Anyone that owns his or her own home understands the importance of having homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania. With the changing of seasons there comes different exposures that could cause damage to their beautiful houses. There is also the looming threat of a lawsuit if someone is injured while on the homeowner's property.
While some things cannot be controlled, there are things that every homeowner should do to protect their property, including:
Compare prices for coverage
Every five years or so, shop for the same level of coverage, including deductibles, policy limits, and riders. Visit an independent agent for details about the best and easiest way to go about doing this. If the current insurer's rates are competitive, there might be significant savings by staying. Companies often give a discount for loyalty.
Bundle coverage for added savings
Buy several policies (home, auto, boat) from the same insurer to save up to 15 percent on all policies. The more business done with one insurer, the less chance of coverage being dropped due to a single claim or a risky home location.
Raise the deductible
Going from $500 to $1,000 can often save up to 25 percent on the overall premium. Also, by cleaning up a poor credit report (an insurer viewing a mistake on the report could deny coverage) homeowners can avoid paying increased amounts on policies.
Maintain and upgrade the home
Fire and smoke detectors, burglar alarms, and dead-bolt locks can cut as much as 20 percent off the premium. In storm-prone areas, add hurricane shutters and shatterproof windows.
Do a home inventory
Experts say one of the most difficult parts of the claims process is recalling lost or stolen items and papers. Catalog all pertinent belongings, including receipts, with video or photos. Keep copies of vital documents in a fireproof safe, in a bank safe-deposit box, or with someone trusted.
There are also a few things that should never be done:
Don't file small claims
Insurers can raise premiums or even drop a customer for making multiple claims in two years. Avoid filing a claim if it's just a small amount above the deductible. Even when deciding not to make a claim, any inquiry could end up in the claims record as an incident, making a homeowner vulnerable to a premium increase.
Smoking, dangerous pets and high-risk equipment
These are a few things that might incur higher premiums. Smokers, those owning some types of pets, or certain equipment, could possibly be deemed uninsurable. Homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania provides much needed protection, so speak to a qualified agent today!
While some things cannot be controlled, there are things that every homeowner should do to protect their property, including:
Compare prices for coverage
Every five years or so, shop for the same level of coverage, including deductibles, policy limits, and riders. Visit an independent agent for details about the best and easiest way to go about doing this. If the current insurer's rates are competitive, there might be significant savings by staying. Companies often give a discount for loyalty.
Bundle coverage for added savings
Buy several policies (home, auto, boat) from the same insurer to save up to 15 percent on all policies. The more business done with one insurer, the less chance of coverage being dropped due to a single claim or a risky home location.
Raise the deductible
Going from $500 to $1,000 can often save up to 25 percent on the overall premium. Also, by cleaning up a poor credit report (an insurer viewing a mistake on the report could deny coverage) homeowners can avoid paying increased amounts on policies.
Maintain and upgrade the home
Fire and smoke detectors, burglar alarms, and dead-bolt locks can cut as much as 20 percent off the premium. In storm-prone areas, add hurricane shutters and shatterproof windows.
Do a home inventory
Experts say one of the most difficult parts of the claims process is recalling lost or stolen items and papers. Catalog all pertinent belongings, including receipts, with video or photos. Keep copies of vital documents in a fireproof safe, in a bank safe-deposit box, or with someone trusted.
There are also a few things that should never be done:
Don't file small claims
Insurers can raise premiums or even drop a customer for making multiple claims in two years. Avoid filing a claim if it's just a small amount above the deductible. Even when deciding not to make a claim, any inquiry could end up in the claims record as an incident, making a homeowner vulnerable to a premium increase.
Smoking, dangerous pets and high-risk equipment
These are a few things that might incur higher premiums. Smokers, those owning some types of pets, or certain equipment, could possibly be deemed uninsurable. Homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania provides much needed protection, so speak to a qualified agent today!