5 Things You Need to Get the Best Home Insurance Quote

Many home insurance companies advertise how easy it is to save money on your home insurance policy. But have you ever stopped and thought about how they actually save you money?

When competing for your business, insurance companies will ask a handful of questions about your property. Very often insurers can find a piece of information they can use to reduce your premium that your current insurer may not know about.

Understanding which pieces of information insurance companies are looking for when bidding on your insurance can be used to your advantage. Armed with this information, you become able to negotiate with your current insurer for better terms and pricing or shop your business with highly rated insurance companies who are not considered discount companies.

Before requesting an insurance quote for your home, have the following information on hand:

1. Who lives in the home? – Marital status, number of children, senior citizens, and other demographics may translate into credits resulting in a lower premium.

• What is your claims history? – Not having filed any claims in the past usually translates to a discount. However, if you have filed a claim and it has been at least 3 or more years, very often the same no-claim credit can be applied to your home insurance policy.

• What is the shape of your roof? – In wind prone areas of the country, such as the Gulf Coast and eastern seaboard, homes with hip roofs often provide lower rates than those with gable roofs.

• What improvements have you made? – Updates to wiring, HVAC, and your roof lowers your insurer’s risk of loss and can also lower your premium.

• What safety devices does your home have? – Fire alarms are the most obvious protective systems a home can have. But many insurers will offer additional credits for water detection systems, central station alarms, pool alarms, or carbon monoxide detectors.

If you are looking to insure your first home, or simply trying to save money on your current home insurance policy, gather the information insurance companies are looking before contacting them and you can save hundreds of dollars a year.

To review your current home insurance policy and make sure you are receiving every available credit, contact my office today to schedule a no obligation appointment.