Several Easy Steps You Can Take To Bring Down Your Home Owner’s Insurance Costs
Several Easy Steps You Can Take To Bring Down Your Home Owner’s Insurance Costs
If you’re a homeowner, there’s something that you need to understand above all else. Having insurance on your home is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. You need to make sure that you’re covered. Use the tips in this article to buy, or perhaps, compare to the insurance you currently have.
Be sure to read the documents that explain your home owner’s insurance coverage. Doing this will help you confirm that you are covered for what you expect to be covered for. There are some pages of fine print that will inform you of the things that are not covered. Knowing what your policy covers may save you some money in the future.
The most important thing you can do to ensure any claims you file on your home owner’s insurance in the future is to take a photo inventory of the items of value in your home. Proof of purchase is also helpful, so dig out any receipts you might have and keep them in a fire- and water-proof safe.
Take out your buildings insurance and contents insurance with the same home insurance provider. Insurance companies want as much business from you as possible, so if you take out buildings cover and contents cover with the same firm, you can usually negotiate a substantial discount off your annual insurance premiums.
Keep insurance considerations in mind when you plan a major home addition or renovation. The materials and techniques you use in making additions can have a major effect on your future insurance premiums. Sturdy, fire-resistant building systems like concrete and steel will cost you less to insure than standard wood-frame construction.
When purchasing home owner’s insurance, verify the type of area you will reside in. If you reside in the country, you will most likely have higher rates than if you resided in town. This is due to the distance being longer to a nearby fire station. If you live further than 5 miles from one, and if you live farther than 1,000 ft. from a fire hydrant, you will probably have a higher premium to pay.
You need to remember that you must insure your home, but not the land it sits on. If you purchase coverage for the market value of your home, including the land, you have probably purchased more than you need. Even after a natural disaster, the land will still be there, it is your home that you must insure and protect.
Get an estimate of damages to your home prior to filing a claim on your home owners insurance. If it is not going to cost you much more than the deductible to repair, do not file the claim. Each claim that you file will cause your premium to increase for the year.
Your home is a big investment, perhaps it is the largest one you have. You need proper insurance to protect your investment. Remember homeowner’s insurance is a necessity, not a luxury! Should the worse happen, you will be glad you had something to help you start over. Use the tips you learned in this article to make sure you have what you need!