What can I do to get cheaper rates on my homeowners insurance?

There are a number of ways to get lower homeowners insurance rates. Insurance companies base your homeinsurance premiums on the perceived risk and value of the property, among other things, and reducing the risk to the insurance company can keep your premiums low without cutting corners on home protection. To begin with, a married couple is considered more stable than a single individual, and something as simple as marrying the love of your life will make you eligible for insurance discounts for home and auto coverage both.

A monitored home security system reduces the risk of fire and burglary to your home, and most insurance companies will offer discounts for having them. A fence around the yard is also considered a crime deterrent, and a fenced yard will result in lower yearly insurance premiums. If you have a pool, put a fence around the pool area and lock the gates to prevent accidental access. Some breeds of dogs are a high risk as well, and your premiums will be higher if you own one of them, such as a bulldog. Small dogs do not pose such a risk and will have little or no affect on your home insurance rates.

Another way to get lower insurance premiums is to take out multiple policies with the same insurance company. For example, if your home and auto insurance are underwritten by the same insurance company, you should be eligible for a customer loyalty discount. Keeping the same insurance company for a long period of time, usually a year or more, is another way to save money on your home insurance premiums as it shows the company that you are a dedicated customer. Avoid making claims against your policy unless it is necessary to do so, as filing claims increases the risk to the insurance company and may result in your rates going up.