Introduction
There are numerous details and factors that ought to be considered when shopping for household insurance. Some of them can easily be forgotten or somehow slip through unnoticed until it’s too late. Once your purchase offer has been accepted you should embark on finding home insurance, never wait till the last minute since you will most likely settle for a bogus deal. The following tips will come in handy when shopping for household insurance.
Step 1
Insurability: Before getting approved for a household insurance, the agent is likely to as the following questions which will determine insurability.
- How old in the house?
- When was the plumbing and electrical connections repaired?
- What type of roof is in use?
- Where is the house located?
- What is the number of claims filed?
All these factors will determine the home insurance rates and whether or not the company will accept your application.
Step 2
Deductibles: It is easier to save more on your household insurance with a higher deductible. Generally, most insurance firms will issue discounts for a $500 deductible and above. Household insurance providers will offer deductibles for up to $10,000, most will not exceed this limit, and hence it is important to check with your provider before opting for higher deductibles.
Step 3
Policy options: Apart from the basic household insurance, you can also tailor in liability coverage; there are some providers who include this on your basic cover. This type of policy covers you from property damage and bodily injury claims. If your child accidentally sets fire on the neighbor’s house, the liability coverage would sort your neighbor out instead of having to dig into your pocket to cater for such injuries which will most likely drain you financially.
Step 4
Discounts: Always go for a cover that will benefit you the most. In case you have an alarm system, your insurance provider may be inclined to give you a discount of up to 10 percent. There are also companies that give discounts to senior citizens. When looking through different household insurance plans check out for discounts and see if you are eligible for any, if not, move on to a provider who offers discounts. Combining two policies with one insurance provider will earn you multi-policy discounts. This will help you to save on your home insurance.
Step 5
Stay informed: It is essential for you to review your household insurance policy at least every two years. Stays updated on the current market changes and look for ways to negotiate for discounts and increased covers. There are many household insurance providers in the market, this means that competition is stiff and you the consumer stand to gain the most.
Tips
Comparison shopping is the best way to get the best deal in the market. Make use of sites that offer quotes from different companies. The site should be independent and not affiliated with any home insurance firm; this will give you credible and up to date information on various companies which will help you to make an informed decision.
Sources and Citations
http://homebuying.about.com/od/hazardfireinsurance/qt/homeinsurance.htm