By Katharine Marrs
An insurance policy is not just a contract, it’s a relationship between the policyholder and the insurance company. Insurance carriers earn trust by providing transparent communication and timely claims resolutions. Policyholders can also strengthen the relationship by taking steps to reduce their individual risk and protect insurabilty for years to come.
Practice good driving habits
A large number of accidents and traffic violations can increase auto premiums, or limit access to standard insurance carriers. Policyholders may consider taking a defensive driving course or signing up for a telematics program to monitor driving.
Longevity with auto carrier
Staying with one auto insurance carrier for several years instead of switching carriers frequently helps establish stability. It allows policyholders to build a history of safe driving and on-time payments. Insurance carriers may also recognize tenure with loyalty credits.
Carry a higher deductible
Increasing the deductible amount typically reduces the premium, with the expectation that the policyholder will absorb the cost of minor repairs themselves rather than filing a claim. Insurance would still respond in the event of a large loss that is above the deductible threshold. Plus, policies with few or no claims may avoid surcharges and qualify for discounts.
Early detection devices
Safety features like smoke alarms and automatic water shut-off valves increase the resilience of a property and decrease the likelihood of having a claim. They could also reduce the severity of a claim if one does occur.
Home maintenance and updates
Proactive maintenance tasks like trimming overgrown tree branches or repairing sidewalk cracks show responsibility by making efforts to avoid preventable losses. Repairs are also important after a claim, to demonstrate a commitment to mitigating any further loss. Updates such as roof replacements or upgrades to heating, electrical, and plumbing systems help prevent future losses.
About Howard Hanna
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services proudly provides real estate, mortgage, title, and insurance services across 18 states. As the largest family-owned and -operated real estate brokerage in the United States, Howard Hanna operates more than 500 offices with 15,000 sales associates and staff. The company’s proprietary Hanna Success System helps its agents achieve 53% more business than agents at the top 1000 brokerages nationally. Learn more at www.HowardHanna.com.
Last modified: October 27, 2026