We all understand the need to carry homeowner’s insurance – it’s a vital way to protect yourself and your investment in your home – but let’s be honest, we’d all like to pay lower premiums if we could.

But your rate is your rate, right?

Not necessarily. You may be surprised to learn that there are simple ways you can lower your homeowners insurance premium. Here are six of the most notable:

Increase Your Deductible

Yes, raising your deductible means you will pay more out of pocket if you make a claim, but the tradeoff is that you will have lower premiums. Barring problems that force you to make a claim, this is a long-term saving that puts money back in your pocket year after year.

Have Good Credit

Did you know that your credit can affect your homeowners insurance rates? Well now you do. Your credit plays a role in determining what your rates will be. Maintain good credit, or take steps to improve bad credit, and you will enjoy better rates in the future.

Make Targeted Home Improvements

You’ll want to contact your independent agent for specifics, but some home improvements designed to better protect it from disaster could contribute to lower insurance premiums.

Roof reinforcements, storm shutters, and modernized heating and electric to reduce the risk of fire may all help lower your rates, depending on your policy. Just be sure to check with your agent before making the investment!

Bundle Your Policies

Buying your homeowners, auto, and other insurance policies from the same agent is an easy and effective way to get better rates. Multi-policy discounts are common and can save you more money than you realize. And besides, isn’t it easier to deal with just one agent instead of several?

Home Security / Protection Systems

Ask your agent about what home security and/or home and business protection systems (fire alarms, fire suppression, etc.) qualify you for a discount on your premiums.

The specifics differ from company to company, and not all systems qualify, but such additions could save you money. Perhaps even more importantly, they may make your home or business safer, too.

Be Loyal To Your Agent

Many insurance companies reward long-term customers with a minor discount on their rates after a certain number of years. Ask your agent if you qualify, and if you don’t yet, how long you’ll have to be a customer to qualify.

Ask What Discounts Are Available

Yes, sometimes it’s as simple as asking whether or not there are potential discounts available to you! Your independent agent can tell you about potential discounts and what you’ll need to do to qualify. Don’t be afraid to ask. That’s what your agent is there for!

That last one is important to pay attention to, because potential discounts can vary from policy to policy. If you’re using a local independent agent, they’ll be happy to answer your questions – so ask (us)!

Do you actually know your dentist? Your accountant? Your hairdresser?

Shouldn’t you know your insurance agent, too…?

At Virgil E. Brown Insurance, we live and work on the East Side of Cleveland, which means we can serve and understand your needs in ways that the bigger companies can’t. (Or won’t.)

Call Stan right now at 216-851-3304 or email him at info@virgilbrownins.com to learn exactly how we can help.