What are homeowners insurance credits?
Homeowners insurance credits (sometimes called discounts or preferred pricing programs) are reductions in your insurance premium based on features, devices, upgrades, or maintenance practices that lower risk in your home.
Credits vary by carrier and policy, but they commonly relate to water damage prevention, fire safety, security systems, and the condition of major home systems.
Why don’t these credits apply automatically?
Insurance carriers typically require a homeowner or broker to initiate a review before credits are applied. Even if qualifying devices or upgrades are already in place, they may not be reflected in your premium unless the carrier is aware of them and proper documentation is submitted.
What kinds of credits do insurers commonly offer?
Common categories include:
Security & monitoring (monitored alarms, central station fire alerts)
Water damage prevention (leak sensors, automatic shutoff valves)
Fire safety (smoke detectors, sprinklers, fire-resistant materials)
Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC upgrades
Professional HVAC maintenance contracts
Roof and storm-resistance features
Smart home and environmental monitoring devices
Availability and requirements vary by carrier.
What information does my broker typically need?
Brokers may ask for:
Photos of installed devices
Invoices or receipts
Monitoring certificates
Installation or upgrade dates
Manufacturer or model details
Maintenance contracts or service records
Rafter helps you understand what’s needed and how to provide it.
How does Rafter help me request credits?
After you complete Rafter’s Insurance Review Survey, we generate a broker-ready email you can send directly to your insurance broker. We also provide a matching phone script if you prefer to call.
The email and script:
Request a review of available credits
List relevant devices or installations
Invite the broker to request documentation
Ask about additional discount opportunities
Can I call my insurance company instead of emailing?
Yes. You can call your broker or insurance company using the provided phone script, which mirrors the email language and ensures you ask the right questions.
If the broker asks you to follow up by email, you can send the Rafter-generated email afterward.
Does Rafter talk directly to my insurance broker?
No. Rafter does not communicate directly with your insurance broker.
Instead, we support you behind the scenes by:
Explaining broker or underwriting questions in plain English
Guiding you on what information, documentation, or photos to provide
Helping you prepare clear follow-ups or responses
Identifying next steps and additional credit opportunities
This keeps you in control of the conversation while ensuring you’re fully supported.
What happens after my broker responds?
Once your broker replies, Rafter can help you:
Understand what the broker or carrier is asking for
Gather or recreate documentation
Respond to underwriting questions
Identify additional opportunities to reduce your premium
Rafter stays involved through follow-up, not just the initial request.
What if my broker says I need to install something new to qualify?
If your broker identifies additional devices or upgrades that could unlock credits, Rafter can help you understand what those options are, assess whether they’re worth pursuing, and support documentation once work is complete.
There’s no obligation to move forward with any installation.
Does professional HVAC maintenance really count?
Sometimes. Some carriers recognize documented professional HVAC maintenance contracts as a loss-mitigation factor, especially when paired with newer equipment.
Rafter can help you determine whether it’s worth submitting based on your carrier and policy.
How much does this cost?
This service is 100% free.
Rafter does not charge for:
Reviewing your home for potential insurance credits
Generating broker emails or phone scripts
Helping you understand broker or carrier responses
Supporting follow-ups and documentation
There’s no obligation to install anything or purchase a membership.
Will requesting credits affect my coverage or premium negatively?
Absolutely not. There is no harm and no penalty for asking your broker about available credits.
Insurance carriers benefit from having accurate information about what makes your home safer. Requesting a review does not reduce coverage, trigger penalties, or put your policy at risk.
How long does the process usually take?
It depends on the carrier and your broker’s responsiveness.
Some reviews take a few days, while others—especially those requiring documentation or underwriting approval—may take a few weeks.
If you haven’t received a response after about one week, we recommend following up or calling your broker directly.
Are credits guaranteed?
No. Credits depend on your carrier, policy terms, and documentation approval.
Rafter helps maximize your chances of receiving available credits but cannot guarantee outcomes.
What’s the best first step?
Complete the Rafter Insurance Review Survey. From there, Rafter helps you request credits, follow up effectively, and explore additional ways to reduce your premium.