Homeowners insurance is a blessing when it is needed to repair damage from storms, fires or other types of damage. The annual premium costs depend on many different factors such as the type of house, the location, the climate, natural disasters endemic to the area, the homeowner’s credit rating, the age of the house and so forth. Here are three ways to help save on your home’s insurance premiums.
Increase Your Home’s Security
Installing better locks on the windows, doors and garage door can help. Better still, have a monitored security system installed. According to Vivint home security, security options such as those found at Tucson AZ security make installation an easy process. Your home’s is monitored 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The system monitors for fire, water damage, break-ins and more. The system will also monitor your home’s HVAC system to adequately maintain your home’s internal temperature and humidity.
Prepare Your Home for Disaster Survivability
Study your geographic location and the types of natural disasters your home could face. Strengthen your home’s roof by adding hurricane straps to secure the attic, choose roofing options rated to withstand high winds or large hailstones. Have older or vintage homes refitted to meet current hurricane or earthquake standards according to your location. Have fire suppression systems and alarms installed to minimize damage or stop a fire in its tracks. Having insurance for certain disasters depending on where you live will also save you a lot of money down the road. If you live in an area that floods a lot then getting flood insurance is a must.
Ask Your Agent about All Possible Discounts
Many agents will not inform customers about possible discounts to insurance premiums. Ask what discounts for which you may be qualified. Possible discounts include military veterans, senior citizen’s discounts, financial hardship, vintage or heritage home, employer’s discounts, or discounts through various organizations such as AARP. Many insurance companies offer discounts if you insure your car, home, RV, boat or other vehicles on the same policy.
Keep Your Insurance Policy Handy
Always keep your insurance policy in a convenient place. If you have to make a claim, you can check your policy to see what is and is not covered. Every year, contact your insurance company to ensure your home and belongings are adequately covered. For example, if an outdoor building is removed or torn down, you may be paying an insurance premium for it unless you notify your insurance company. Conversely, if you add an outdoor building or extra room and do not notify the insurance company and something happens to damage it, the claim could be denied. Active management of your policy is the surest way to protect your home and property in the event you need to file a claim.
Don’t let money get in the way of protecting your home. If you are strapped for cash take a few of these tips and apply them in order to get the most insurance for your money.