This guest post is from Ms. Rose McKellen.
Your mortgage lender may require that you carry home insurance, but you don’t have to accept high premiums. If you’re looking for a way to protect your home on a budget, there are plenty of ways to keep your rates low without sacrificing adequate coverage. Now is the time to start reviewing your policy for discounts you’re missing out on. Here are five easy ways that you can take advantage of opportunities to lower your home insurance rates.
Review Your Policy and Comparison Shop
Does your policy have errors that are costing you? If your policy is full of outdated information, you might not be receiving the discounts you deserve. Make sure you take time to review your current policy for errors and comparison shop at least once a year. Enter your information, request an apples to apples quote, and see if there are other providers who offer more competitive rates in your area.
Raise Your Deductible
Insurance is designed to help you recoup when you suffer from a catastrophic loss. Unfortunately, some homeowners carry low deductibles and choose to file small claims that lead to surcharges. If you want to avoid the temptation and you want to lower your policy rates, consider raising your home deductible to 1% or 2% of your dwelling coverage. Put the money you save away for an emergency, and you’ll be able to cover the deductible if you ever need to file a claim.
Receive a Safety Discount
Insurance companies encourage you to secure your home, and you can receive discounts if you do this. If you don’t have a security system, now is the time to shop for Jersey City home automation systems so that you can receive a sizable discount off of your dwelling and personal property coverage.
Combine Different Lines of Insurance
After you call Vivint to price the cost of home security systems, you should call your insurance agent and request a quote for auto insurance. Home insurers that offer auto insurance will offer their policyholders a multi-policy discount on each policy when they carry two lines of insurance. Not only will you save money, it will also be easier to make payments and policy changes.
Upgrade Outdated Systems
If you have an outdated roof, electrical system and plumbing system, make the effort to renovate your home and receive a credit. If you’ve already made upgrades and you didn’t notify your agent, inform your agent so that your policy can be updated.
Saving money should be a priority, but don’t lower your limits just to save a few dollars. Make the right updates, review your policy regularly, and keep your rates as low as you can without putting yourself at risk.
