Affordable Homeowners Insurance: 5 Features That Get Discounts

Affordable homeowners insurance may be more attainable than you think

By Meha Ahmad, Insuranceagents.com Staff Writer

Affordable homeowners insurance may seem hard to find. But sometimes, as a homeowner, you’ve got to get creative and look for discounts on your premium any way you can; the average homeowner may not know what home features can get them a reduced premium. Get on the road to affordable homeowners insurance. Here are a few features your house may have that can get you a more affordable homeowners insurance premium. The fastest way is to get free, home insurance quotes using our quick online form located here.

1. Fire escapes. While it doesn’tcome with every home, some homes have fire escapes. If yours does, letyour homeowners insurance agent know so you can find more affordable homeownersinsurance. You may be able to get a discount on your homeowners insurance.
2. Renovating your home. If you’verenovated your home, make sure your insurance agent knows about it. Anewer home or renovated and updated homes are usually eligible for a significantdiscount and can get you a more affordable homeowners insurance premium,because agents consider these homes to be lower risks.
3. Detached garage. Detached garages can often yield more affordablehomeowners insurance premiums. If your garage is where you store gasolineand other highly flammable liquids, it can pose a high risk to your home.But if you happen to have a detached garage, especially one at a safedistance from your living quarters, you may be able to find moreaffordable homeowners insurance. A detached garage lowers the risk to yourhome considerably.
4. Amp up your home security. If youalready have home security features or plan on getting some, let youragent know. Policyholders with features such as smoke/carbon monoxidedetectors, basic or sophisticated security/burglar alarms, dead-boltlocks, or sprinkler systems may be eligible for some more affordablehomeowners insurance (check with your agent to see which of these featurescan get you a discount). You may get anywhere from a 5 percent to 20percent discount.
5. Location, location, location. Isyour home close (within approximately 5 miles) to a fire station? Or howabout within 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant? Some carriers will offer moreaffordable homeowners insurance if your home is close to either of thesesaving graces.

Affordable homeowners insurance is a valuable commodity, now more than ever. Check with your agent to see what other features may help you find a more affordable homeowners insurance premium. The easiest way to check for quotes online is using our online form where you can save yourself up to $400 a year on your premiums. Also, consider shopping around for homeowners insurance quotes.

Published: Tuesday 16th June 2009