subject: Home Insurance Is Essential To Protecting Yourself And Your Assets [print this page] Consider geography when you consider how much your home insurance policy will cost. Regardless of the materials used for your home, where it's located can make a huge difference in cost. Homes at the beach or near a large lake, will cost more to insure, as will homes in a earthquake prone zone. Make sure to budget these factors in when selecting your policy.
If you don't have one already, install a home security system and let your insurer know. Use a reputable company so that your insurer will give you the maximum discount you are entitled to. A safe house will not only give you peace of mind, but will lower your premiums.
Take some time to understand what your deductibles are for your home insurance policy. If a major event happens to your home you could be out a lot of money before the policy takes affect. So whenever possible and if your budget allows it, get your deductibles as low as possible.
Take the time to check into the cost of your deductible, as well as the price of your monthly premium. You may find that you can lower the cost of your deductible, if you increase the monthly payment. This will not cost a substantial difference monthly, but will help you out when you need to file a claim.
Do everything possible to prevent yourself having to make a claim on your home insurance. If you don't make any claims with your home insurance provider, you can build up a no-claims discount. After five years of no claims, many insurance companies offer discounts of 50% or more on your annual premiums.
Talk to your insurance agent or company and find out ways you can protect your home from natural disasters or preventable claims. Retrofitting a home with items like storm shutters or roof reinforcement makes your home more likely to withstand storms and also may affect your home owner insurance premium.
If you have a wood burning fireplace or wood-stove, consider switching to gas or alternate fuels to reduce home owner insurance premiums. Often, wood burning heat sources result in a surcharge or additional premium. Changing to a different fuel source can prevent this additional charge from being added to your policy.
Find a company that will give you multiple policy discounts. If you have your homeowners, auto, life and disability insurance all under one roof, so to speak, then you can often get a substantial discount on your rates. Ask your current company if this is an option for you.
If you live in a flood plain, an area prone to floods or an area prone to mud slides, look into purchasing supplemental flood insurance coverage. Most standard home owner's policies do not provide coverage for floods, but you can purchase coverage through the federal government for flood or mud slide damage.
Keep these guidelines in mind when you are ready to purchase your home insurance policy. Keep your focus the information you have just learned, then you will have enough data to make an informed decision.
by: Lowell Ballantine
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