When buying home insurance, you can save hundreds of dollars depending on the insurance company that you choose. Here are seven clever ways homeowners like you, can save on insurance while getting the protection you need.
1. Search Around
Like every important purchase, you want to shop around before coming to a final decision. It will take some time and research, but we guarantee you will end up saving a fair amount of money. A few tips to shopping for homeowner’s insurance is asking your friends and family about the companies they have experience with and what has worked best for them. Word of mouth recommendations are usually the best, especially if they are coming from someone you trust.
Additionally, you should seek information from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. They will be able to give you information on a variety of insurers in your state – including complaints! When researching individual companies consider partaking in their online insurance quote services to see what companies have the lowest prices. Talking to several insurers will give you a feel for the type of service they give and help you decide if their services are worth the money.
2. Combine Home and Auto Policies
You may not have thought about this, but some companies will give you a discount if you decide to purchase more than one policy from them. Typically, consumers save 10% to 20% on their rate, although it differs depending on the insurer. Consequently, combining your home and auto policy may be to your advantage – as long as it’s less expensive than buying two different coverages from two separate companies.
3. Secure Your Home
Your home should be secured at all times for more than one reason; however, insurance companies take a look at how resistant your home is in the case of a natural disaster or threat. It is advised that you add shutters suitable for storms, impact-resistant roofing, window locks, a sprinkler system, or deadbolt doors to your home. Not only will this make it more secure in the case of a burglary, fire, or storm, but it may lower the rates in your home insurance.
4. Improve Your Credit Score
You can increase your credit score by paying your bills on time, not taking more credit than necessary, and keeping your account balances as low as you possibly can. Taking a look at your credit score on a regular basis will help you correct any errors promptly and keep an accurate record. Having a good credit history can lower your insurance costs since insurers usually use credit information to come up with a price form their insurance policies.
5. Increase Your Deductible
A deductible is a number insurers take away from a claim settlement when your home has become damaged; consequently, the higher your deductible, the more you can save on premiums. If you can afford to raise your deductible, it is recommended you do it as you may wind up saving as much as 25%. If you remain claim free, your insurer is less likely to increase your rates at the time of renewal. Speaking to your insurer is a good way to find out what your benefits are for increasing your deductible.
6. Long-Term Relationships with the Same Insurer
There may be special discounts for long-term policyholders within a coverage company. You may be surprised to find that some companies will reduce their premiums for homeowners by 5% or 10% after a specific amount of time. When shopping around compare these prices and amount of years needed to benefit from these perks with that of other insurers.
There are so many ways to save on your homeowner's insurance. Tucson AZ home insurance provides the residents of Tucson affordable and quality policies for everyone to enjoy. Definitely an insurer worth looking into we hope you find the best policy at the best price!