Price Factors For Home Insurance

By Helena Stenford


Insurers look at more than home value when calculating homeowners insurance rates. Your premiums can be affected by some of the factors below:

When setting a premium, insurers factor in general wear and tear on your home. They will inspect such things as the condition of the roof, porches, decks, and the integrity of the home's wiring system. Some insurers will offer up to a 15 percent discount if your home is new, because new homes tend to be in better condition than older homes. 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.

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

Many insurers also offer discounts of approximately 5 percent for safety features such as burglar alarm systems, deadbolts, window locks, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems. You may also receive a discount if your home is in close proximity to a fire department.

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

A home's location impacts rates for homeowners insurance in a major way. Rates may be higher if the home is at-risk for wildfires, flooding, or other natural disasters. If there is a lot of crime in the area, this is considered too. Safety elements are also considered. 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

Usually, homeowner's insurance covers loss or damage to your home and its contents, but other benefits such as personal liability coverage if someone is injured on your property or theft insurance are available with some packages. Make sure you read all the fine print. Packages that appear similar can vary greatly in terms of price and coverage. Get what you need and use what you get.

The amount that the policyholder must pay before the insurance company starts paying benefits is called the deductible. Your home insurance premiums are lower when you have a higher deductible. If you raise the deductible, the cost of your homeowner's insurance can be reduced up to 50 percent.

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. Retired individuals often receive reduced rate offers from some insurance agencies.

Expect an insurance agent to ask some questions about your lifestyle when you nail down your rate. What could be at the top of the list? If you're a smoker, you may have a higher rate because of an increased risk of fire and damage to the home.




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