10
Ways to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Costs
1. Raise
your deductible. If you can afford to pay more toward a
loss that occurs, your premiums will be lower
2.
Buy your homeowners and auto policies from the same company.
You'll Usually qualify for a discount. But make sure that
the savings really yields the lowest price.
3.
Make you home less susceptible to damage. Keep roofs and
drains in good repair. Retrofit your house to protect
against natural disasters common the your area.
4.
Keep your home safe. Install smoke detectors, burglar
alarms, and dead-bolt locks. All of these will usually qualify
for a discount.
5.
Be sure you insure your house for the correct amount. Remember,
you're covering replacement cost, no market value.
6.
Ask about other discounts. For example, retirees who are
home more than working people may qualify for a discount on
theft insurance.
7.
Stay with the same insurer. Especially in today's tight
insurance market, your current vendor is more likely to give you
a good price.
8.
See if you belong to any groups - associations, alumni groups
- that offer lower insurance.
9.
Review your policy limits and the value of your home and
possessions annually. Some items depreciate and may
not need as much coverage.
10.
See if there's a government-backed insurance plan. In
some high-risk areas, such as the coasts, federal or state
governments may back plans to lower rates. As your agent.
Reprinted
from REALTOR®
Magazine
Online by permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Copyright
2005. All rights reserved. www.REALTOR.org/realtormag
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