Ask your agent if you can save on your premiums by adding storm shutters, reinforcing your roof or buying stronger roofing materials. Older homes can be retrofitted to make them better able to withstand earthquakes. In addition, consider modernizing your heating, plumbing and electrical systems to reduce the risk of fire and water damage. Systems older than 10 years may raise your premiums. Remember to notify your agent when you do a major upgrade as it may lower your premiums.
2. Install a Security System
Many insurance companies will lower your homeowners premium by at least 5 percent for a smoke detector, burglar alarm or dead-bolt locks. Some companies offer to cut your premium by as much as 15 or 20 percent if you install a sophisticated sprinkler system and a fire and burglar alarm that rings at the police, fire or other monitoring stations. You can also get discounts for hardwired fire alarms that run through your home's electrical system.
These systems aren't cheap and not every system qualifies for a discount. Before you buy such a system see how much it will lower your premiums. It is not likely that the upgrades will pay for themselves in lower premiums, but the discounted premiums can help offset the cost.
3. Look for Other Discounts
Insurance companies offer a wide variety of discounts, but they don't all offer the same discount or the same amount of discount. Some companies give lower rates to retired people since they tend to stay at home more than working people they are less likely to be burglarized and may spot fires sooner, too. Retired people also have more time for maintaining their homes. If you're at least 55 years old and retired, you may qualify for a discount of up to 10 percent at some companies.
Check any professional associations or groups you belong to and see if they administer group insurance programs that may offer a better deal than you can get elsewhere. Some companies offer discounts for a wide variety of other things. Check with your agent to see what the options are.
4. Clean Up Your Credit
Most insurance companies now use your credit score in quoting you a premium. To protect your credit standing, pay your bills on time, do not obtain more credit than you need and keep your credit balances as low as possible. Check your credit record on a regular basis and have any errors corrected promptly so that your record remain accurate. Check your credit score before getting insurance quotes.
With good credit and a some key home upgrades you will lower yor insurance premiums.
