| Cheap homeowner's insurance is readily avail online in | | | | Buying a home protection system that monitors your |
| your state. But before you rush online looking for the | | | | home 24/7 and reports problems directly to the fire |
| best rate you can find, there are a few tips and tricks | | | | department or the police can be a real lifesaver - and |
| you need to know. | | | | it can cut the cost of your homeowner's insurance up |
| First, it will not protect you from all perils. No basic | | | | to 20%. However, you need to speak with your agent |
| homeowner's policy protects you from flood damage. | | | | before you make a final decision as not every system |
| For flood protection you need to buy a separate policy. | | | | will earn you the full premium discount. |
| There are other perils, mostly perils that are localized | | | | You can often save even more on a home security |
| to your area, that most policies either don't cover at all | | | | system if you run a small business out of your home. |
| or only cover to a limited degree. Things such as wind | | | | Ask your tax advisor how much of the cost could be |
| damage along the East Coast, tornadoes in the | | | | tax deductible - adding a tax deduction on top of your |
| Midwest, and earthquakes along the West coast are | | | | monthly premium savings could make such a system |
| examples. If you wish these perils covered you will | | | | very appealing. |
| usually need to purchase a separate policy. | | | | Most people buy a standard homeowner's policy with |
| There are several things you can do that will reduce | | | | a $500 deductible. If you're looking for insurance one |
| the cost of your homeowner's insurance on a monthly | | | | thing you can do is double that deductible to $1,000. |
| basis. | | | | Doubling your deductible could save you as much as |
| First, pay your bills on time. Did you know that your | | | | 25% every single month on the cost of your premium. |
| credit score will affect how much you pay for | | | | Buying the policy online is another way to save a lot of |
| homeowner's insurance? It can - so keep your credit | | | | money. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that you only |
| record spotless. | | | | have to run a price comparison on just 1 of the many |
| Pay premiums yearly. If you can't swing that, then pay | | | | websites that encourages you to price-compare |
| your premiums biannually or quarterly. If that's still not in | | | | homeowner's insurance in your state. |
| the cards then set it up so your monthly premium is | | | | Since each site only compares the prices of a very |
| paid automatically from your bank account - that will | | | | small number of companies you'll want to make your |
| still save you a few dollars each month. | | | | price comparisons on at least 3 different websites so |
| Installing motion-detecting floodlights and putting | | | | you can feel confident that you are seeing the prices |
| deadbolts on all exterior doors and making certain that | | | | of as many companies as possible. |
| every window has a working lock could save you 5% | | | | Once you've finished running all of your price |
| or more month after month. If anyone in your | | | | comparisons all that's left is for you to decide which |
| household is 55 or older and retired let your agent | | | | companies you feel comfortable doing business with |
| know, as this will also save you money. | | | | and then choose the lowest-price from among those |
| Up grading your plumbing or electrical system can | | | | companies - and you will have the best price on |
| save you quite a bit every month. Ask your agent | | | | insurance that you can possibly get in your state and |
| how much such an upgrade would save you and then | | | | you will be saving money every month for years to |
| see if the cost / savings ratio works in your favor. | | | | come. |