Save Money By Reducing Your Home's Risk

One of the best ways to save money on your homeowners insurance policy is to reduce the risks your home faces.

Some risks are beyond your control. Natural disasters and “acts of God” are things that no homeowner can predict. But there are things you can do now to lower your risk and save money on your insurance policy.

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Safety Around The House

Many insurance companies will offer you lower premiums if your house is equipped for safety. Things that insurance companies look for include:

• Smoke detectors. You should make sure there are working smoke detectors in every room. Many companies will offer discounts of up to 5% for letting them know yours are in place.
• Non-smokers. More than 20,000 fires a year are blamed on careless smoking. If you quit smoking — or don’t smoke to begin with — many insurance companies will cut you a break on your premiums.
• Burglar Alarms. A security system helps prevent thieves from getting into your house. If your doors and windows warn that you have a security system, thieves are less likely to try getting in.
• Deadbolt Locks. Another good deterrent against thieves and prowlers, deadbolts make doors much more secure than standard locks.

Keep Your Home In Good Working Order

To avoid preventable claims, make sure that the pipes, heaters, and other appliances in your home are in good working order.

Old pipes can leak or burst, causing severe water damage. Pay special attention to plumbing during the winter, when pipes are likely to freeze. Some policies cover water damage because of burst pipes, but many do not – especially if it could have been reasonably prevented.

Heaters and other electric appliances also pose a risk. Wiring that is old or damaged can start fires. Many homes have basements full of hazards that their owners don’t even notice. Chances are the insurance company will notice them, and charge you a higher premium.

Don’t Forget The Outside

You should also pay attention to the exterior of your house. This is especially true if you live in areas prone to windstorms or snowstorms.

• Put shutters on your windows. This helps keeps your windows safe from flying debris or falling ice during a storm. If you have shutters installed, make sure that they can be locked into place. If your shutters aren’t secured during heavy winds, they could do more harm than good.
• Clean your gutters regularly. This is a chore most homeowners don’t do often enough. Gutters weighed down with leaves and debris are prime candidates to break loose in a storm. By keeping them clean, you cut down on the risk that they’ll damage your house.

These simple suggestions will help keep your family and your home safe. They’ll also help you save money on your homeowner’s insurance.

Another way to save is to get competitive quotes from several agents. Just fill out this short form, and you'll get matched with agents in your area.