Home owners Insurance rates refer to the monthly premium amounts you pay for the insurance. If you are planning to buy a new home insurance policy, the following tips can really help you lower your home owner's insurance rate:
1. Check for Discounts with your Home owner's insurance provider: While you buy an insurance policy, make sure that you receive all the discounts which you are eligible for. The discounts you receive can considerably reduce your insurance rate.
2. Avoid buying insurance coverage that you don't need: This is one of the best ways to reduce your home owner's insurance rate. While you buy an insurance policy, make sure that you don't buy insurance coverage against risks that you are unlikely to face. For instance, it would make no sense to buy earthquake coverage, if you reside in a non-earthquake zone (zone with less probability of earthquakes). Thus you can save considerably if you avoid buying unnecessary insurance coverage.
3. Buy your home and other insurance from the same provider: If you are looking for home owners insurance and if you also own a vehicle, it is better to buy both policies from the same insurance company. Many insurance companies offer up to 5-10% discount if you buy both insurance policies from them. The discount amount can reduce your insurance rate.
4. Improve your Credit Score: Many insurance companies conduct a background check on your credit score while calculating your insurance premium rate. If you have a bad credit history and have defaulted on your credit repayment, the insurance provider is likely to charge a high premium rate. Similarly, improving your credit score can greatly help you reduce your home owner's insurance rate.
3. Additional structures: This covers detached structures, including garages, walls, driveways, patios, fences, sheds and sidewalks.
4. Loss of use: This compensates for all living expenses beyond your usual expenses in case you're forced to stay away from your home due to repair work or some other reason. Such situation can arise if your dwelling is completely damaged in an unforeseen event/peril (covered in homeowner's insurance policy) and not suitable for living until repaired.
5. Increase your deductible: A deductible refers to the portion of insurance amount you pay for the loss before the insurance company compensates your claim. If you have higher deductibles, you have to pay more of a claim and your insurer has to pay less. Insurance companies provide attractive discounts on the monthly premium if you have higher deductibles. Typically, the average cost of home owners insurance deductible is $500 but if you think your chances of claim is low you can increase your deductible up to $1000 and in turn you can save up to 25% on your insurance rate.
6. Improve your home security: This is one of the best ways to reduce your insurance rates. You can install a security system like a burglar alarm or dead bolt locks. If you have this system at your home, there are fewer chances that you would face a robbery and would have to file a claim. Tell your insurer about the security system in your home and the insurer might reduce your insurance rate. These tips will surely help you lower your insurance rate.