How Can You Lower Your Homeowners’ Insurance Premiums?

“Always plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.” – unknown

Are you concerned that your Homeowners’ premiums are too high? Is there anything you can do to lower them?

Sure, there are ways to lower your premiums, but if you do, you need to make sure you aren’t losing benefits that could be important for you in the future. According to research, about two-thirds of homes in the United States are underinsured…that means that the investment in their home is at risk…don’t let that be you. As you look for ways to lower your rates, do it smart

In a previous blog post we talked about what factors can affect your homeowners’ insurance, today we’ll talk about…

Safe Ways To Lower Your Homeowners’ Premiums

1. Look for discounts. Are there discounts for:
   • Living in your house for several years.
   • Being over 55 years old, disabled or retired
   • Having certain safety features in your home – such as fire and smoke detectors that are monitored by services outside the home, or security systems
   • Upgrades to your home such as a new roof or windows
   • Keeping your policy for at least 3 years
2. Bundle your insurance. Many companies offer discounts if you buy all of your insurance, auto and home, from them.
3. Have a higher deductible. How much risk are you comfortable taking should a problem arise with your home? If you are able to raise your deductible (out of pocket expense), you could possibly save a significant amount from your premiums.
4. Check for unnecessary coverage in your policy…are you insured for earthquakes in an area that is not earthquake zoned, or do you have coverage for expensive jewelry or other household items when you don’t own such things.
5. Can you improve your credit score? Focus on ways you can improve your credit score, which could improve your insurance rates.
6. Improve your “risk-ability. Certain things make you a higher risk, which can add to your premiums. Things such as swimming pools, trampolines, aggressive dogs, old wiring, plumbing or HVAC system in your home. Take an inventory of your living situation, and see if there are any upgrades or changes you could make that might lower your premiums, while at the same time possibly raising the value of your home.
7. The best piece of advice I could give you would be to talk with your insurance agent, who knows your policy and could make suggestions and cautions about changing your policy for lower premiums. Talk to him/her on a regular basis…things change, and you need to stay informed and up-to-date.

At Whitcomb Insurance we love to sit down with our clients, and we would be happy to sit down with you, answer any questions you might have, whether it’s about auto, homeowners, small business or life insurance. You can count on us to be totally honest and upfront with you!

Along with great insurance options, we also offer Financial Services. You can count on us to be totally honest and upfront with you!

Contact us or give us a call at 425-391-8731.