Homeowners across Texas are feeling the pressure of rising insurance costs. Severe weather, hail exposure, higher rebuilding expenses and changes within the insurance market can all affect premiums.
It is natural to want a better price, but lowering the premium should never mean leaving your home or finances poorly protected. The aim is to remove unnecessary costs, find every appropriate discount and make sure the policy still has the coverage you would need after a serious loss.
Here is a practical step-by-step guide to reviewing your homeowners insurance and finding sensible opportunities to save.
**Updated version - September 2026**
1. Start with a proper coverage review
Before looking for a lower premium, check whether your present policy still reflects your home and circumstances.
Tell your insurance agent about changes such as:
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Renovations or additions
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A new roof, electrical system, plumbing or HVAC
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A swimming pool, trampoline or other higher-risk feature
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New jewelry, art, electronics or collectibles
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A home-based business
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A security or water-leak detection system
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Changes in who lives at the property
Some changes may increase the coverage you need, while others may make you eligible for different pricing or discounts. An annual review helps prevent both overpaying for outdated information and discovering a coverage gap when it matters most.
2. Check the estimated cost to rebuild your home
Your dwelling coverage is generally based on the estimated cost of rebuilding the structure—not the home's sale price or the value of the land.
Construction materials and labor costs change over time. If your rebuilding estimate is too low, you could be underinsured. If information about your home is inaccurate, your premium or coverage recommendation may also be affected.
Ask your agent to review the replacement-cost estimate and confirm that the home's size, age, construction, roof and major improvements are recorded correctly.
3. Review every deductible - not just the main one
A higher deductible may reduce your premium, but it also increases the amount you must pay before insurance responds to a covered loss.
Texas homeowners may see separate deductibles for wind, hail, named storms or other losses. Percentage deductibles can represent a substantial amount because they are generally calculated using the insured value shown on the policy.
Choose deductibles you could realistically afford after an unexpected event. Saving on the premium is not worthwhile if the deductible would prevent you from making necessary repairs.
4. Ask about available discounts
Discounts differ by insurance company, property and policy. Ask whether you may qualify for savings connected with:
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Combining home and auto insurance
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A monitored alarm or security system
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Smoke detectors or other protective devices
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Water-leak detection or automatic shut-off systems
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A newer or impact-resistant roof
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Updated electrical, plumbing or heating systems
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A claims-free history
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Paying the premium in full or using automatic payments
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Being a new-home buyer, retiree or long-term policyholder
Not every discount is available from every carrier, and eligibility requirements vary. This is one reason an independent insurance broker can be valuable.
5. Review home and auto insurance together
Placing home and auto insurance with the same carrier may qualify you for a multi-policy discount. However, bundling is not automatically the best answer for every household.
In some cases, the strongest home option and the strongest auto option may come from different carriers. The right decision should consider the combined cost, deductibles, limits, exclusions and service—not simply the size of the advertised discount.
Thumann Insurance Agency can review both your Texas homeowners insurance and auto insurance together to identify a sensible overall arrangement.
6. Strengthen and maintain the property
Some improvements may reduce risk and could help with eligibility or pricing, depending on the carrier. These may include:
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Repairing or replacing an aging roof
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Installing impact-resistant roofing materials
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Updating outdated wiring, plumbing or heating systems
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Adding smoke, fire, burglar or water-leak detection
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Trimming trees and addressing hazards near the home
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Keeping records and receipts for completed improvements
Ask your agent before undertaking work solely for an insurance discount. The size and availability of discounts vary, and an improvement should make financial and practical sense in its own right.
7. Think carefully before making a small claim
Home insurance is designed to protect against covered losses, but a claim can become part of the property's claims history and may affect future pricing or eligibility.
Before filing a minor claim, compare the estimated covered damage with the applicable deductible. You can also ask your insurance professional general questions about the policy, although only the insurer can make a coverage decision.
Never delay reporting urgent damage, and take reasonable steps to prevent further loss. If you are unsure what your policy requires, contact your carrier promptly.
8. Do not remove important protection just to lower the premium
A cheaper policy may include narrower coverage, lower limits or larger deductibles. Pay particular attention to:
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Dwelling replacement-cost provisions
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Personal-property settlement terms
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Wind and hail deductibles
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Water backup coverage
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Additional living expense limits
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Personal liability limits
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Roof-payment provisions
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Coverage for jewelry, art and other valuable property
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover every risk. Flooding is generally excluded and normally requires separate flood insurance. Review exclusions carefully rather than assuming the least expensive policy offers equivalent protection.
9. Review your policy before renewal—not after it renews
Do not wait until the final day to question a renewal increase. Review the renewal documents early enough to:
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Confirm the property information is correct
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Understand changes in premium, limits and deductibles
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Ask whether discounts are still applied
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Update your replacement-cost estimate
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Consider other suitable carrier options
Existing Thumann clients can request a personal insurance renewal review.
10. Work with an independent Texas insurance broker
A captive agent generally represents one insurance company. An independent broker can access multiple carriers and help evaluate differences in coverage, underwriting and price.
Thumann Insurance Agency has served Texas families and businesses since 1996 and works with more than 80 insurance carriers. Our role is to help you understand your options and choose coverage suited to your home, finances and risk - not simply to chase the lowest number on the page.
The goal is better value, not simply a cheaper policy
Saving on homeowners insurance is worthwhile when it comes from accurate information, appropriate discounts, sensible deductibles and a well-structured policy. It is not worthwhile when it leaves you exposed to a loss you could not afford.
If your premium has increased, your home has changed or it has been a while since your last review, Thumann Insurance Agency can take a fresh look at your coverage.
Call (972) 991-9100 or request a homeowners insurance quote.
About the Author
Lauren Thumann, Marketing Director at Thumann AgencyLauren has been with the Thumann Insurance Agency for over a decade, helping Texas home and business owners navigate their insurance options with ease. With a passion for making complex topics simple, Lauren focuses on providing valuable insights that empower clients to make informed decisions.
Sources and disclaimer
This article is provided for general educational purposes. Insurance coverage, eligibility, discounts, deductibles, limits and exclusions vary by policy and carrier. Nothing in this article changes the terms of an insurance policy or guarantees savings or coverage. Contact Thumann Insurance Agency for advice based on your circumstances and refer to your policy and carrier for specific coverage information.