TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS
MONEY SAVING TIPS FOR YOUR HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE:
Controlling household expenses is something we all consider, and we want to help you reduce your home insurance costs when possible. Here are some points to consider:
1. SMOKE ALARMS: Check your policy or contact us to make sure you are receiving a discount for smoke alarms. If you don't have smoke alarms, get them...not just for the discount, but for your family's safety.
2. HIGHER DEDUCTIBLES: The standard deductible today is $250. If yours is lower, you are paying an added charge, but if you choose a $500 or higher deductible, more savings are available. For savings, increase your deductible to:
4. CENTRAL STATION ALARMS: Fire and burglary alarm systems that automatically dial a central station can provide both good security and a significant premium savings.
5. COMBINE HOME AND AUTO INSURANCE IN ONE COMPANY: Companies often offer a discount when you bundle home and auto insurance with the same insurer.
6. WHEN YOU BUY A HOME: Consider how much insuring a new home will cost.
8. STOP SMOKING: Smoking accounts for more than 23,000 residential fires a year, which is why some insurers offer to reduce premiums if all the residents in a home don't smoke.
9. SEEK OUT DISCOUNTS FOR SENIORS: People that are retired stay at home more and spot fires sooner than working people, and they have more time for maintaining their homes. If you're at least 55 years old and retired, you may qualify for a discount of up to 10 percent with some companies.
10. ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS: In addition to these money-saving tips, some companies offer discounts if you have fire extinguishers, deadbolt locks, or a loss-free record. Check with us to see if your plan offers any of these options.
Remember, under insuring is not a recommended way to save, as it can lead to serious problems settling a claim. Whether it's a question about cost or coverage, we're always willing to review any insurance concerns with you.
Controlling household expenses is something we all consider, and we want to help you reduce your home insurance costs when possible. Here are some points to consider:
1. SMOKE ALARMS: Check your policy or contact us to make sure you are receiving a discount for smoke alarms. If you don't have smoke alarms, get them...not just for the discount, but for your family's safety.
2. HIGHER DEDUCTIBLES: The standard deductible today is $250. If yours is lower, you are paying an added charge, but if you choose a $500 or higher deductible, more savings are available. For savings, increase your deductible to:
- $ 500 -- save up to 12 percent
- $1,000 -- save up to 24 percent
- $2,500 -- save up to 30 percent
- $5,000 -- save up to 37 percent
4. CENTRAL STATION ALARMS: Fire and burglary alarm systems that automatically dial a central station can provide both good security and a significant premium savings.
5. COMBINE HOME AND AUTO INSURANCE IN ONE COMPANY: Companies often offer a discount when you bundle home and auto insurance with the same insurer.
6. WHEN YOU BUY A HOME: Consider how much insuring a new home will cost.
- A new home's electrical, heating and plumbing systems, and overall structure are likely to be in better shape than those of an older house. Insurers may offer you a discount of 8 to 15 percent if your house is new.
- Avoiding areas that are prone to floods can save you about $400 a year for flood insurance (homeowners insurance does not cover flood-related damage).
- The closer your house is to firefighters and their equipment, the lower your premium will be.
8. STOP SMOKING: Smoking accounts for more than 23,000 residential fires a year, which is why some insurers offer to reduce premiums if all the residents in a home don't smoke.
9. SEEK OUT DISCOUNTS FOR SENIORS: People that are retired stay at home more and spot fires sooner than working people, and they have more time for maintaining their homes. If you're at least 55 years old and retired, you may qualify for a discount of up to 10 percent with some companies.
10. ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS: In addition to these money-saving tips, some companies offer discounts if you have fire extinguishers, deadbolt locks, or a loss-free record. Check with us to see if your plan offers any of these options.
Remember, under insuring is not a recommended way to save, as it can lead to serious problems settling a claim. Whether it's a question about cost or coverage, we're always willing to review any insurance concerns with you.