Have you ever thought that the government knows something, it's just not telling you? All of us have that suspicion at one point or another. What many people never realize, however, is that one of those secrets is that the government has been doing research for years to find ways for American homeowners like you to enjoy saving money on your homeowners insurance.

There are hundreds of little factors that influence the cost of your homeowners insurance, but your home itself is the most important. It doesn't matter what else you do, if your home is "high risk" you're still going to be paying far more than you want to for your coverage. The best path to saving money on your homeowners insurance is to house shop with your premiums in mind.

The first thing to consider is how safe your community happens to be. Communities with a professional, highly trained fire department and police service in close vicinity to all of their homes increases the chances that an emergency team will be able to respond in a timely matter and minimize the loss if disaster should strike. Purchasing a home in an area at a high risk for flood, wildfire or earthquake damage could kill your chances of saving money on your homeowners insurance and may eliminate your ability to purchase adequate coverage completely.

Secondly, look at the location of a home you're considering buying. Homes near fire hydrants, in large, cleared lots, away from bodies of water and within easy access of a street are easier to reach and sustain less damage in an emergency than those far off the beaten path, tucked into the woods or situated right on the banks of a lake or river where flood damage is not only possible but is, in fact, probable. Insurance companies like knowing that they have a better chance of avoiding a claim entirely, and they're willing to reward your home shopping savvy by allowing you to enjoy saving money on your homeowners insurance.

Finally, consider your home itself. What's it made out of? How sturdy is the foundation? Are your windows double paned or single paned? How old are your electric, plumbing, heating and (we have to say it) septic systems? If you purchase an older home you may not find yourself saving money on your homeowners insurance by virtue of the fact that their internal systems are rarely up to date and therefore are more vulnerable to fire and backflow. (If you've ever seen a septic system overflow you know that's not something you want to either see or think about too closely.)

Homes with a sturdy foundation in earthquake zones, elevated foundation in flood zones and brick exterior in a place prone to New England winters are more likely to go the distance and require fewer claims than others. If you're still not sure, check out your home's CLUE report before signing on the dotted line. This report tells you what claims have been filed in the past and gives you a front row view of your home's potential vulnerabilities in the years to come.

You've gotta admit, when it comes to money nobody does it like the government. All of the above information was part of a study done by the Insurance Institute of New York, and each and every one will play a key role in determining the cost of your home once you sign on that dotted line.