Saving On Homeowner’s Insurance Is Now Possible!
Exif created by JPEGTweaker
Making some small upgrades to your home can help you save big bucks on homeowner’s insurance. Here are some ways of doing this:
Avoid Filing Two Specific Types of Claims
You must think twice before filing claims based on water damage or dog bites. Filing any of these claims is likely to cause a spike in your premium. Dog bites are the most common cause of homeowner’s insurance claims. As for water damage, insurers are wary of it due to the costs attached to chronic plumbing repairs and mold removal. .
Get a Strong Roof Installed
Standard asphalt shingles get easily damaged during hail storms and wind. Insurers offer discounts of up to 45% if you choose a roof made of a tougher material. Before replacing your roof, ask your insurance agent about the discounts offered for roofs made of materials other than standard asphalt.
Typically, a metal roof will help you get the largest discount, but it also costs two to four times more than standard asphalt shingles. If you’re looking for a more cost-effective roof, you could consider one made of heavier-grade Class 4 modified asphalt and shake shingles. These come with a warranty of 30-50 years and will cost you less than replacing a storm-damaged roof.
Strengthen Your Garage Door
Garage doors can be damaged due to fierce winds. Your insurance premium could go down by 10% if you have a stronger door. You could either use a retrofit kit with vertical and horizontal bracing to strengthen your existing door or install a new hurricane-resistant garage door.
Install a Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector
In some states, it is mandatory to have CO detectors. These devices are inexpensive and can protect your family from this invisible, deadly gas. Your insurance company may give you a discount for installing a CO detector as your decision conveys that you are serious about home safety.
Opt for Fire-resistant Siding
If you plan to install new siding, consider getting one made of Class A rated fire-resistant materials like clapboards, metal, and fiber-cement shingles, or masonry. Doing so can cause your homeowner’s insurance premium to reduce by 20%, more so if you live in dry areas of the country that are more prone to suffer from fire damage.
Using these tips can help you skip shelling out a large amount for your homeowner’s insurance.
