premiums for the same coverage can differ by thousands of dollars between companies, depending on state and risk appetite.

Get at least three to five quotes, either directly or through an online comparison tool.
When you request quotes, be sure to list all your renovations and safety features, including roof age, system upgrades, and any security or water devices.

Ask each company to quote similar coverage limits and deductibles so you can make a fair comparison.
Then weigh not only price, but also financial strength, claims reputation, and any special programs that reward continued mitigation.

Step 6: Consider policy tweaks that lower premiums

Once your upgrades are recognized, you can often lower your premium further by adjusting how your policy is structured.
Common options include:

• Raising your deductible: Moving from a lower deductible to a higher one usually reduces your premium, especially in high-risk states, though you must be comfortable paying more out of pocket in a claim.

• Bundling home and auto: Many insurers give multi-policy discounts when you place home and auto together, which can save you another 5–20 percent.​

• Dropping unnecessary extras: If you have endorsements you no longer need, you can discuss whether they still make sense.

Make sure any savings from a higher deductible still align with your emergency fund and comfort level.
The goal is a policy that matches both your improved home and your financial situation.

Step 7: Follow up and appeal if you are under-credited

If the discount you receive feels small compared with what you invested, you can politely push back.
Ask the agent or underwriter to explain exactly which credits were applied and which were not.

If a credit was denied because documentation was missing, ask what proof would be acceptable and provide it.
If your current insurer simply does not value a certain upgrade (for example, a specific smart device), take that as a sign to look harder at competitors that do.​

Timing: How quickly can you see savings?

Many insurers prefer that you notify them within 30–60 days after major renovations so they can re-check your risk and coverage limits.
In practice, discounts may show up immediately as a mid-term adjustment, or they may take effect at your next renewal, depending on company rules.

Either way, making the call soon after the work is complete ensures you are not overpaying longer than necessary.
If you delay, you risk missing out on months of potential savings.

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Examples and savings scenarios

These scenarios are based on actual discount ranges reported by insurers and consumer research.
They are not promises, but they can help you picture what might be possible for your home.

Example 1: New roof in a hail-prone area

• Starting point: A homeowner in a Midwestern hail belt state is paying about 2,500 dollars a year for a policy on a 300,000 dollar home.

• Renovation: They replace a 20-year-old asphalt roof with a new, impact-resistant roof installed to local wind standards.

• Insurer response: After submitting documentation and a roof certificate, the insurer applies a roof upgrade and hail-resistant material discount of around 20 percent.

Approximate result:

A 20 percent discount on 2,500 dollars is 500 dollars a year in savings.
That lines up with sources showing that new, impact-resistant roofs can cut premiums by roughly 5–35 percent when recognized by insurers.

What you can learn:

• If you live in a hail or wind zone, an upgraded roof may be one of the fastest ways to reduce your premium.

• The better the materials and documentation, the more likely you are to land near the higher end of the discount range.

Example 2: Full plumbing and electrical upgrade in an older home

• Starting point: An owner of a 1960s home is paying 2,200 dollars a year, and the house still has some original wiring and galvanized pipes.

• Renovation: During a major remodel, they replace most of the wiring with modern code-compliant electrical and upgrade old plumbing to new materials.

• Insurer response: The insurer reclassifies the home as updated and applies system upgrade and loss-prevention credits that together contribute to a roughly 15 percent premium drop.

Approximate result:

Fifteen percent of 2,200 dollars is 330 dollars a year saved, every year going forward, if the insurer keeps the credits.
This fits with research showing that updated core systems reduce fire and water risk and can support meaningful discounting.​

What you can learn:

• Hidden systems matter a lot to insurers, even though you do not see them every day.

• If you are doing a big renovation anyway, bundling system upgrades can improve both safety and long-term costs.

Example 3: Security system plus leak detectors

• Starting point: A homeowner pays 2,000 dollars annually for insurance on a suburban home with basic deadbolts and smoke detectors.

