Reducing your rates of homeowner insurance

Every insurance company that provides homeowner coverage uses its own package of "special" discounts to market its products to particular types of customers. The following list contains suggestions on how to reduce your rates. Be sure to ask your agent about:

    * Non-smoker discount – Some insurers offer a discount when all family members are nonsmokers.
    * Long-time customers – Some insurers offer discounts to long-time customers with no claims history.
    * Multiple policies – If you have your home, auto, liability, and other policies with the same company, it may offer a discount.
    * Protection devices – If you have smoke detectors, burglar alarms, or automatic sprinkler systems, the company may offer a discount.

In addition to the discounts listed above, you may want to think about choosing a higher deductible to reduce your rates. If you have a lien holder, they may require a minimum deductible amount.

Prepare ahead to ease the claims process
Insurance is something you hope you never have to use, but if you should ever need to file a claim after experiencing a loss, the following suggestions can make the process easier:

    * Written inventory – Create and regularly update a written inventory of your home’s contents.
    * Video/photographic record – Videotape or photograph the contents of your home, and the exterior from different viewpoints and angles.
    * Identify – Engrave or mark larger possessions to show ownership.
    * Appraisals – Have someone appraise your jewelry, antiques, stamps, coins, and other valuable collectibles.
    * Document security – Keep your insurance policy, home inventory, appraisals, photos and video records in a secure secondary location (such as your office or a safety deposit box). Update your records and documentation annually