Improving the safety of your home may be one of the most important steps to minimizing home insurance costs. Often, a home that is a higher risk will require a more extensive insurance policy. Or, the insurer may not offer the same discounts to these property owners as others.  

If you are ready to reduce your home insurance costs, consider these five ways to make your home a bit safer. 

#1: Minimize fire risks throughout the home. 
A good step to do this is simply to look at all your appliances to determine if they are properly working. Are all gas and electrical lines in good working order?  

Have an annual inspection of your HVAC system to look for potential concerns. Walk through the garage looking for potential chemicals or substances that could increase fire risks. 

#2: Amp up the security. 
A home security system can significantly reduce your risks. It works as a deterrent to would-be thieves. It also might help you qualify for a discount on your home insurance plan. Ensure your doors and windows have ample security. Lock them every night and whenever they are not in use. 

#3: Inspect and upgrade your home’s safety monitoring 
Update to a newer smoke detector. Look for those that will detect not only smoke but increased heat. These can alert you to a fire sooner. A carbon monoxide detector is another important tool. It can help to reduce the risk that your family could suffer from this silent killer. 

#4: Add some outdoor lighting. 
Add lights around all portions of your home. You might use solar lights or traditional electricity. Motion-sensor lights are highly effective at helping to deter would-be intruders. They also help to give you the security to know who is at your door. 

#5: Consider a smart home system. 
These can help to reduce risks and increase safety by providing onsite visibility to your home even when you are not at home. Ensure you choose systems that give you light control. This can help you to make your home look like someone is home. 

These simple steps can make a big difference in ensuring your home has protection even when you are away. This can help to minimize your need to file home insurance claims down the road.  

States Insurance Agency can help you get a home insurance policy that takes your needs into account. Call us at 727-863-8818 for more information on home insurance.