Smart homeowners know that insurance is worth every penny. When disaster strikes, you want someone on your side to help get your life back on track. Follow these tips to find the perfect policy for your home and family.

Reduce Your Risks

When looking for homeowners insurance, you will have better luck at finding a lower rate if you take the time to reduce your risk. “How can I reduce my risk?” you may ask. Well it’s easy! Many insurers offer discounts based on how safe the home is. This can range from the building materials used to having an alarm system installed.

If you’re still on the fence about purchasing a home, research its features to see if you’ll need to make some upgrades, and think about how an insurance company will view it. If you currently own a home and need to replace the roof, or if you were thinking about installing an alarm system, do it! Why not take the time to upgrade your roof and improve its strength? Not only does using impact and wind resistant materials help save you money, but it also helps to protect you and your family from the unexpected!

Shop Around and Go Independent

Suzy from yoga class has XYZ Insurance so you MUST get a policy with them! Wait . . . if everyone jumped off a bride, would you? Before committing to any one insurance provider, shop around! An independent agent is a great way to get the most for your money. Independent agents have contracts with multiple insurers and will do the leg work for you to find a great deal, from the company that best suits your needs. You don’t settle for the first price you see when clothes shopping, right!? So why treat this important purchase any different?

Proper Coverage

Finding the proper coverage for your specific home and needs can be tricky, but it’s doable! For example, having a pool will increase your need for liability coverage, so keep features like that in mind when shopping around. Even if you have the proper level of coverage, a basic homeowners policy can still leave you vulnerable to catastrophe. Investigate your flood and windstorm risks, because a typical homeowners policy won’t cover damages caused by these specific disasters. You may need to purchase separate flood insurance or have a separate windstorm deductible. Learn if you have the proper coverage if disaster was to strike tomorrow. 

Want to make sure that you’re getting the most competitive rate possible? Contact a local agent today.