• Renovation: They install a professionally monitored security system with door and window sensors, cameras, smoke and CO detection, and several smart water leak sensors near high-risk areas.

• Insurer response: The carrier applies a security system discount of around 10 percent, and an additional small credit for water leak detection.

Approximate result:

Ten percent off 2,000 dollars is 200 dollars a year.
Research shows that many insurers offer 2–15 percent for security systems and that advanced, monitored setups can reach 15–20 percent or more, especially when combined with other safety devices.

What you can learn:

• Combining security, fire, and water detection in one monitored system maximizes both safety and potential discounts.

• Even modest percentage discounts can be worth it when your base premium is high.

Example 4: Wind mitigation in a coastal state

• Starting point: A homeowner in a coastal hurricane zone pays 5,000 dollars a year, with a large part of the bill tied to wind and hurricane risk.​

• Renovation: During a major exterior upgrade, they add impact windows, storm shutters, reinforced garage doors, and improved roof-to-wall connections.

• Insurer response: After a formal wind mitigation inspection, the insurer adjusts the rating and applies wind mitigation credits that cut the wind portion of the premium dramatically, leading to an overall savings of about 30 percent.

Approximate result:

Thirty percent off 5,000 dollars is 1,500 dollars a year.
This aligns with data showing that substantial wind mitigation can cut premiums by double-digit percentages in the highest-risk markets.

What you can learn:

• In very high-risk states, mitigation can have an outsized impact because risk surcharges are so high to begin with.

• Getting a proper mitigation inspection and form is key to unlocking the full discount.

Example 5: Kitchen addition plus security—mixed impact

• Starting point: A family with a 300,000 dollar home pays about 2,100 dollars per year.

• Renovation: They add a 300-square-foot kitchen extension with high-end finishes and also install a monitored security system and new smoke detectors.

• Insurer response: The dwelling coverage limit is increased to reflect the larger, more expensive home, pushing the base premium up, but security credits partially offset the increase.

Approximate result:

After all changes, the premium ends up around 2,250 dollars, a net increase of 150 dollars, even though the security system earned a solid discount.
This reflects how adding value and space can increase costs, even when you also improve safety.

What you can learn:

• Renovations that increase size and replacement cost can raise premiums, but pairing them with safety upgrades softens the impact.

• You still gain from better protection and may be better off than if you expanded without adding safety features.

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Common mistakes and what to avoid after renovations

Even smart homeowners miss out on savings or create new problems by skipping a few basic steps.
Here are the biggest pitfalls to avoid.

1. Not telling your insurer about renovations

If you do not notify your insurer, they cannot properly rate your new roof, systems, or safety features and may never apply the discounts you deserve.
In some cases, failing to report major changes like additions or structural alterations can even create coverage gaps if the insurer believes your home is still configured like it was before.

2. Underinsuring your home after an addition

Adding square footage, finishing a basement, or upgrading finishes raises the cost to rebuild your home.
If you leave your dwelling coverage limit the same, you might be underinsured, which could leave you short in a major loss.

Ask your agent to recalculate your coverage need based on the renovated home, even if that means a higher premium.
The goal is to match coverage to reality while still taking every discount you can for safety upgrades.

3. Adding high-risk features without enough liability protection

Pools, trampolines, and other recreational features can be fun, but they also create more chances for injury.
Insurers often respond by raising liability premiums or recommending higher liability limits or umbrella policies.

If you add these features, talk to your agent about raising your liability limits and adding safety steps like fencing, covers, and rules to reduce risk.

4. Waiting until renewal to act

Many homeowners assume they must wait until their policy renews to report changes.
In reality, most insurers can update your policy and apply new credits mid-term once renovations are complete and documented.​

Waiting means you might pay a higher premium for months longer than necessary.
It is better to notify your insurer as soon as the work is done and inspections are passed.

5. Ignoring state-specific mitigation programs

Some states, especially in high wind and hurricane regions, have special programs or building standards that tie directly to insurance discounts.
Examples include state-backed mitigation grants and FORTIFIED-type standards that reward stronger, more resilient construction.

