Many new homeowners are looking for ways to save on their home insurance. Although some seem obvious because they are so highly advertised (bundling with auto, shopping online), there are others that are more subtle. You can get discounts on your home insurance just by making some minor changes to your home. Here are some of the things that you can do to help lower that insurance bill.
New Roof
Updating your roof so that it is more able to withstand wind and hail damage is sure to lower home insurance rates. Homes that have roofs that are more than two decades old are less likely to be covered under a normal insurance policy since they carry such little value. Speak with a contractor to see what you can do about getting weatherproof roofing. If a roof is likely to not need replacing, then that will take a large chunk out of an insurance premium.
New Plumbing
The same story for roofing goes for plumbing, it’s hard to get an insurance policy if the plumbing is dated. However, if new pipes are installed, there is less likely to be water damage in the home. For that reason, insurance companies will offer a discount since they are less likely to pay for expensive water damage that leads to mold, which can be a long and costly repair.
Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers are the new form of fuses, and are less likely to short out and cause electrical damage in the home. Electrical damage can cause fires that may lead to total home replacement. Keeping the electrical wiring up to code with these circuit breakers will put a nice dent in the insurance premium.
Maintenance
Maintaining your home so that it looks good is important. Just the aesthetics of the home will impress any insurance agent to the point where you are trusted to perform the upkeep necessary to avoid disaster. If the house is unkempt, then it is a sign that you do not care about the maintenance of your home and it will be assumed that things like wiring and plumbing go unnoticed. This will cause a raise in insurance costs each year.
Security Systems
If a security system is installed in the home, the likelihood of a burglary will drop immediately and insurance companies know it. When the home is less susceptible to theft or burglary, then there is less risk involved. Less risk for insurance companies means they are willing to lower their premiums for the customer who plays it safe.
Now that you know what to look for, it may be time to get your home up to par. Check the wiring and plumbing, all while maintaining the other facets of your home. It may cost money to hire a contractor to make the necessary installments on your home, but it will certainly be worth it in the long run. Avoiding claims altogether will make your premiums go down as well, and following all of these steps is a great way to stay away from having to file one.
