Upgrades that harden your home against theft, fire, wind, water, and quakes are especially appealing for insurers. Many carriers offer breaks for proven risk reducers, especially when materials, monitoring, or code-level retrofits are involved.

Below are ten upgrades—seven with near-term savings potential and three longer-term risk reducers—plus realistic cost ranges so you can plan the ROI.

“Your home is likely your most valuable asset, so keeping it protected is a priority,” said Bonnie Lee, a property-claims executive.

Security System

A professionally monitored alarm (door/window sensors, motion, siren, and 24/7 dispatch) can sometimes earn 2% to 15% premium credits, depending on the carrier and proof provided. Extras like monitored leak sensors often boost the discount. DIY gear helps, but insurers generally value third-party listed monitoring most. Typical costs: hardware from about $150; monitoring from roughly $25 per month.

Stronger Roof

Roofs fail first in high wind. Impact-resistant shingles, sealed decks, and hurricane clips or straps that tie roof to walls can materially cut losses and premiums—in some markets by mid-teens percentages in storm-prone areas. Verify manufacturer ratings and ask your carrier which assemblies qualify. Indicative cost: from about $2,000 on a small project, but full replacements commonly run much higher.

Impact Glass

Tempered, laminated, or storm-rated windows resist windborne debris and keep rain out if glazing is struck. In coastal or wind-exposed regions, carriers may discount the windstorm portion of your premium for certified impact glazing and reinforced doors (especially garage doors). Expect from roughly $300 per window; whole-home upgrades vary widely by size and frame type.

Safer Wiring

Outdated electrical systems are a fire risk. Rewiring off knob-and-tube or aluminum branch circuits, installing arc-fault and ground-fault protection, and upgrading panels to current code can unlock credits and smoother underwriting. Full-home electrical updates typically range from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on size, access, and local labor.

Modern Plumbing

Water claims are frequent—and expensive. Replacing brittle supply lines, aging polybutylene or galvanized piping, and installing smart shutoff valves/leak detectors reduce damage severity and may earn discounts. Plan on at least $1,500 for targeted fixes; comprehensive repipes and fixture updates can run into five figures.

Energy Upgrades

“Green home” credits are increasingly common for documented efficiency improvements. Attic and wall insulation, high-performance windows, heat-pump water heaters, and energy audits can qualify with some carriers, especially when third-party building-efficiency documentation is provided. Typical insulation projects average around $1,268, while whole-home envelopes can cost several thousand dollars.

Quake Retrofit

In seismic zones, bolting the sill plate to the foundation, adding cripple-wall bracing, and securing water heaters meaningfully reduce catastrophic loss. Some carriers offer sizable credits where certified retrofits are recorded. Typical retrofit costs: roughly $3,000 to $7,000 for a standard home, depending on access and foundation type.

Smart Lighting

Motion-activated exterior lighting doesn’t usually trigger a discount by itself, but it’s a proven theft deterrent—especially when paired with cameras and a monitored alarm. Fewer break-ins mean fewer claims and steadier premiums over time. Installed cost typically ranges from $350 to $500 for quality fixtures and professional wiring.

Tidy Landscaping

Thoughtful yard work does double duty: it improves sightlines to deter trespassers and reduces physical hazards. Trim limbs clear of the roof, thin dense shrubs near entry points, and remove dead vegetation to lower fire and wind risks. Professional pruning and cleanup often run $1,250 to $6,500, with complex tree work costing more.

HVAC Care

Poorly maintained systems can spark fires or leak condensate into ceilings and walls. Annual service, pan sensors, float switches, and drain-line cleanouts minimize water and electrical losses. Full system replacements average about $7,500, while a single furnace or AC unit often falls between $2,000 and $6,000.

Make It Count

To capture savings, document everything—permits, paid invoices, equipment model numbers, and photos. Then call your agent, submit proof, and ask for a re-rating and any available credits. Don’t upgrade solely for discounts; pick projects that meaningfully reduce your home’s top risks and fit your budget, starting with the hazards most likely to cause costly claims.