If you live in a high-risk area, check your state’s insurance department or major insurers’ websites for programs that apply to your kind of renovation.
You might find extra savings or even partial funding for certain upgrades.

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2026 trends impacting savings after renovations

The insurance market in 2026 looks different from just a few years ago.
Understanding these trends helps you make better renovation and coverage decisions.

Slower premium growth, but still elevated costs

Industry analyses in early 2026 show that average homeowners premiums are still high but not rising as sharply as in the early 2020s.
National averages for a standard policy with 300,000 dollars of dwelling coverage still cluster roughly around the low- to mid-2,000 dollar range, but state-level differences are huge.

Some states, like Nebraska and Louisiana, see average premiums over 6,000 dollars a year for similar coverage, while others like Vermont and Delaware remain under 1,000 dollars.​
This wide spread makes targeted mitigation and smart shopping particularly valuable if you live in a high-cost area.

More rewards for mitigation, backed by data

Insurers are increasingly tying discounts to specific, verifiable mitigation steps, such as impact-resistant roofing, security systems, and water and fire detection.
They rely more on aerial imagery, inspection reports, and smart device data to confirm that your home really has the features you claim.

This shift means that detailed documentation and clear communication about your renovations matter more than ever.
If your upgrades are easy to verify, it is easier for an underwriter to justify better pricing.

Higher deductibles becoming more common

In some higher-risk states, insurers have responded to big weather losses by increasing typical deductibles or using percentage-based wind or hurricane deductibles.
Choosing a higher deductible can help you manage your premium, but it also means you must be prepared to pay more out of pocket if you have a claim.

Renovations that cut the likelihood of a claim can make a higher deductible more comfortable, because you reduce the chance of needing to use it.
But you should still match your deductible choice to your savings and risk tolerance.

State variations and special programs

Florida, Texas, and other coastal states often have detailed mitigation credit systems for wind and hurricane risk, while Western states may focus more on wildfire hardening.
These state-specific rules can dramatically affect how much you save from similar upgrades.

For example, adding impact windows and roof straps in a Gulf Coast state might unlock large wind credits, whereas the same upgrades in a low-risk inland state might earn only modest discounts.
Checking state insurance department resources and major insurer guides can help you understand how your region handles these issues.

Smart tech and resiliency programs gaining traction

From 2024 through 2025, insurers and security companies increasingly partnered to promote smart home security and leak-detection systems, with data showing big drops in burglary and water loss claims in homes that adopt them.​
By 2026, more homeowners are seeing direct premium incentives to install these devices as part of renovations.

Some carriers also promote broader “resiliency” programs that combine physical hardening, smart monitoring, and better emergency planning, with higher discounts for customers who complete a full package of steps.

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How much can you really save? Averages and calculations

Every home, insurer, and state is different, but it is still helpful to think about typical ranges.
The key point is that savings from multiple upgrades can stack up.

Typical savings range for common upgrades

Based on 2024–2026 research and insurer data:

• A new or impact-resistant roof can often reduce premiums by around 5–35 percent when properly documented.

• Security systems and smart protective devices can bring another 5–20 percent in many cases, especially for monitored systems.

• System upgrades (plumbing, electrical, HVAC), leak detection, and fire safety improvements often contribute several more percentage points each, sometimes totaling 5–15 percent depending on how outdated things were before.

In practice, many homeowners who complete multiple major risk-reducing renovations see total premium reductions in the 5–25 percent range, with higher numbers possible in very high-risk areas that strongly reward mitigation.

Thinking about return on investment (ROI)

Imagine you spend 5,000 dollars extra for an impact-resistant roof instead of a basic one.
If that roof earns you an ongoing insurance discount of, say, 300–1,000 dollars a year (roughly 6–20 percent off a 5,000 dollar premium or 12–40 percent off a 2,500 dollar premium), it can effectively pay for itself over 5–15 years through insurance savings alone, before even counting the reduced risk of damage.

