discount homeowners insurance
5 Things About Homeowner’s Insurance
Switch car insurance from 21st Century to Farmers?
I was looking into updating my homeowner’s insurance at Farmers because I just added a room to my house. My insurance agent said my premiums would go up about $150, but if I switched my car insurance over from 21st Century to Farmers I would get a significant discount, such that my homeowners premium would be reduced by $200, effectively saving $350 per year. On top of that, if I raised the deductible on my collision to $1000 I could save an additional $150, making a total savings of $500 per year. I sent my agent all the details of my current profile with 21st Century, and she said the costs were pretty much identical.
I’m wondering what possible implications there are in switching from 21st to Farmers? What else do I need to think about besides the financial savings? I’ve read good and bad regarding both companies (actually I’ve had pretty decent experiences with 21st). I’m in my 40s and I’m a careful driver, my driving record is clean, so I’m definitely not high-risk. Thanks!
Most insurance companies offer a multi-line discount for insuring both home and autos with them. It helps them keep your business because it’s a hassle to move everything. Be sure you’re getting the same coverages with both companies–I’d hate to have you comparing apples to lemons. Sometimes shady agents quote you a higher deductible or lower liability limits just to get your business and you don’t notice the lower coverages until you need them (file a claim). Make sure Farmers isn’t offering you a “new business discount”. What that means is after 6-12 months they’ll remove that discount and increase your rates. Also, make sure your quote from Farmers is accurate and that it will be your rate. The old “bait and switch” technique. Another thing to look at is how available is this Farmers agent? Do they have a local office? How about if you have an emergency at 2:00 a.m. – who will be there and how do you contact them?
Just be careful – with discount premiums can come discount service. Buyer beware!
But, if the agent is available when you need him/her, they have excellent claim handling, the coverages are the same and there are no hidden charges, then go and save money.
Good luck.
Basic Homeowners Insurance – How to Get the Best Rate
Your house is not only your home, it’s also an investment that you should protect with the best homeowners insurance you can afford. Here’s what basic homeowners insurance covers and how can you get the best rate.
What Basic Homeowners Insurance Covers
Basic homeowners insurance covers your home and your personal property against damage from:
* Aircraft and automobiles
* Wind, hail, and lightning
* Explosions and plumbing leaks
* Riots and civil unrest
* Fire and smoke
* Vandalism and theft
Plan Ahead
Your insurance premium is affected by items such as the …
* Location of your home
* Type of construction
* Past claims made on your home
* Your credit rating
Consider all these items before you purchase your home so you won’t be surprised later. You could even have an insurance professional run a quote so you know how much insurance will likely be on a home before you buy it.
Look for Discounts
Insurance companies offer discounts that can help lower your insurance bill. Common homeowner discounts include:
* Non-smokers discounts
* Discounts for safety features such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and sprinkler systems
* Discount for burglar alarm systems, dead-bolt locks, and window locks
* Senior citizen discounts
* Discounts for purchasing your auto and homeowners insurance through the same company
To make sure you get all the discounts your can, ask your insurer if there are any other discounts you qualify for.
Raise Your Deductible
Set your deductible as high as you can – the higher your deductible, the lower your premium. The money you save will eventually surpass the amount of your deductible.
Shop Around
You can save a lot on your basic homeowners insurance just by shopping around and making sure you are getting the best rate. Do this the easy way by going to an insurance comparison website where you can get homeowners insurance quotes from multiple A-rated insurance companies.
On the best insurance comparison websites, you can even get answers to your questions from insurance experts and discover additional ways to lower your home insurance premium (see link below).
Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com/homeowners-insurance.html or click on the following link to get basic homeowners insurance quotes from top-rated companies and see how much you can save. You can also get more insurance tips there.
