You don't have to be some kind of construction expert or security professional to make your home as safe as possible and save yourself 20% or more on your homeowners insurance. In fact, saving money on your homeowners insurance is surprisingly simple. If you can save your homeowners insurance provider money, they're going to return the favor. That's why following these simple steps to protect your home and lower your premiums will pay off in big savings down the road:

1) Put new locks on your doors. If you bought a house from someone who didn't want to invest huge amounts of money in their home security (or you're living in a low income apartment where most of the money goes toward paying management's salary rather than keeping the apartments in good condition) you've probably got a $10 department store special keeping out the things that go bump in the night-and those things are going to be able to "bump" your door right open, come in and help themselves. It's well worth the investment to pick up locks that can be counted on to do what they're supposed to.

2) Take basic safety precautions. If you have an old home, be sure your plumbing, wiring and septic systems are up to code and replace them if need be. Ensure that your home is designed to stand up against the weather (stabilized foundations for homes in earthquake zones, elevated foundations for houses in flood zones, brick exterior and a waterproof basement for any home unlucky enough to have to survive a New England winter, for example) and invest in a general purpose fire extinguisher in case trouble does arrive.

3) Dig for discounts! You'd be amazed at what, besides your home's safety features, will win you a discount with today's homeowners insurance providers. For example, if you're retired and home most of the day you might be able to pick up a discount because you're there to quickly take action in case of emergency. Also, in the interest of expanding their consumer base many insurers will work hand in hand to offer special discounts to members of certain organizations. Talk to your employer and/or administrator to find out what's available to you.

4) Check your policy limits, and review the value of your possessions. When you bought your home you bought your house and the land around it; however, you probably don't need homeowners insurance to protect your backyard! Use the rebuilding cost of your house as your maximum, and remember: Courtesy of depreciation the replacement value on your belongings is probably going to decrease over time. Lower replacement costs=lower insurance values, so don't forget to update your records regularly!

5) Shop around. Yes, it's a hassle. Yes, it takes up time you don't have. No, you don't really want to do it. Those arguments aside, shopping around for homeowners insurance to find out who's going to give you the best deal is the smartest thing you could do for your insurance premiums.