Make Sure You Home Is Safe With These Insurance Tips

When preparing to purchase a home owner’s insurance policy, it’s a good idea to assess the value of the contents of your property before beginning a conversation with an agent. Take an inventory of what you would need to replace in case of a disaster, and keep the information in a safe place.

Some features of your home will have an impact on your homeowner’s insurance costs, no matter how well you maintain your home. For instance, if you own a swimming pool, your insurance cost will automatically be higher because of the increased liability. Your home’s distance from emergency services such as fire hydrants also affects the cost of your coverage. This is not to suggest you should pick your home where the insurance cost is lowest, but you should be aware that these factors have an impact on cost.

Before the weather gets cold, prepare your home for winter conditions to reduce the likelihood of damages caused by weather conditions. Below freezing temperatures can cause frozen pipes and other damages to your home, so taking the time to winterize your home can save you from home owner’s insurance claims related to weather damage.

You should be sure the insurance company you choose to do business with is a reputable company with your best interests in mind. Check different unbiased websites to look at reviews on how claims are handled, the customer service you will receive and the promptness of the claims being paid out.

You don’t have to stay loyal to the same home insurance provider. In order to save the most money, you may need to change your home insurance provider every year. Although this can seem like a lot of hassle, the money you can save is arguably worth the time and inconvenience.

Monitor your credit score and history to keep your home owner’s insurance premiums as low as possible. Many carriers now consider credit history as a factor in determining rates, so even if you have been with a company for some time, changes in your credit report can affect the amount of premium charged.

Invest in a home insurance policy that has “guaranteed replacement value,” so you are not left living in a mobile home instead of the home that you have spent years paying for. This type of insurance will cover the cost of complete replacement of a home that is much like the one that was destroyed.

Paying off your mortgage may not be easy, but doing so can make your homeowner’s insurance premiums drop significantly. Insurance companies assume that people who own their houses outright are more likely to take good care of them, and so they will file fewer claims that the insurance company will have to pay.

Your home insurance agent will give you many options for insurance coverage. Sharing your list of items and their value can help the agent prepare a proper coverage plan. Having a list of items up front, also helps prove what was inside the property, if it is eventually destroyed.