Thursday, May 23, 2013

Factors Affecting The Price of Home Insurance

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By Helena Stenford


When insurers calculate the rates for homeowners insurance, they consider more factors than just the value of the home. Some of the factors that affect your premiums are listed below:

General wear and tear on your home is factored in when insurers set a premium. They will inspect such things as the condition of the roof, porches, decks, and the integrity of the home's wiring system. Because new homes tend to be in better condition than older homes, some insurers will offer up to a 15 percent discount if your home is new. Important features in a new home include the electrical wiring and the plumbing. Additionally, homes constructed with sturdy, fire-resistant materials like brick, concrete and stone are cheaper to insure than homes constructed with soft, flammable materials like wood.

Certain types of homes are less expensive to insure because they are more resistant to damage. For example, a brick home is preferable because of its resistance to wind damage.

Safety features such as burglar alarm systems, deadbolts, window locks, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems often garner discounts of approximately 5 percent from many insurers. If the house is near a fire department, you could get a discount for that too.

Risk objects like fire and burglar alarms, as well as swimming pools and bathtubs will also be considered. If safety devices have been installed, you might receive deduction for that as well. On the other hand, risk factors that can drive up the overall insurance cost are things like swimming pools.

Homeowners insurance rates are greatly affected by a home's location. Rates can go up when the home is at-risk for natural disasters such as wildfires or flooding. Another consideration is whether the home lies in a high-crime area. Also considered are safety elements. For example, if there is not a fire station within 5 miles, then that could impact your premiums.

Type and Amount of Home Insurance Coverage Needed

Homeowner's insurance typically covers damage or loss to your home and its contents, but some packages also provide other benefits such as personal liability coverage if someone is injured on your property or theft insurance. Make sure you read all the fine print. Although packages might appear similar, there can actually be a big difference in prices and coverage. Make sure you get what you need and use what you get.

The amount paid by the policyholder before the insurer pays benefits is the deductible. The higher your deductible, the lower your home insurance premiums. By raising the deductible, you can save up to 50 percent of the cost of your homeowner's insurance.

Your insurance rate may be higher than people who are long-time homeowners or older and well established in the community, if you're young and have just purchased your first home. A reduced rate is offered by some insurance agencies to retired individuals.

You can expect some questions about your lifestyle when an insurance agent nails down your rate. At the top of the list? You may have a higher rate because of an increased risk of fire and damage to the home, if you're a smoker.




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