Steve Welty

Issue# 57

July 2025

Happy Saturday, Housing Heroes,

A few days ago, our VP Natalia Vanni sent out an email to the team with some unexpected (but super helpful) tips about home insurance.

She had just bought a new house (huge congrats, Natalia! 🎉) and wanted to share what she learned while trying to lower her insurance premium. Spoiler: she didn’t just call her agent she went full research mode. ChatGPT, articles, deep dives... and then she passed the gold nuggets on to us.

It got me thinking about my own place. I replaced my roof in 2021 and, inspired by Natalia, I sent the paperwork to my insurance agent. Looks like I might be getting a premium reduction too. Win!

So today, I wanted to pass those tips along to you because if you're upgrading your home, there might be savings hiding in plain sight.

Insurance isn’t sexy but saving money is

We don’t talk about insurance often, and when we do, it’s usually because something bad happened.

But if you're planning a renovation or even recently finished one it’s worth checking in with your provider. Because while some upgrades can raise your rate, others can actually lower it.

The Good News: These Upgrades Can Lower Your Premium

Insurance companies reward lower risk. So if you're improving safety or reducing the chance of a claim, you might see that reflected in your premium.

New Roof: A newer roof made with fire-resistant materials can be a game-changer here. Not only for safety but for your premium too. Tip: Ask your contractor for documentation and send it to your agent.

Electrical System Upgrades: Old wiring (think 30+ years) is not just outdated—it’s dangerous. Updating it reduces the risk of fire.

Home Security Systems: Smart cameras, motion sensors, window sensors, and alarms can earn you 5 - 15% off, depending on your provider.

But Heads-Up: Some Renovations Might Raise Your Rate

Pools: They’re fun, but they increase liability. Especially if there’s no fence or safety precautions.

Home Additions: More square footage = more to replace = higher premiums.

Home-Based Businesses: If you're storing inventory or seeing clients, you might need separate or additional coverage.

What to Ask Your Insurance Provider

Before (or after) your next home project, it’s worth asking:

Will this impact my premium?
Do I qualify for any new discounts based on upgrades?
Is my coverage still adequate after the renovation?
Should I increase personal property coverage?
Can I bundle and save more?

Final Thought

Home insurance isn’t something we usually revisit until something goes wrong.

But like Natalia reminded us if you’re already investing in your home, take a few minutes to make sure your insurance is up to date (and hopefully cheaper). A quick call could save you hundreds per year.

Thanks for the tips, Natalia. 🙌

Surviving California's Insurance Crisis

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