Fortify your home. You have more control over how resistant a home is to hurricanes, wildfires and other events. Hazard mitigation efforts can include adding storm shutters, fortifying a roof to protect against hail, wind and wildfires. Moisture sensors that can help to more quickly identify leaks and retrofitting a home to better withstand earthquakes may help lower insurance premiums. Retrofitting a home to withstand hurricane-force winds could save property owners $6 for every $1 invested.
Carry the highest deductible you can afford, while also accounting for how affordable that deductible is in the event of costly home damage. Remember policyholders who live in states vulnerable to hail storms may have a separate deductible for hail, while those on the East Coast may have a separate windstorm deductible.
Refrain from filing small insurance claims for all damage incurred to your home.
Insure what is necessary, appropriately. You are mostly covering a home’s replacement cost, not its market value. The land under your house isn’t at risk from theft, windstorm, fire and the other perils covered in your homeowners policy.
Shop around. Some companies that sell homeowners, auto, and liability policies will take 5% to 15% off your premium if you buy two or more policies from them.
Maintain a good credit score as it can help lower insurance premiums. Insurers often use credit-based insurance scores to determine policy costs.
When buying a home, evaluate insurance costs as part of your monthly cost of housing/living expenses. (CNBC)
Work With Us
Ken interprets market data, staying in constant communication and offering valuable insight that then translates into an informed decision.
