Price Factors For Home Insurance

By Helena Stenford


Insurers look at more than home value when calculating homeowners insurance rates. Some of the factors that affect your premiums are listed below:

When setting a premium, insurers factor in general wear and tear on your home. Things such as the condition of the roof, porches, decks, and the integrity of the home's wiring system will be inspected. If your home is new, you might be offered up to a 15 percent discount, due to the fact that newer homes are usually in better condition than older ones. In a new home, the electrical wiring and the plumbing are important features. When sturdy, fire-resistant materials like brick, concrete and stone are used in a home's construction, it is usually cheaper to insure than it would be for a house that is built with soft, flammable material such as wood.

Homes that are more resistant to damage are less expensive to insure. 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.

They will also check out risk objects such as swimming pools and bathtubs, as well as fire and burglar alarms. Homes that have installed safety devices will sometimes receive deductions. But features like swimming pools are an additional risk factor that could add to the cost of the insurance.

Homeowners insurance rates are greatly affected by a home's location. If the home is at-risk for wildfires, flooding, or other natural disasters, rates may be higher. Another consideration is whether the home lies in a high-crime area. Elements of safety are a consideration too. For instance, your premiums will be affected if there is not a fire station within 5 miles.

Type and Amount of Home Insurance Coverage Needed

Some packages provide benefits such as personal liability coverage if someone is injured on your property or theft insurance, while homeowner's insurance typically covers just damage or loss to your home and its contents. 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 deductible is the amount that you the policyholder must pay before your insurance company starts paying benefits. 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.

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

Expect an insurance agent to ask some questions about your lifestyle when you nail down your rate. 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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