A new report released by The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. reveals a notable gap between homeowners’ awareness of home risk prevention tools and their actual implementation. The 2025 Hanover Home Report: Loss Prevention, based on a survey conducted by The Harris Poll, shows that while many American homeowners recognize common risks to their property, far fewer take action to prevent potential damage.
The survey, conducted in March 2025 among 1,111 homeowners, focused on three major risk areas: water damage, structural safety, and fire prevention. Respondents were asked about their familiarity with relevant safety technologies and the preventative steps they’ve taken.
Water Damage Prevention
Non-weather-related water damage remains a leading cause of insurance claims. According to the report:
- 79% of homeowners are aware of water sensors.
- 76% are familiar with automatic water shutoff devices.
- However, only 16% have installed water sensors or confirmed their presence in their homes.
- Just 13% have installed or verified the presence of automatic water shutoff devices.
Structural Safety
Damage from wind and hail is also a frequent source of claims. The report found:
- 61% of respondents know about fortified roofing materials.
- 59% are aware of wind-rated garages.
- Despite this, only 17% have upgraded their roofs with fortified materials.
- Only 10% have installed or verified wind-rated garages.
- However, the percentage of homeowners who checked their roof condition within the past year increased from 38% in 2024 to 57% in 2025.
Fire Prevention
Home fire-related incidents are among the most financially damaging. Awareness levels for fire safety tools are high:
- 99% of homeowners are aware of smoke detectors.
- 97% are aware of fire alarms.
- Yet only 67% have installed or confirmed the presence of smoke detectors.
- 62% have cleaned dryer vents in the past year.
- 57% have serviced HVAC systems or changed filters within the last 12 months.
Recommendations for Homeowners
The report includes several recommendations to help reduce risks and potential losses:
- Install water sensors and automatic shutoff devices: These tools are cost-effective and can prevent extensive water damage.
- Conduct regular inspections: Annual checks of roofs, HVAC systems, and water heaters can identify issues before they escalate.
- Perform routine maintenance: Cleaning gutters and trimming trees may help prevent damage during storms.
- Enhance fire safety practices: Routine cleaning of dryer vents and installation of smoke detectors are key measures.
Industry Commentary
While the report does not make specific predictions, it includes commentary from Daniel C. Halsey, president of personal lines at The Hanover, who noted that “as weather becomes more severe and risks evolve,” homeowners increasingly need to take proactive steps to protect their homes.
The report suggests that more work is needed to help homeowners move from awareness to action when it comes to home safety.
About the Study
The survey was conducted online in the United States from March 25–27, 2025, with a sample of 1,111 adults aged 18 and older who own a home. The data carries a margin of error of ±3.6 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
For further details or to access the full report, visit hanover.com.
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