Your homeowners insurance premium may seem like a relatively static bill in your life, especially if you’ve had your property for many years. But you probably have more control over it than you think. Home insurers want to see their clients are doing everything they can on their end to protect their property. And making just a few tweaks to your home security can leave you with some extra cash in your pockets. Here are 5 ways you can save money on your home insurance:

1. Water Leak Detectors

A tiny puddle in the back of a basement is remarkably easy to miss. A sensor-based leak detector will sense excess moisture in the air and then send an alert on their mobile device. To qualify for related discounts, homeowners may need to put one in every room with pipes or have them professionally installed (e.g., utility rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, etc.) A Synergy Insurance expert can tell you more about carriers that offer discounts for these type of devices.

2. Burglar Alarm

Alarms play a strong role in deterring criminals, which is why you should always share your alarm certificate with your insurance company. Even if the police can’t show up immediately, they alert the authorities that something is wrong. Home insurance companies rest easier when they know their residents have protections against criminal activity. Having a monitored alarm system can discount your home insurance premium up to 15% annually depending on the carrier. Having peace of mind and saving money may make this a good option for your family. SafeHome.org can help you evaluate some alarm systems on the market today. 

3. Fire Protection

From a central fire alarm to sprinkler systems, homeowners can set up a number of protections to keep their property from going up in flames. A SMART fire alarm will alert the homeowner of any flame detection (via a mobile device) while a sprinkler system will automatically activate in the event of a fire. Having a monitored fire alarm system that can alert the fire department immediately when it detects a blaze can save precious time and cut down on the amount of damage a fire can do to your home. 

4. Senior or Retiree

Property owners who are either 60 or older or 55 and officially retired can enjoy home insurance discounts. Retirees and seniors who live in gated communities with 24-hour security patrol qualify to save even more! From passkeys to patrolmen, these measures can go far to mitigate the severity of both man-made and natural disasters.

5. Electronic Policy

Paper isn’t free, which is why some home insurance companies will give discounts to those who sign up for electronic communications. This is a remarkably simple way to save money on your home insurance (and save yourself the hassle of filing all your documents).

Synergy Insurance wants you to save money on your home insurance whenever and wherever possible. Our team is comprised of insurance experts who are ready to help you find a quality home insurance policy and save you money! Chat with us here now or contact us to learn more. 

Let us be your Insurance Experts! 

The post Get Smart – Save Money On Home Insurance appeared first on Synergy Insurance.

Shopping for homeowners insurance is just as important as shopping for the right home. When you’re first looking at buying homes, it pays to be in the know when it comes to home insurance, because the type of policy you can get should influence the location and condition of the home you buy. Here are seven questions and answers to ask a home insurance agent before you settle on your new house.

1. How are agents licensed?

Homeowners insurance companies only allow properly licensed agents to represent them, but there have been rare stories of agents who have sold worthless policies from fake insurance companies. Luckily, it is easy enough to visit the local state insurance department website to verify both agents and insurers by phone or an online search. Make sure you do so to ascertain you’ve got a reputable agent you want to work with before buying a policy.

2. Has a home had prior claims made?

Prior homeowners insurance claims may or may not factor into getting future coverage, but new homebuyers should always call an insurance agent in advance of closing to check. If a home has had several claims, it could impact future rates or even the ability to get coverage, so you may not wish to purchase it.

3. What does a homeowners insurance policy cover?

Typical home insurance coverage policies provide a package of protection, including property (the actual home and other structures), personal property (home contents), liability, loss of use and potentially natural disasters or other unforeseen events.

4. How much personal property insurance is necessary?

Most people underestimate the value of the personal property in their homes. Homeowners should use home inventory software to help you tally your possessions in case you ever need to make a claim. You should also understand the difference between having property valued at market or replacement value, and always have your policy cover replacement value.

5. How much liability insurance should homeowners buy?

Typical policies may include $100,000 to $300,000 worth of protection against injury or damage claims by others. People with high net worth may want to extend that with supplemental liability or umbrella insurance policies, and these usually only cost a few more dollars a month.

6. Does my policy include flood insurance?

Typical homeowners coverage does not include flood insurance, and this must get purchased separately. An insurance agent can help homeowners buy additional coverage against floods, or you could simply choose to put offers down on houses in areas that would not need it.

7. Is any type of water damage covered?

Water damage could come from storms, plumbing problems or even humidity. Mold does not need a lot of moisture to start growing, and it could even thrive in very humid areas. Ask an agent exactly what kind of water damage, including mold, the basic policy covers. Especially since many sellers may not be honest about the house’s predisposition to mold, it pays to be prepared.

It is always a good idea to know where you stand. When it comes to home insurance, take some time to consider what is covered, and identify areas in which you may need more coverage. Check out our Home Insurance Claims eBook regarding things that may or may not be covered under your current policy. Click on the eBook to download your copy!

Our agents at Synergy are here to answer any questions you may have regarding coverage! Click below to get a free quote on one of our many lines, and let our experts handle the rest!

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