Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Home Insurance -- Factors That Drive Down Costs

By Chimezirim Odimba

If you must get big discounts, then you must NOT forget certain things. Here are a few of such things...

The type of building material you use can save you a a lot in premiums. Buy a frame home if you want more resistance to earthquakes or buy a brick house for better resistance to high winds. As a result, having a frame home in the East will certainly cost you much more in home insurance. On the other hand, those who live in the West will get lower rates if they own a frame home because of the earthquakes there. Building with the proper material for your state will save you a minimum of 5%.

Don't leave ladders in areas where anyone can easily pick them. You might be providing thieves with the very tools they need for their operation. Do NOT also let your tools litter around. Burglars will have an easier time breaking into a household that offers them such assistance. Keeping these things properly will save you many heartaches along with more affordable premiums.

A higher deductible will bring in more affordable rates so choose accordingly when applying. If you've already purchased a home insurance policy that you're very happy with, raise your deductible.

Remember, though, that you'll be expected to contribute this amount whenever you file a claim.

You can get a discount of about 25% in your home insurance rates if only you move from $500 to $1,000 in your deductible. Settling for a higher deductible will bring down your home insurance rates -- Everytime. However, do take care not to select an amount that you will find difficult to produce..

It is wise to make it as high as possible as long as you can afford it conveniently.

A swimming pool is surely one important feature that makes it a dream home. But do you realize that it increases your premium considerably especially if you don't take adequate precautions?

While I won't tell you to avoid a swimming pool around your home, make sure you take all needed safety precautions. If you don't your home insurance rates will shoot through the roof.

A house that has shatter-proof windows will get more affordable rates. If you live in locations with high winds and hail storms get your windows upgraded to these and you'll qualify for considerable discounts. And as you do, do NOT forget to inform your agent. You can also discuss with your agent first before making the upgrade as he or she would be in a better position to show you how to save the most.

Finally...

As you take these other steps to bring down your home premium, here's something you can do to receive lower rates now: Visit good insurance quotes sites and obtain quotes.

Visit not less than five of such for the best results. It's free, quick and easy. Make sure you give your correct details as you complete the forms on each site. The last step is to just pick the quote that gives you the best price/value from the quotes return.

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