The roof above your head is probably your biggest asset, so it makes sense to guard against catastrophe by insuring your house and its contents. However, a good policy doesn't have to be pricey. Here are some ways to save money on your homeowners insurance:
- Buy just as much insurance as you need, and no more. Ask yourself how much it would cost to replace your personal property, rebuild your house, or buy another like it in the same neighborhood.
- Look into discounts. Some policies offer them for burglar alarms, deadbolt locks, and perhaps some construction features. You can often also get a discount if the same insurer is covering your home and your car.
- Increase your deductible. If you don't expect to file claims very often, then the higher the deductible, the more you'll save each year on your premiums. Keep in mind that insurance is meant to cover catastrophic losses, not each and every little expense. In fact, filing too many claims might prompt your insurer to raise your premiums or drop you entirely.
- Comparison shop. Contact agents from a variety of companies and also do a little shopping online, at sites such as Insure.com.
Learn more about insurance in our Insurance Center, or ask questions on our Insurance discussion board. You may not have thought about some kinds of insurance, such as disability or long-term care insurance, but they're vital for many people. Take a little time to learn more and you may be very happy you did, if some calamity occurs in the future. Additional insurance information can be found at InsBuyer.com and Yahoo!
