Although home insurance is not required by law, it is useful as a protective measure in many situations. Depending on your lifestyle, you may not need as much coverage as your neighbor. Here are some effective ways to significantly reduce your home insurance cost.
- Do Your Homework
The best way to get good deals on insurance is to put in time and research what plans are available online. Insurance companies typically don’t promote home plans discounts, but you may qualify for lower rates if you ask. Low-risk behavior also makes you a perfect candidate for lower premiums since the insurer views you as having fewer chances of filing a claim.
Consider the type of insurance coverage you need based on your location and other factors, such as the number of household members. Make a list of your valuable assets, then discuss the coverage required with an experienced insurance agent.
- Stay in Contact with Your Insurance Agent
Contacting your insurance agent regularly is advantageous since everyone’s life changes over time. Discuss any changes that may affect your policy, such as if you’ve discontinued using something that’s covered.
- Seize Every Available Discount
When you talk with your insurance agent, don’t just pursue one discount; ask if you qualify for multiple discounts for lowering multiple risks. An individual or couple, without children, pets, or tenants, face fewer risks. Let your agent know about risks you’ve mitigated on your own, such as adding a security alarm system or video surveillance cameras to deter crime.
- Raise Your Deductible
Consider adjusting your deductible, which is the amount of cash you need to pay upfront when you file a claim. One way to lower your monthly home insurance premium is to raise your deductible. Conversely, if you prefer paying a lower deductible, you can raise your monthly premium.
- Get Flood Insurance
A standard homeowners policy covers a wide range of disasters, but the coverage is usually limited to certain events. Your policy, for example, might cover certain types of flooding, such as when a pipe breaks. However, you will most likely need extra special coverage to guard against a severe flood capable of destroying your property.
In order to be covered for earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes, you need special add-on coverage to your basic plan. Living in a flood plane means you will be paying higher insurance costs than if you didn’t, so you should consider avoiding flood areas when buying a home. Floods can cause extreme damage and sometimes occur in areas without a history of flooding.
- Explore Options Every Few Years
Insurance companies may raise rates from time to time to reflect broader economic conditions such as inflation or an uptick in the number of home insurance claims filed. Be aware that your rates can change at some point. To ensure you’re getting a good deal for your coverage, it’s best to shop around for new home insurance every few years.
At the very least, you should compare rates between different insurers to determine if you are paying too much. Don’t assume that you have the right policy either, since you may be lacking crucial elements to your coverage. That’s why you should routinely review your policy to ensure that it covers all your valuable possessions. Let your insurer know when you buy new big-ticket items to make sure they’re covered in your plan.
At Reardon Agency, we help homeowners protect their property with a variety of insurance options. Contact our experts today to learn more about protecting your home with the right insurance.
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