As you begin the journey of homeownership, you’ll need to take steps to insure it as buying a home is a major investment. To make sure that you get the best protection for your home, consider the following six policy suggestions.
Your Home’s Location
Before agreeing to an insurance policy, assess your home’s surrounding area for potential discounts. For instance, if your house is near a constantly staffed fire department that is also highly rated, you could negotiate a policy discount with your insurance company.
When to Get Extra Protection
If your new home comes with awesome amenities like a swimming pool and a hot tub, then consider kicking your liability insurance up a notch. This will protect you if someone suffers a serious injury on your property.
Claim History
Check your home’s claim history because it could affect your homeowner’s insurance rates. When you buy a home that has had a claim filed for it during the past five years, your policy rates will probably be a little higher.
Embrace Earthquake Coverage
California residents aren’t alone in their need for earthquake insurance. Other states also suffer from the natural disaster. In fact, at least 39 states experience earthquake tremors. Traditional home insurance policies generally don’t cover earthquake damage. Upgrade your policy to include it.
Is Flooding a Possibility?
Even if you don’t live in a flood zone, consider adding protection for it to your policy. According to reports, 90 percent of the nation’s natural disasters involve flooding, so protect your investment.
Take on a High Deductible
If you take on a higher deductible, then your insurance company will reward you for it with lower policy rates. Since most people only file an insurance claim once every eight to 10 years, you’ll likely save more in the long run with lower yearly rates.
Insuring a Valuable Asset
Homeowner’s insurance provides protection for one of your most valuable assets. When choosing a policy, be sure to compare the rates, coverage options and deductibles of several different insurers.
