Home Insurance Savings Most People Miss
About this video
Want to keep your insurance costs LOW? 🚗🏡💵 In this video, we reveal the TOP 5 things you MUST do to keep your insurance premiums down and save big money every year.
These tips will help you protect your wallet without losing coverage.
What affects your insurance rates How to avoid hidden premium hikes Easy ways to qualify for discounts The biggest mistakes homeowners and drivers make Proven hacks to lower monthly costs
Key takeaways
- Jason talks with Jess of Goosehead Insurance about what drives homeowners insurance premiums. Location matters: some carriers won't write policies in certain counties, and flood zones and local crime affect price.
- Fire protection matters a lot on rural property: carriers look for a hydrant within about 1,000 feet and a fire station within about 5 miles. On a roughly $1 million home, she's seen premiums around $5,600 a year inside those limits versus about $13,000 outside.
- Your insurance score reflects your claims history; even calling to ask about a claim can be recorded. Water damage from maintenance issues (like a failed sump pump) hurts most; storms count less. Small claims can raise premiums for three to five years, so consider paying minor repairs yourself.
- The house itself: carriers want roofs about 10 years old or newer, may refuse aging cedar shake roofs, and often won't cover knob-and-tube wiring. Wood or coal stoves as a secondary heat source add risk.
- Deductibles are rising: higher deductibles lower premiums, and separate wind and hail deductibles of about 1% of dwelling coverage (about $5,000 on a $500,000 home) are now common. Minnesota has been a loss state for insurers in recent years, largely because of hail.
- Be upfront about short-term rentals, certain dog breeds, trampolines, pools and hot tubs. Specialized coverage exists, and hiding them can void a claim.
Questions this video answers
Why are homeowners insurance rates rising in Minnesota?
Largely hail. Minnesota has been a loss state for insurers in recent years, so carriers are raising premiums and deductibles and adding separate wind and hail deductibles, often about 1% of dwelling coverage.
Should I file a small homeowners insurance claim?
Often not. Claims stay on your record for three to five years and can raise premiums or affect coverage, so paying for small repairs yourself can save money over time.
Does the age of my roof affect home insurance?
Yes. Many carriers want roofs about 10 years old or newer and may limit or deny coverage on older roofs, especially aging cedar shake.
Read more: Buy a home · Lake homes
Notes written by Huerkamp Home Group from this video. Figures are as stated in the video on September 16, 2025; check the current numbers in our market reports.
