Home repairs now can equal more savings later

It comes down to home improvements! Yep certain fixes can get you a big discount on your premium.

Posted 5:03 p.m. Oct 29, 2018 — Updated 10:44 p.m. Oct 29, 2018

Monica Laliberte

, WRAL executive producer/consumer reporter

RALEIGH, N.C. — Getting a new roof can be one of the most expensive home repairs you will have, but it can prevent more expensive issues and insurance companies know that.

Insurance companies incentivize preventative home repairs to eliminate the chances of more costly repairs. Discounts for getting a new roof, can range from 5 percent to as much as 35 percent depending on where you live, the roofing materials you choose and your insurance company.

Another way to gain savings from your insurance company is to install a security system. Customers usually receive savings when security systems are connected to an outside monitoring service.

Upgrading your electrical system to safer standards can also earn you savings with insurance companies.

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"Any type of accidental misuse of an outlet, these will trip," said Contractor Sergio Guzman.

Even adding a stationary generator could land you a discount. It will help make sure appliances that run during an outage are less likely to have a costly mishap.

"We found one company that would give up to 8 percent off your premium if you upgraded your electrical and plumbing," said Consumer Reports spokesperson, Tobie Stanger.

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And don't forget simple precautions like smoke detectors, that are typically required by code. But installing certain ones could get you a 2 to 6 percent insurance discount. Check with your insurance company and the savings will add up.

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