Insuring your home is one of the most important financial decisions you will make with respect to your property. Here are some tips to help you pick the best policy for your home.
Things To Consider
Study Rate Comparisons
insurance departments in states like Florida, New York, New Jersey, Texas, California and many others provide rate comparisons for standard coverage.
Shop Online
you can shop for insurance rates from online sites like Insure.com, Insweb.com, and NetQuote.com
Independent Agents
if you do not have access to comparative rates, contact an agent who sells homeowners insurance from numerous carriers; find an independent insurance agent from iiaba.
Buy Auto Coverage from the Same Insurer
you can save up to 30% on cost if you elect to get home and auto coverage from a single insurer
Don't Under Insure
Rising or Falling Market Price of the House
Market place value of the house will fall short of the necessary cost to rebuild what was damaged; instead consider value of material to be used and rate of labor.
Extended Coverage
Offers protection against sudden increase in material and labor costs following natural calamities.
Raise Deductible to Reduce Premiums
Decrease premiums on additional coverage by opting to pay higher on deductibles.
Review Coverage Needs Annually
Request a customized estimate of the home’s replacement cost; it should account for distinctive features, structure details, age, and any expenses for new resident building-code requirements.
Special Endorsements or Floaters
Additional coverage to insure expensive possessions not included in basic coverage such as jewelry, paintings/artworks or silverware.
Excess Liability Policy
If you have more assets, buy more liability, $1 million or higher.
Managing Risks
Availability of Discounts
Get 5% less on premium if you have burglar alarms, smoke detectors and dead-bolt locks, 15-20% less for having a sprinkler system which alert first responders with alarms and additional discounts on fire- and impact-resistant roofing materials
Fortify Home
Homes that are fortified against hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters hold up stronger and therefore cost you less.
Minimize Fire and Water Damage Risk
Avoid expensive deductibles by limiting fire risks by having fire extinguishers always at the ready and never leaving stoves or anything that can cause fires unattended; similarly, avoid water damage by switching out rubber washing machine hoses with steel-braided reinforced ones.
Problem Free Claims
Handles your insurance claims well with little to no trouble or problems
Best Home Insurance Providers
Progressive Homeowners
Wide coverage options for individual needs; good agents and attuned to handling claims
Auto-Owners Insurance
Nearly one hundred years in service; reasonable premiums for wide coverage with friendly staff.
Farm Bureau Financial Services
Wide variety of homeowner insurance options; efficient and professional customer service
MetLife Homeowners
Varied home policy options even for landlords and renters; offers collision coverage
Allstate Homeowners Insurance
One of the largest insurance company in the US.