Homeowners Insurance Quotes

How to get the best homeowners insurance rates

By Jeanni Brosius, CEO, Brosius Young Communications

We all want the best homeowners insurance rate, but there is more to it than comparing homeowners insurance quotes.

Compare homeowners insurance from other companies with your current homeowners insurance rate, but be sure you are comparing apples to apples, since not all standard homeowners policies are created equal.

1. Getting a low rate may mean having a higher deductible or a lower maximum coverage.

2. Your insurance rates may go up when you update or add value to your home.

3. Bankruptcy may also increase your insurance rates.

Boost your security and credit rating to get lower rates

There are ways to keep your house insurance rates low. Increase your security by adding an alarm system, deadbolts and smoke detectors. Keep your credit score high as insurance companies will use your credit score to asses your risk value. Many times an insurance company will offer a discount if you include your cars and other property on your policy so consolidate your policies.
Try: MSN Money lists 15 ways to save on your homeowners policy. AnnualCreditReport.com provides free credit reports so you can monitor your credit score on a regular basis.

You'd better shop around

Shopping around for the best quote for home insurance is a good way to ensure you're getting the best deal. When you're getting the house insurance quotes, make sure you compare each policy point-by-point. Just because a rate is lower, doesn't mean you're getting the best deal or the best coverage. Also, if you already have homeowners insurance with another company, compare your old policy with the new quotes to see if you really are getting a better rate.
Try: If you're a member of the United States Military, USAA usually has lower rates than most other insurance companies. Free Advice allows you to locate agents in your area. To get more quotes on homeowners insurance rates, visit the 2Insure4Less website.

Get quotes online

Many insurance companies allow you to input your information for an online quote. This way, you only have to input your information once, but you'll receive quotes from multiple insurance companies that cover property in your area.
Try: In four minutes, Hometown Quotes will give you the best rates available for your area. Net Quote also offers quotes from multiple agents.

Renters need insurance too

Just because you don't own your home, doesn't mean you don't need a home insurance policy to cover your contents and any damage that may occur to the property caused by you. A renter's policy may be written by the same company that carries your auto insurance, or you may chose to get multiple homeowners insurance rates and quotes to make sure you're getting the best deal.
Try: Insure and Esurance offer quotes on renter's insurance.

Take inventory of your possessions. Photographing or video taping them is a good way to keep track.
Keep the photos or videos, along with the appraisal documents in a fire-proof safe.
Update your insurance from time to time. Property values go up, and you may accrue more valuables.