Things to do and consider before looking for Homeowners Insurance.

• Update For best rates, make sure your wiring is modern and up to date.
• Your roofing is in good condition and less than 20 years old
• Furnace is in good working order;
• Your plumbing is modern and up to code.


• Pools: If you have a pool, make sure it is securely fenced in and remove any diving boards or slides if present.


• Trampolines: As a common source of costly back injury claims, paralysis, and even death,  many companies are denying coverage all together for trampoline owners. Take it to the dump. It is dangerous and may cost you your homeowners insurance. 


• Dogs: Over 40% of all homeowner liability claims are due to dog bites. These claims have become incredibly costly. Most companies will deny coverage to owners of certain dog breeds. Pit Bulls, aka Am Staffs, Red Nose, American Staffordshires, and Rotwielers account together for 47% of all canine caused deaths in America. Each company maintains a list of ten or more breeds they will not insure.


• Claims: The temptation to file a claim for any loss, no matter how minor, may prove to be a bad practice. Homeowners with multiple claims in a three year period may have their coverage cancelled. Save insurance for the big stuff; pay the small claims out of pocket. It will be much less expensive in the long run.

• Combined Policies: Several carriers will apply discounts to home and auto if you have both policies with them.

  Other Discounts: Safety features such as smoke detectors, hard wired alarm systems, may earn additional policy discounts.

  Credit Rating: Maintain a good rating and fix it if it is not. Some companies will add premium for less than stellar credit ratings. Other companies may apply discounts for good ratings. We have seen discounts as high as 38%!

   

Getting the Best Auto Rates

Auto Deductibles: Take the highest deductible you can afford.

Muscle cars: Carriers assume that if you buy a muscle car, you want to drive real fast. Be prepared for high premiums.

MVs: Your driving record has a huge impact on your premiums. MVs, or Moving Violations, will hang on your record for three to five years. They also have a negative impact on Life, Health, and Disability insurance. Driving safely is a real good idea.

DUI/DWI: Just don't do this. If you do, expect to pay for it.

Claims: Resist placing claims for minor nicks and scratches. After the deductible, what you get back is not much, but the claim stays on your record for 3 years, regardless of amount.

Collision: On older cars with low book values, consider dropping Collision since you cannot get back more than book value on a totaled auto.

Teenage Drivers: Teenage driving statistics are worse than ever. Premiums have spiked for them. Place them on the lowest value car you have. Better yet, put them in a low value third vehicle. If they have their own car, be sure it is older and does not require collision insurance. Be Warned: Buy them a shiny new car for their birthday and in 3-5 years, the insurance premium just might equal the cost of the car.

Combined Policies: Several carriers will apply discounts to home and auto if you have both policies with them.

Other Discounts: Safety features such as smoke detectors, hard wired alarm systems, auto theft deterrents, safe driving records, honor roll students may earn additional policy discounts.

Credit Rating: Maintain a good rating and fix it if it is not. Some companies will add premium for less than stellar credit ratings. Other companies may apply discounts for good ratings. We have seen discounts as high as 38%!