Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Cheaper Washington Home Owner's Insurance? Try These

By Chimezirim Odimba

If your home's landscaping is done right it will help reduce your premium. Things like potholes increase the chances of injuries that could result in liability claims. To this extent, you'll be saving yourself some cash while making yours a more beautiful home. Make sure you tell your agent if you've already done this. If this wasn't done properly when you applied, do not forget to inform your agent once you are ready to have it redone.

Having a smoker in your home will increase your Washington homeowners insurance premium by a huge margin. With over 23,000 residential fires being caused by smoking you'll agree that it's really an important factor. You will spend less in home insurance if no member of your household smokes. For people who smoke, note that you're entitled to a downward review in your rate if you quit smoking for more than twelve months. What if your insurance company refuses to grant you discounts because some companies don't have non-smokers discounts? Then it's time to shop for an insurance company who does unless you have something else to make your continued stay with such an insurer worthwhile.

The level to which you reinforce your roof could get you a discount. Take serious note of this if you are in the East where high winds are more common. Your agent should be able to outline things you can do if you a discount this way.

Dog bites account for about 33% of all liability claims and cost insurers more than $1 billion every year. This explains the much more expensive rates that dog owners generally get. Don't keep dogs or do your best to keep them in such a way that they won't be able to hurt anyone. Your agent should be able to show you steps you can take that will help you pay less.

It does happen that we sometimes want to renovate our house. Reducing your rate might not even have crossed your mind. You simply love to see your home in excellent shape and that is all.

If you do this you will qualify for a more affordable home owners insurance rates. Therefore, ensure your agent knows about it.

Just as it is with new homes, an insured is very UNlikely to make a claim on a renovated home considering that most things will be in perfect condition. This means your insurer bears a better risk and this results in a more affordable rate. But keep it at the back of your mind that the wider the scope of the renovation, the more the savings you'll get.

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