How Smart Homeowners Reduce Risk: Expert Strategies for Preventing Claims and Lowering Premiums

Two homeowners were out of town when their $5 million Washington, D.C. residence experienced a scenario nobody ever wants to face. 

A sprinkler line had burst and water was cascading through their house's interior. It seeped into custom millwork, pooled on beloved furniture, and ruined decades of collected memories and irreplaceable memorabilia. With each passing minute, the damage compounded, and no one was there to stop the water supply. 

Fortunately, their water leak detection system worked exactly as designed, sending them an immediate alert. Their trusted contractor was able to arrive on scene within 45 minutes, and worked quickly to contain what could have been an even more devastating situation. Unfortunately, the damage had already taken hold.  

Final tally: $300,000 in losses. 

The missing piece here was an automatic shutoff valve that could have stopped the flow of water the moment the leak was detected. Detection alerts are critical, but when you're miles away from home, knowing about a problem doesn't get you very far. Real protection comes from having systems that can act immediately, even when you can't.  

Stories like this don't have to be inevitable. As an insurance advisor, I've witnessed firsthand how proactive risk management can completely change outcomes. Many of the families I work with are busy living full lives, some managing multiple properties—but they all seem to share one priority: peace of mind. They rely on our team at B. F. Saul to help them protect what matters most, in a way that feels manageable and smart. 

Let's walk through the steps I recommend to avoid the stress of unexpected claims and to lower your homeowner's insurance premiums. 

The Most Common Claim Culprits 

The vast majority of property claims we handle are related to water. Some start with a broken pipe; others come from an overflowing tub, a malfunctioning sump pump, or a wind-damaged roof that lets rain inside. No matter how the water gets in, it almost always causes expensive damage.  

And then there’s flooding risk. Many clients think they don’t need flood insurance because they are not in a flood zone. But if it can rain, it can flood—and low risk doesn’t mean no risk. That’s why we now recommend flood coverage to nearly everyone, regardless of their location. 

Tree-related claims are also increasing. High winds, heavy rains, and saturated soil are making trees more unstable, even in neighborhoods that rarely dealt with this in the past. Whether it’s your tree or your neighbor’s, falling limbs or uprooted trunks can lead to large, complex claims. 

Also, we see many claims related to location-specific risks. In Virginia, it might be basement flooding from poor drainage. In California, it’s wildfires. In Florida, hurricanes. Tornadoes in the Midwest. Your insurance strategy should reflect the risks of your geography. 

Smart Home Risk Prevention: Tools That Work 

Technology doesn’t replace a good policy, but it does help prevent damage. The right systems can also earn you discounts or keep you eligible for coverage after a claim.  

Here are the tools we recommend most often. 

1. Water Leak Sensors: These small puck-like devices are placed near sinks, hot water heaters, or appliances. They alert you to a leak but do not stop the water. Leak sensors are a great choice for first-time homeowners or anyone not ready to invest in a full shutoff valve system. But as the D.C. example shows, detection alone isn’t always enough.  
2. Automatic Water Shutoff Valves: This system will shut off water supply if it detects unusual water flow. If you’ve experienced a water claim in the past, your carrier may require this system to continue coverage. Even without a past claim, some insurers offer incentives or discounts for installing one. We often recommend brands like Flow Logic, StreamLabs, Moen, and Leak Defense, though your B. F. Saul advisor can help assess the best fit for your home.
3. Condensate Overflow Switches: For homes with HVAC units in the attic, we often recommend installing a condensate overflow switch. It stops your AC if the condensate tray starts to overflow. It’s simple, inexpensive, and surprisingly effective.
4. Ting Fire Prevention Device: Ting monitors your home’s electrical system for arcing, a common cause of house fires. It plugs into any outlet and alerts you before things get dangerous. Some insurers recognize Ting as a smart risk management move. Personally, I think it’s one of the most underused tools out there, especially for older homes.
5. Smart Smoke and CO Detectors: Smart detectors send mobile alerts and self-test automatically, but not all systems are considered measurably effective by carriers. Most carriers prefer systems that are centrally monitored by a third-party provider, rather than self-monitored devices like Ring.  
6. Smart Thermostats: In addition to saving energy, smart thermostats can alert you if your home gets too cold or too hot, which can help prevent frozen pipes or heat-related damage. They’re particularly useful for second homes or frequent travelers.
7. Home Monitoring Systems: Full monitoring systems give you real-time oversight of your home’s safety. They often include water, smoke, motion, and entry detection, all connected through a central app. For those who spend a lot of time away from home, these systems can prevent losses and provide peace of mind. 

Physical Protections That Make a Big Impact 

You don’t need a gadget for everything. In fact, some of the best risk management steps are simple, manual improvements. 

• Grading, French Drains, and Sump Pumps: Exterior water should never run toward your home. Poor grading, clogged drains, or missing sump pumps can all lead to basement flooding and foundation issues. 
  
  I recently had to install a sump pump in my own home. It was not cheap, but it solved a recurring water issue that would have likely led to claims. This kind of fix not only protects your house but can make it more appealing to insurers. 
  
  
• Tree Risk and Arborist Consultations: Tree damage is expensive and difficult to clean up. I always recommend having an arborist assess your trees and, if possible, any neighboring trees that hang over your property. Preventive assessments usually cost far less than post-storm cleanup. 

Why These Tools Matter for Your Insurance 

Homeowners often ask if these devices will lower their premiums. In many cases, the answer is yes. Equally important is how these tools can protect your future insurability. 

Carriers are tightening their rules, with some pulling out of certain states or requiring extra protections just to write or renew a policy. In this environment, it helps your case if you can show you’ve taken steps to reduce risk. 

Having tools like the ones we've gone over can: 

• Prevent or reduce claims
• Open the door to preferred carriers
• Support better pricing 

Underwriters look at two things: what they can’t control, and what you can. You can't move your house; but you can control how well it is protected. 

Our Process: Advocacy Before and After the Claim 

At B. F. Saul, we always ask our clients to call us first if something goes wrong. That way, we can guide you through the claim process from the very start and make sure nothing gets missed.  

Our team tracks communications with the carrier, ensures deadlines are met, and steps in if there is a dispute. We only work with highly rated carriers that are known for white-glove service and quick resolutions. 

We also help connect clients with additional risk management tools offered by those carriers, from cybersecurity consultations to personal property inventories and home inspections. These resources are part of your coverage but often go unused. 

Final Advice: Your Risk Is Unique, and So Is Your Strategy 

If you are buying, building, or updating a high-value home, the best first step is a conversation with your insurance advisor. 

A 30-minute call can reveal risks you haven’t considered and introduce solutions you may not know exist. From smart home risk prevention to overlooked physical upgrades, there are always ways to reduce exposure and gain more control. 

Insuring a home is not one-size-fits-all decision. It's a process that weighs your needs, risk tolerance, and budget. 

If you’re ready to take a proactive approach to your home’s safety, reach out to our team to explore how you can reduce risk and secure coverage tailored to your needs.