When everyone is struggling to tighten their financial belts, one way to save is by reducing your home insurance premium. Fortunately, there are many ways to do this without spending a dime.
1. Install a Connected Home Alarm System
If you install a monitored home alarm system connected directly to the authorities, you could save as much as 10% off your home insurance premiums. Plus, your home will be a safer place!
2. Stop Smoking!
Did you know that if you are a smoker, you are likely paying more on your home premiums than a non-smoker would? Your premium may increase because of the greater fire risk associated with cigarettes. If you were a smoker when you set up your home insurance policy and you have quit, ask your insurance company if you can get a rate decrease.
3. Loyalty Discounts
Insurance companies offer loyalty discounts to clients that have used the same insurance provider for a significant period. If you have been with your insurance provider for a couple of years, or more, contact your agent and ask them if they offer customer loyalty discounts.
(To be eligible for a home insurance loyalty discount, you must have kept your account in good standing!)
4. Overhaul Your Roof
If it is about time to overhaul your roof, spend the extra money and invest in an impact-resistant roof, and you can save more money on your home insurance premiums!
5. Look Into Lightening Protection
Yes, there is such a thing as a lightning protection system, and installing one could save you 3% on your home insurance premiums!
6. Bundle Your Home and Auto Insurance
If your homeowner insurance company also offers auto insurance, you can save by bundling both insurance policies. Insurance companies can give as much as a 20% discount to clients who purchase both home and auto insurance through them.
7. Work On Your Credit
Your credit score can impact your home insurance rates. If you have been working on your credit and your score has improved since you purchased your home insurance policy, contact your insurer about a rate reduction.
8. Go Green
If your home already has a USGBC LEED certification – meaning that your home is certified as being “green”, your home insurance company may offer a green discount. If you have an older home, the chances are that you are not LEED-certified, but you can upgrade your home to save an extra 5% on your insurance premiums.
9. Install Smart Home Safety Features
You can reduce your home insurance premiums by making your home a safer place with the installation of smart-home safety features. Items like a carbon monoxide detector, smoke alarms, flood alarms, and burglar alarms make your home safer and decrease your insurance company’s risk of insuring you.
10. Consider Installing a Sprinkler System
Not everyone wants to (or can) install a sprinkler system in their home, but if you can – or if you live in an apartment that already has one in place, talk to your insurer about a sprinkler system discount.
Conclusion
With a few tweaks, you can lower your home insurance premiums and save a bundle without costing you a thing.
