How Can I Lower My Home Insurance Premium?

The Texas Department of Insurance’s advice for a premium that went up is simple: shop around, ask about discounts and look at your deductible. It also reminds shoppers that a good price is only a bargain if you also get good service. Here’s how to apply each step.

1. Compare quotes on the same coverage

Insurers charge different rates for the same home. To compare fairly, ask each quote to use the same dwelling limit, deductibles, liability limit and endorsements. TDI’s discount guide says it’s a good idea to shop at least every three years and that you often get the best rates when you’re willing to switch companies. Use the comparison checklist.

2. Ask for every discount

TDI lists discounts insurers may offer, including:

• Monitored burglar or fire alarms and smart-home or leak-detection devices.
• Smoke detectors and sprinkler systems.
• New or recently renovated homes.
• Impact-resistant or newer roofs.
• Claim-free history.
• Having auto or other policies with the same company (bundling).
• Staying with the same company for several years.
• Being a member of the military or certain groups.

Not every insurer offers every discount. See the discounts guide for what to ask.

3. Choose the deductible deliberately

TDI notes that raising a deductible from $500 to $1,000 can save up to 20% on the premium. Illustration only: on a $2,000 premium, a 20% savings would be $400 per year, while you would pay $500 more out of pocket on each claim. If you rarely file small claims and have savings to cover the higher amount, the trade may make sense. See choosing a deductible.

4. Fix property details

Check square footage, construction type, roof age and material, updates to plumbing, wiring and heating, and security features. Errors can push a quote in either direction.

5. Invest in upgrades insurers reward

TDI notes that some insurers discount roofs made of impact-resistant materials. Ask before you replace a roof which materials qualify and what documentation the insurer needs.

What not to cut

• Dwelling limit: TDI warns that underinsuring can reduce claim payments. See the 80% rule.
• Liability limit: a lawsuit can cost far more than a premium savings.
• Coverages you truly need, such as water backup in a home with a basement.

When you call for a quote, ask the agent to show each discount applied and the price at two or three deductible levels.

By phone

What happens when you call

A conversation lets the agent ask about your specific home instead of relying on a generic online estimate. There are no online forms to fill out.

1. 1

   Describe your home

   Share the address, size, age, construction, and roof or system updates. You do not need every detail to start.

2. 2

   Talk through coverage

   Explain what you want covered and ask about limits, deductibles, and exclusions that apply to your property.

3. 3

   Compare and decide

   Ask for the written quote terms and compare them before deciding. A call or a quote does not start coverage.

Sources and how this page was checked

Page updated October 23, 2026

This page is general information written from the public sources below. It has not been reviewed by an insurance company, attorney or licensed agent for your situation. Your policy form, endorsements, insurer and state rules decide what is covered.

Sources

• Texas Department of Insurance — Did your homeowners premium go up?Retrieved and reviewed October 25, 2026 for renewal-increase steps: compare rates, verify discounts and weigh a higher deductible.
• Texas Department of Insurance — Lower your home insurance cost by asking for discountsRetrieved and reviewed October 25, 2026 for common discount categories (security and fire systems, newer or renovated homes, roof materials and age, claim-free history, bundling, loyalty, smart devices, military or other groups) and the suggestion to shop at least every three years.
• Texas Department of Insurance — DeductiblesRetrieved and reviewed October 25, 2026 for dollar vs. percentage deductibles (worked example on a $150,000 home), per-claim application and the premium tradeoff of a higher deductible.
• Texas Department of Insurance — Insurance and your roofRetrieved and reviewed October 25, 2026 for roof replacement cost vs. actual cash value, roof settlement changes at renewal, separate wind/hail deductibles, two-payment replacement-cost claims and pre-policy roof inspections.
• Texas Department of Insurance — Building costs and home insuranceRetrieved and reviewed October 25, 2026 for insured value vs. appraisal, the 80% insurance-to-value requirement some insurers use and its proportional-payment example.

Before you rely on this page

• Read your declarations page, policy form and every endorsement; they control over any summary.
• Ask the insurer or agent to confirm limits, deductibles and exclusions in writing before you buy or cancel coverage.
• For state rules, deadlines or complaints, check your state insurance department directly.