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After buying a brand new home, the next big thing you should consider is how to protect it. This calls for home owner insurance shopping. But if you are only familiar with “how to buy your dream house”, then it is only the right time that you keep on reading this article for it will teach “how to buy a home insurance policy”. Not only that, you will learn how to save on your insurance.

First things first, before you contact any home owner insurance company and close a deal with them, you should allow yourself some time to do research and learn the basics of home owner insurance shopping. Along with it, you need to know more about your home since its details will become the basis of your insurance policy.

Know the dimension, the size, the structure, the age, location and everything in between. Also make an inventory of your appliance and furniture. Then ask yourself this question: what type of coverage do I need.

Usually, a home owner insurance policy covers perils such as fire, vandalism, burglary, and earthquake. Other higher home owner insurance policy will cover anything you can think of. If there is a need to purchase basic coverage or the upgraded one, it all depends on how you know and study the details about your home.

Here is an example: You live in a state where storm is frequent. Thus, it is important to you to get coverage that would enable you to have a claim on damages cause by storm. Same thing applies if you live in a neighborhood where burglary is rampant or if you have a home that is somewhat a fire hazard, etc.

It is helpful also if you do some research online. Research not only on things about home owner insurance but also on the types of insurance that you might need. Doing this will support your initial idea of what type of home owner insurance policy you need.

Shop around. There are several home owner insurance companies out there. Each offers different rate. To get the best rate, all you need to do is to visit at least 3 sites and compare one after another. If you want to get better rates, one tip is to stick on your current insurance company. If you already have car insurance with one company, ask about the special rate they give if you decide to purchase a home owner insurance policy with them. Normally, one company would give 10-15% discount on the second policy.

If you don’t have current insurance policy at hand or if you are not satisfied with your present insurance policy, you still have the freedom to select from other companies offering home owner insurance. Ask discounts. There are several insurance companies that are willing to lower down the rates for you. There is nothing to lose. Just feel free to ask.

After you have done this all, more or less you already have found one for you. But before making a deal, it is advisable to read carefully the terms and conditions. In this way, you can clarify the things you cannot understand or ask question about the provisions on the policy you are purchasing. If you are totally sure about your chosen policy, you can sign it, go home, and spend the rest of the day enjoying your new home.

With all the rising costs in the world consumers are looking for ways to cut costs and save money. Americans spend billions of dollars every year on their home insurance policies. It does not take a genius to figure out that every homeowner needs insurance, most people consider their home to be their greatest asset.

Thousands of homeowners are reaping the rewards that comes from filling out a FREE home insurance quote. Many are receiving 25-30% discounts on their policies while becoming more educated about the home insurance that is right for them. Here are a few tips that might help you when you are shopping for that “Perfect” insurance policy.

Increase Your Deductible

Just like auto insurance, policies have deductibles, and the same rule of thumb applies–carry the highest deductible you can afford. The higher your deductible, the more premium credit you can expect to receive from your insurance company. Your savings could reach 25% by increasing the deductible from $100 to $1000.

Improve Your Home Security

Most insurance companies offer discounts for smoke detectors, burglar alarms, dead bolts, fire extinguishers, and Neighborhood Watch Areas. Homes with a fire and burglar alarm system hooked up to a third-party monitoring company receive higher discounts than homes with local bell alarms.

Consolidate Policies

Insuring two or more vehicles with the same insurance company can save you 10 – 15% on your premiums. If you cover your homeowners insurance and auto insurance together, you can reduce your premiums by another 10 – 15%.

Construction Type

Before buying a home, consider its construction type, such as frame or concrete block and steel (CBS). A wood frame house typically costs more to insure than one built mostly of concrete.

Verify Distance To Fire Stations And Windstorm Areas

If you live in the country, you’ll probably pay higher rates for your insurance than if you lived in town. Why? It’s because of the longer distance to your local fire station. If you live more than 5 miles from the nearest fire station, and more than 1,000 feet from a fire hydrant, you will most likely pay a higher premium.

Before purchasing your home, you may want to get a quote for both and flood insurance. Insurance companies may not offer you windstorm or flood coverage, depending upon the area in which you live. If your home is in a hurricane prone area and your insurance company offers windstorm coverage, then installing approved hurricane shutters should result in a premium discount.

Claims Free Record And Renewal Discounts

If you have not had a claim under your policy during the past 3 – 5 consecutive years, you could receive up to a 15% discount, depending on the insurance company. Plus, most companies will discount your premium if your policy has been in force for 3 straight years.

Mortgage Free Discounts

Some insurance companies target who have paid off their mortgage and offer them premium discounts of up to 5%.

New And Renovated Home Discounts

A majority of insurance companies offer a discount for new homes, and you may qualify if your home was built in the last 10 – 15 years. Also, a recently renovated home costs less to insure, so find out when the last major electrical, heating and plumbing update was completed on the home.

Live-In House Keeper

Some insurers offer up to a 2% premium credit if you have a live-in employee as they feel it could reduce the likelihood of burglary.