June 2026: Asking for a Friend

Insurance can be confusing — and most people have questions they feel like they should already know the answer to.

That’s where Asking for a Friend comes in.

This monthly feature tackles real insurance questions we hear all the time — the ones people hesitate to ask because they don’t want to sound uninformed. (Spoiler: you’re not.)

No jargon. No judgment. Just clear, honest answers to help you make sense of how coverage actually works in real life.

Have a question of your own?
You’re probably not the only one wondering.

👉 Ask your question here →

We’ll answer one or more questions each month — anonymously — in our newsletter and on the blog.

👀 ASKING FOR A FRIEND Kennton Hoffman, Founder/CEO

June 2026

Do Safety Devices and Driving Apps Really Save Money on Insurance?

Q: Do devices like home water shut-off valves with monitoring, security systems, sump pump backups, or driving-habit apps really save money on insurance — enough to offset the cost?

— Greg

A: Great question. I’d break this down into two parts: auto programs and home devices.

1) Driving-habit apps and auto insurance

Many personal auto insurance carriers offer app-based or device-based programs that track driving habits. These programs may look at things like braking, acceleration, speed, mileage, time of day, and phone use while driving.

As far as I know, most carriers provide these programs free of charge for personal auto policies. Commercial auto policies can be different.

Many carriers also offer an upfront discount — often around 5% to 10% — just for signing up. From there, your final discount may depend on how well you score in the program.

That said, before signing up, it’s worth asking a few questions:

If I score poorly, can my rate increase?
Can I opt out if I don’t like the program?
Can I retake or restart the program later?
How long does the program last?
What driving behaviors are being tracked?
Is the discount guaranteed, or does it depend on my score?

In my experience, many people who use 90-day programs do well enough to earn a discount. I’ve often seen people earn an average discount around 17%, though results vary by carrier, program, and driving habits.

2) Home devices: water shut-off valves, monitoring systems, sump pump backups, and security systems

For homeowners, devices like monitored security systems, sump pump backups, water sensors, and automatic water shut-off valves can sometimes qualify for discounts, depending on the carrier.

An automatic water shut-off valve is a device that can detect unusual water flow or a leak and shut off the water supply to help prevent major damage. Some systems also include monitoring or app alerts, so you can be notified if something is wrong while you’re away from home.

Sump pump backup systems can also be helpful, especially during heavy rain or power outages. Depending on the setup, they may help prevent water from backing up into a basement if the main sump pump fails.

The important thing to know is this: while some carriers do offer discounts for these systems, the discount usually does not come close to covering the full cost of the device or installation.

So, do they save money?

They can — but often the biggest savings come from preventing a loss in the first place.

I’ve seen and been part of many water losses, and they are not fun. A significant water loss can mean cleanup, repairs, time, stress, and paying a deductible. If a system helps you avoid that, the value can go far beyond the insurance discount.

Bottom line

Driving-habit apps may provide a meaningful auto insurance discount, especially if you’re a safe driver — but ask questions before signing up so you understand how the program works.

Home monitoring devices and shut-off systems may also qualify for discounts, but the bigger benefit is usually loss prevention and peace of mind.

If you’re considering one of these devices or programs, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance agent first. We can help you understand whether your carrier offers a discount, what documentation may be needed, and whether the potential savings make sense for your situation.

Pro tip: If you have questions, call or email us. Sometimes a 2-minute conversation saves a lot of frustration.

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June Recipe of the Month: Chicken Caesar Wraps

June 18, 2026

So simple to make at home and 1000% worth the little effort it requires.

The Summer Go Bag: A Tiny Kit That Saves the Day

June 18, 2026

The Summer Go Bag: A Tiny Kit That Saves the Day Summer has a way of making “quick little outings” turn into full-blown adventures. A trip to the pool becomes dinner on the way home. A Saturday errand turns into a stop at the park. A lake day somehow requires 47 items, three snacks, and at least one person asking, “Did anyone bring sunscreen?” Enter: The Summer Go Bag . It doesn’t have to be fancy. It doesn’t have to be perfectly organized. It’s just a small tote, backpack, bin, or canvas bag you keep stocked with the little things that make summer life easier. Think of it as your warm-weather backup plan. What to put in your Summer Go Bag: Sunscreen + bug spray Because nothing ruins a good day faster than realizing you needed both about two hours ago. Reusable water bottles Keep one or two empty bottles in the bag, or toss in a couple of bottles of water before you leave. A small first-aid kit Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain reliever, allergy medicine, and any must-have family basics. Phone charger or power bank Especially helpful for road trips, long days out, or those “I swear my phone was at 42% five minutes ago” moments. Wet wipes + tissues For sticky hands, spilled drinks, mystery car messes, and every parent/grandparent/aunt/uncle who has learned the hard way. A lightweight towel or blanket Great for parks, wet seats, surprise splash pads, outdoor concerts, or impromptu picnics. A few snacks Granola bars, crackers, trail mix, fruit snacks — anything that can survive a little heat and prevent a hunger-related family incident. Plastic bags or a small trash bag For wet swimsuits, muddy shoes, snack wrappers, or anything you don’t want touching the rest of your car. Spare sunglasses or a hat Simple, useful, and always appreciated when someone forgets theirs. Pet basics, if applicable A leash, collapsible water bowl, waste bags, and a small towel can make pet-friendly outings much easier. Where to keep it: Your car is usually the easiest spot, especially if you’re often on the go. If your vehicle gets too hot, keep heat-sensitive items like sunscreen, medicine, and snacks inside the house and toss them in before you leave. You can also make a smaller version for: Pool bags Lake bags Sports practices Road trips Grandkid days Dog park visits The real trick: Restock when you get home The Go Bag only works if it’s ready when you need it. After a busy weekend, take two minutes to replace what you used: snacks, wipes, sunscreen, bandages, water bottles, or plastic bags. That tiny reset makes the next outing so much easier. Summer should feel a little more spontaneous — and a little less like you’re packing for an expedition every time you leave the house. A simple Go Bag won’t solve everything, but it might just save the day.