Top 10 Insurance Discounts Most People Never Know About
- livingoodscott
- Dec 4
- 3 min read
Save more on home, auto & bundled coverage across Delaware, Maryland & Pennsylvania.
Most people assume their insurance rates are set in stone…but the truth is there are dozens of discounts most drivers and homeowners never claim.
At Downes Insurance, we shop multiple carriers and see firsthand how many customers are leaving money on the table. This guide breaks down the top 10 insurance discounts most people don’t know exist — and how you can start saving today.
1. Multi-Policy Bundles (The Biggest Money Saver)
Bundling is often the largest discount available. Most people know about home + auto, but carriers also offer:
Auto + renters
Home + life
Auto + motorcycle/ATV
Home + boat
Business + commercial auto
Auto + RV/trailer
Most customers only bundle two policies — but bundling three or more can unlock even bigger savings.
2. Advanced Quote / Early Shopper Discount
Some carriers give discounts for quoting ahead of your renewal date — often 7–30 days early. If you wait until the last minute, you may pay more. This is one of the easiest discounts that almost no one knows about.
3. Paperless & Auto-Pay Discounts (Small but Adds Up)
Switching to digital documents and automatic payments can save:
$5–$10 per month on auto
$20–$40 per year on home
It’s small individually — but big when stacked with other discounts.
4. Smart Home Device Discounts
If you have any of the following, you may qualify for a home insurance discount:
Ring or Nest doorbell
Security cameras
Monitored alarm systems
Smart water leak sensors
Smart thermostats
Automatic shut-off water valves
Homeowners rarely tell their agent they installed these — and that means they never get the discount.
5. Good Driver / Safe Driver Programs
Every company has different rules, but you can earn discounts for:
Zero violations or accidents
Completing safe-driver programs
Using telematics apps that track safe driving
Low annual mileage
Driving during low-risk hours
Safe drivers can save up to 20–30% depending on the carrier.
6. Good Student & Distant Student Discounts
Parents — this one’s especially important.
Good Student Discount:
High school or college students with strong grades get big savings.
Distant Student Discount:
If your child goes to school more than 100 miles away without a car, you can get a special discount on your auto policy. Most parents don’t realize this and miss out on hundreds per year.
7. New Roof or Renovation Discounts
Updated homes = lower home insurance risk.
You may qualify if you’ve replaced or updated:
Roof
Plumbing
Electrical system
HVAC system
Windows
Water heater
If you’ve done renovations anytime in the last 10–15 years, tell your agent — companies reward newer and safer homes.
8. Military, First Responder & Professional Discounts
Many carriers offer special discounts for:
Active or former military
Police
Firefighters
EMTs
Teachers
Nurses
Engineers
Certain corporate employers
These vary by company — but when they apply, they can cut costs significantly.
9. Claims-Free Discount
If you haven’t had a claim in 3–5 years, many carriers offer lower rates for both home and auto.
Some even provide extra rewards like:
Accident forgiveness
Deductible reductions
Loyalty bonuses
This is one of the easiest discounts to earn — yet often overlooked.
10. Pay-in-Full Discount
If you can pay your policy upfront instead of monthly, you may save:
5–10% on auto policies
3–5% on home policies
Carriers ove lower administrative work — and they reward you for it.
BONUS: Discounts That Are Becoming More Popular in 2025
These aren’t mainstream yet, but they’re growing fast:
✔ Hybrid or Electric Vehicle Discounts
✔ New Customer Switch Discounts
✔ Low-Income Relief Discounts (specific carriers only)
✔ Gated Community Discounts
✔ Retired / Not-Working-Full-Time Discounts
✔ Anti-theft Device Rebates
If you’ve improved security or changed your lifestyle, you may qualify for savings without even knowing it.
How to Get All the Discounts You Deserve
The problem?Most people don’t know what their company offers — and they’re locked into a single carrier.
At Downes Insurance, we:
✔ Shop multiple carriers
✔ Look for every discount you qualify for
✔ Re-shop your coverage each year
✔ Customize your policies based on your life
✔ Help you bundle for maximum savings
You shouldn’t have to chase savings — we do it for you.
Start Saving Today Across Delaware, Maryland & Pennsylvania
If you want to find out how much you could save:
Get a free quote at www.downesinsurance.net 302-422-8863
Downes Insurance — Local, trusted, and proudly serving DE, MD & PA.
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