The cost of homeowner’s insurance will depend on the location where you live. For example, in Florida, the average cost of this kind of policy is just over two thousand dollars per year while in Oregon is it just under six hundred dollars annually.
Insurance companies want your business because they know; it is very likely that you will never make a claim. That’s good for them. And of course, the peace of mind that you gain in return is a good trade-off. That does not mean you should be paying high premiums. Do not forget, the insurance company will want you as a customer. If they do not offer a good discount, then search for a company that will.
The following are some methods for lowering your premiums:
Check Your Roof
A small leak from your roof can cause a lot of damage. The actual cost of a renewing your roof can be significant but it is an investment that you will need to make sooner or later. If the age of your roof is over twenty-five years, then you should have it inspected to check and see how well it is holding up.
Telling the insurance company that you have replaced your roof will mean that they probably will not need to worry about water damage for some time. They will like that.
Install a Water Shutoff Device
One-third of all losses are from water damage. Hopefully, if there is any damage to a pipe or other problem, you will be able to turn off the mainline into your home. But what would happen if you were not home when a pipe bursts? There are water leak detectors and sensors that can shut off the water supply at the first sign of trouble.
Home Security Devices
Just because someone has knocked on your door it does not mean you have to answer the door. A very simple front door camera will give you back control of who you talk to. That is one of the many security devices you can add to your home to help lower your insurance premiums. It will be helpful to talk to a security company and have them carry out a complete review of your home security. This will identify any vulnerability in your home security and provide solutions to fill any gaps. You will sleep much better when the alarm is set each night.
Install Storm-Safe Windows
As you may imagine, the number one cause of damage to a home is wind and it is not only wind from a tornado or hurricane. Every part of the country can experience disruptive storms. However, if you are located in one of the hurricane-prone areas then having storm-safe windows installed can be a major boost. These would be windows that are equipped with roll-down shutters or have reinforced the impact-resistant glass. Often you can find that there are rebates and tax credits available from your state or city that can help with the cost of installation.