Homeowners insurance. You know you need it, but you really dont like paying an arm and a leg for it. Sound familiar? If so, youre not alone. But saving on home insurance isnt time consuming or impossible. With a few simple tips, you can shrink your home insurance premium and keep your house adequately protected for years to come! Saving Tip #1: Buy Car and Home Insurance from the Same Insurer Buying both your car and home insurance from the same insurer will grant you a multiple policy discount, which can save you anywhere from five to 15 percent on your policy. Just make sure the combined price of home and auto insurance is lower than what youd pay with a different company. Saving Tip #2: Inquire about Discounts On top of a multiple policy discount for auto and homeowners insurance, remember to ask your agent about discounts for: - Home security devices
- Additional smoke detectors
- Home sprinkler systems
- Dead bolts on doors or windows
- Modernized home plumbing
- Being over 55 years of age and retired
These discounts can add up to some pretty hefty savings, so be sure to do your homework and ask about any and all discounts for which you think you may apply. Saving Tip #3: Increase Your Deductible Increasing your deductiblethe amount you pay out-of-pocket when filing a claimwill have a substantial impact on your premium. Thats because any money you pay toward a claim means less money for your insurer to pay out. Just make sure you choose a deductible you can afford if you have to file a claim! Saving Tip #4: Review Your Policy Annually While youll want to have protection on any new additions or purchases to your home, you dont want to pay for coverage you dont need. Reviewing your policy every year will help you to make sure youre not paying for extra coverage. So if you sold Aunt Bettys antique china in the last year, be sure to let your agent know so he or she can adjust your premium accordinglyand put money back in your pocket. Additional Tip: Home inventory checklists are made available by many insurers and consumer groups. You can visit the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) online to print a copy and take an inventory of your belongings. Saving Tip #5: Shop Around While insurance companies are regulated by your state, most companies can offer similar policies for very different prices. Therefore, comparing multiple homeowners insurance quotes is by far the best way to find the most affordable home insurance. The advent of the Internet has made this task even easierallowing you to compare multiple quotes without flipping through the phone book in search of an insurer. Start Saving Today! Say goodbye to expensive homeowners insurance premiums and find the cheap home insurance you need to protect your treasured abode. Use these tips to enjoy savings success for years to come! |