The same idea applies to system upgrades, security, and leak detection.
When you combine lower claim risk, greater peace of mind, and ongoing premium savings, risk-reducing renovations often deliver solid financial value in addition to comfort and safety.

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Frequently asked questions

Do all renovations lower homeowners insurance?

No.
Only renovations that reduce risk—like a new roof, system upgrades, or security and leak detection—are likely to earn discounts.
Projects that add square footage, luxury finishes, or higher-risk features like pools can actually raise your premium because your home costs more to rebuild or insure.

How soon after a renovation can you get a discount?

You can usually request a review as soon as the work is complete and any required inspections are finished.
Some insurers may update your premium mid-term, while others will apply many changes at your next renewal, but you do not need to wait a full year to ask.

What if your renovations increased your home’s value?

If your project made your home larger or significantly more valuable, your dwelling coverage limit may need to go up to keep you fully insured.
This can raise the premium even if you also qualify for discounts, so you might see a higher bill that still reflects a better-protected, more accurately insured home.

What are the best upgrades for your state or region?

The most valuable upgrades depend heavily on local risks.
In hail and wind states, roofs and wind mitigation matter most; in wildfire areas, fire-resistant materials and defensible space are key; and in places with older housing stock, system upgrades and leak detection may carry extra weight.

Do smart home devices qualify for insurance discounts?

Many insurers now give credits for smart devices that directly reduce risk, such as monitored security systems, leak detectors, automatic water shut-off valves, and integrated smoke or CO detectors.
Devices that are purely about convenience are less likely to affect your rate.

Should you shop for a new insurer after renovations?

Yes, it is usually wise to compare quotes after major renovations.
Different companies value specific upgrades differently, so another carrier may offer a much better price for the same renovated home.

Will renovations affect your claims history?

Renovations themselves do not show up as claims, but if you file a claim for damage during the project, that claim will go on your record.
The long-term goal is that risk-reducing renovations will reduce the number and severity of future claims, which usually helps your pricing over time.

How do you prove renovations to your insurer?

You can use contractor invoices, permits, inspection reports, photos, and manufacturer documentation to prove what you have done.
For roofs and wind mitigation, insurers may also rely on specialized inspection forms and aerial or drone imagery.

Do you need to tell your insurer before starting renovations?

For most interior cosmetic work, it is not required, but for major structural changes, long vacancies, or projects involving roof removal or additions, it is smart to notify your insurer in advance.
Some policies have rules about vacant homes or increased construction risk, and your agent can guide you on any temporary changes needed.

Can you get discounts for DIY work, or does it have to be done by a contractor?

Insurers care most that the work is safe and meets code.
DIY work is harder to document and may not be accepted for some discounts if there is no permit or inspection, while licensed contractor work with clear paperwork is easier to verify and credit.​

Do green or energy-efficient upgrades always reduce premiums?

Not always.
Some insurers offer small discounts, endorsements, or rebuild options for green or energy-efficient homes, but the impact on your premium is often modest compared with risk-focused upgrades like roofs or mitigation.​

What if your insurer does not offer many discounts for your renovations?

If your current company does not recognize or strongly reward your upgrades, consider getting quotes from others.
Different insurers have different appetites and discount structures, and some may have specific programs for the kind of renovation you completed.

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Conclusion: Renovate smart, then claim your savings

Renovations are about more than looks and comfort.
When you choose projects that reduce fire, water, wind, and theft risk—and then clearly document and report them—you can often cut your homeowners insurance bill in a meaningful way.

In 2026, insurers are especially focused on roofs, core systems, security, leak detection, and wind or wildfire mitigation, with many offering combined savings in the 5–25 percent range for homes that check several of these boxes.
To benefit, you need to be proactive: gather your paperwork, call your agent, ask about every possible discount, and compare quotes if your current insurer does not fully value your upgrades.

If you recently finished a renovation or plan one soon, now is the time to review your policy, adjust your coverage to match your improved home, and push for the savings your hard work has earned.
A few focused conversations and some organized documents can turn your renovation investment into lower insurance costs for years to come.