Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Factors Affecting The Price of Home Insurance

By Helena Stenford


When insurers calculate the rates for homeowners insurance, they consider more factors than just the value of the home. Below are some of the factors that affect your premiums:

When setting a premium, insurers factor in general wear and tear on your home. Things such as the condition of the roof, porches, decks, and the integrity of the home's wiring system will be inspected. Some insurers will offer up to a 15 percent discount if your home is new, because new homes tend to be in better condition than older homes. In a new home, the electrical wiring and the plumbing are important features. Additionally, homes constructed with sturdy, fire-resistant materials like brick, concrete and stone are cheaper to insure than homes constructed with soft, flammable materials like wood.

Homes that are more resistant to damage are less expensive to insure. For example, a brick home is preferable because of its resistance to wind damage.

In addition, alarm and sprinkler systems, deadbolts, window locks, and smoke detectors are safety features for which many insurers will offer discounts of approximately 5 percent. If the house is near a fire department, you could get a discount for that too.

Risk objects such as swimming pools and bathtubs, as well as fire and burglar alarms are also checked out. Some companies allow deductions for homes that have installed safety devices. On the other hand, risk factors that can drive up the overall insurance cost are things like swimming pools.

A major factor for homeowners insurance rates is the location of the home. If the home is at-risk for wildfires, flooding, or other natural disasters, rates may be higher. Another consideration is whether the home lies in a high-crime area. Elements of safety are a consideration too. For instance, your premiums will be affected if there is not a fire station within 5 miles.

Type and Amount of Home Insurance Coverage Needed

Homeowner's insurance typically covers damage or loss to your home and its contents, but some packages also provide other benefits such as personal liability coverage if someone is injured on your property or theft insurance. Make sure you read all the fine print. Prices and coverage can vary significantly between packages that appear similar. Make sure you use what you get and get what you need.

The deductible is the amount that you the policyholder must pay before your insurance company starts paying benefits. The higher your deductible, the lower your home insurance premiums. If you raise the deductible, the cost of your homeowner's insurance can be reduced up to 50 percent.

Your insurance rate may be higher than people who are long-time homeowners or older and well established in the community, if you're young and have just purchased your first home. A reduced rate is offered by some insurance agencies to retired individuals.

Expect an insurance agent to ask some questions about your lifestyle when you nail down your rate. What might top the list? If you're a smoker, you may have a higher rate because of an increased risk of fire and damage to the home.




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