Home Insurance California

Buying a home is an exciting adventure, but buying California home insurance can sometimes be a daunting task. Homeowners do have a certain amount of control when it comes to reducing their insurance premiums. Homeowner’s insurance has increased significantly over the years, but there are a number of factors that determine your insurance costs.

Here are ten ways that you can affect the cost of your homeowner’s insurance in California:

1. Discounts. You may be eligible for a discount if you meet certain requirements. Carefully read over your policy or ask your insurance agent. Some insurance companies offer discounts if you’re 55 and older or if you have taken security and safety measures to protect your home. Items such as fire alarms and extinguishers or a security alarm system can reduce the cost of your premiums.
2. Improve your credit. If you have a low credit score, it will affect your insurance rate. Take measures to bring your score up and you’ll see a decrease in your insurance premium.
3. Combine insurance. If you use the same California Home insurance company for your auto and homeowner’s insurance, then you may qualify for a discount of up to 15%. Adding additional members of the household to your auto policy may also reduce your premium. Ask your agent to clarify this for you.
4. Homeowner’s association. If you live in a home that’s part of an association, then you may qualify for a credit. Insurance companies typically feel home’s that are part of an association are a lower risk since it’s in the best interest of all homeowner’s to look out for one another.
5. New home. If you’re buying or building a new home, you can qualify for a discount since newer homes have up-dated, more efficient electrical, heating and cooling systems. If you have upgraded these systems in an older home, tell your agent. You may still qualify for a discount.
6. Increase your deductible. Homeowner’s policies typically carry a $500 deductible. If you increase your deductible to $1,000 or more, it can reduce your premium rate.
7. Kick the habit. A non-smoking household characteristically pay less for their homeowner’s insurance than a non-smoking household. There’s more of a risk for a potential household fire. Lower your premium by kicking the habit and you’ll have the added benefit of a healthier life.
8. Consumer loyalty. If you’ve been with your insurance company for a while, you may be eligible for a discount of up to 10%. Insurance companies, like most business, are happy to keep their good customers, and if you refer someone, they may even give you an additional discount.
9. Understand your policy. If you’ve had your insurance for sometime, you may not need the additional riders that you once did. If you’ve sold or given away valuable jewelry or artwork, update your policy and take advantage of a reduced rate.
10. Update information. Inform your California Home insurance company of any recent changes such as getting married, adding a security system or if you’ve quit smoking. Updated and accurate information may decrease your premium.

About Author

Donald Penske is an insurance agent in the state of California and he helps his clients get the best rate for California Home insurance. He uses RateElert.com, a site that allows him to combine the power of the internet to match the best rate for home insurance for his clients.