You like to think disastrous accidents could never happen in your home. You know you have your insurance policy to fall back on in case something does happen, but have you thought about what you can do to make disasters in your home less likely? By taking a few precautions now, you can help protect your most valuable investment, while potentially enjoying immediate results in the form of lower insurance premiums.
Protecting your investment
Broken windows, roof damage and flooding are just some of the problems that a storm or other natural disaster can cause. By making your home storm resistant, you can reduce the chances of damage.
Some floods are caused not by the elements, but by deficiencies inside your home. Ensure that plumbing is well insulated, to minimize the risk of water pipes freezing and bursting in the winter. And keep gutters free of debris so water and snow melt drains properly.
Smoke detectors and home security updates can also help lower your rates. If you install a simple security system to protect your home, you’re likely to pay less for your insurance premium. With a more advanced system, you may be able to get a discount of up to 20 percent. Deadbolts and lights activated by motion sensors can add up to big savings as well.
Other options for lower premiums
Once you’ve added extra safety features, you can look into other ways to reduce your monthly insurance payments. If you’ve always wanted to update your kitchen, but haven’t found a good enough reason to do so, consider the fact that more and more insurance companies are offering discounts if homeowners upgrade to energy efficient appliances. Further discounts can be included if more energy-saving features – like solar panels – are added.
To get the most savings out of your insurance policy, consider increasing your deductible. For instance, if you raise your deductible to $1,000, you could save 25 percent on your premiums. Another smart habit is to check your policy every year to make sure you’re not paying for unneeded coverage. If you’re paying for earthquake coverage while living in Texas, chances are you’re paying too much.
A lot of insurance companies offer discounts when homeowners add more than one policy to their account. Bundling insurance policies is one way to save money on individual rates, while keeping the same quality of coverage. This gives you peace of mind knowing other areas of your life are covered in case of emergencies.
By protecting your home and paying close attention to your insurance coverage, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’re getting the most for your money. Investments such as storm-proofing and security systems can eliminate a lot of worry and potentially lower the cost of your insurance premiums, as well. So take a look at how you can make your home safer. A few simple changes can have dramatic results.