If you own a home, then likely you have homeowners insurance on your biggest and most expensive asset. True, if you own your home outright, then there is no law requiring you to have homeowners insurance. Only mortgage companies will insist on insurance if they have a lien on your home. Is it wise to go without insurance? Should you? Keep reading and we shall look at the value of having or getting rid of your homeowners insurance.

Homeowners? insurance rates are spiking especially for homeowners in areas where hurricane damage has been high, such as Florida. Some homeowners are finding their rates have doubled or tripled in just one year while others are learning that their policy has been cancelled by the insurance company meaning they must shop for new insurance.

The temptation to drop insurance altogether is a big one, but a dangerous choice to make unless you have a bundle of money to absorb the loss.

Home insurance makes sense for the following reason:

--If there is a catastrophic loss, then your home can be completely replaced. Just make certain that your policy has been updated to reflect the current replacement cost of your home. If you live in earthquake or a flood prone area, you will need to purchase separate insurance to cover these disasters.

You can save money on your policy via:

--Comparison shopping. All insurers are different and rates can vary by as much a 10 to 20 percent. Shop around and don't just go with the best rate. Companies that pay a fast claim are worth more than a slower payer any day, even if there rates are high.

You are your home's best advocate because:

--You know your home. You are in the best position to determine loss, therefore you must be aware of what is allowed or not allowed before filing for a claim. A tree that falls on your home means that you are covered, while floods and earthquakes are only covered through the writing of a separate policy.

Yes, insurance on your home can certainly seem expensive and almost worth dropping until you need to use it. Your insurance company isn't always your best friend, but they can be your only friend when disaster hits and able to help restore you financially if you selected the policy with the best coverage.