Homeowners insurance can take a big bite out of your budget, so you want to get the best price possible. If you get the best price you can now, the savings will add up over the number of years you will be paying homeowners insurance premiums. If you investigate the different policies before you buy, you will cut your insurance expense. Read on for help on what to look for in your policy.
Not everyone bothers to investigate how insurance premiums are figured but for those who do – saving money is their reward. Plus by doing the research you will better understand what your policy covers.
1.Coverage – In general online home insurance covers damage or loss to your home and its contents, but some policies may offer additional insurance benefits like personal legal responsibility insurance coverage and theft coverage. Personal legal responsibility covers if someone is hurt on your property.
Theft benefits can also be included in a homeowners policy. My parent’s policy paid out when I was burglarized while attending college in another state. Check out your policy to see what else is included besides the basic coverage. Rates vary significantly among companies. What are your true needs?
2. Choosing the Deductible – The insurance company requires you to a pay a certain amount of money to them before they will pay your claim. This amount of money is defined as the insurance deductible. Your monthly insurance expense will be less, if your choose a higher deductible amount. Savings can be as much as 50% if you choose the highest deductible. If you are concerned about having to actually pay out the money on a high deductible, set aside some money each month for that purpose. Call it your insurance deductible fund. You get lower premiums and a stash of money you may not need to use.
3. Loyalty – Somewhat like a volume discount, if you have multiple policies (home, auto, life) with the same insurer you may get a cost reduction. Insurance companies also reduce your rate if you are a long time customer. Three to five year customers receive a five percent savings and six years or more customers receive a ten percent savings.
4. Are you a Retiree – You may be able to save more money if you are retired and over the age of 55. The reason being that you are at home more frequently and can pay more attention to your residence. For instance. If there was a fire there is a greater chance you would be around to spot it. The usual discount given in this case is ten percent.
5. Group Insurance Price Reductions – It is always cheaper to buy as a group rather than as an individual. If you purchase your homeowners plan from your employer, you may be able to save some money. Think about all the groups you are a member of starting with your place of employment. You can consult your human resource department and the administration office for your other affiliations regarding company residence insurance.
