PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT WITH HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE

When choosing homeowner's insurance, know what kind of coverage you need in advance in order to save yourself time, money, and frustration in the future. Various factors contribute to the amount of your premium, but there are ways to cut those costs. Making smart decisions now will afford you the kind of coverage you need and save you a substantial amount of money every year. In this article, you will learn how to safeguard your home and sanity.

Once you've decided on the house you want to purchase, ask your agent about the potential insurance costs. The age of the electrical work, plumbing, and other systems have a direct effect on your monthly premiums. If you have items that can't be covered due to your policy limits, you may choose to add a "personal articles floater" to your policy. You may be able to attain a personal articles floater for only thirty dollars per year in order to insure your most cherished possessions for their current value or latest appraised value. Usually used to insure engagement rings or electronic gadgets, "floaters" require no deductible and can protect a wider range of claims.

Your insurance premiums and available coverage will be dictated by the neighborhood you choose to live in. Studies show that most families don't have adequate homeowner's insurance to replace their home if a disaster should strike. Replacement value is the current expense of rebuilding your home. If you've had your property extensively renovated, your insurance policy should be updated to include the cost of replacements. When increasing your coverage, your premium will go up, but choosing a higher deductible can lower the amount you pay each month substantially.

If the worst happens, you will be grateful for up-to-date records of your home's contents during the claims process. Document your belongings and the price you paid for them, in addition to the current value of each item. Keep a record of your belongings with pictures or video, and store them in a safe place outside the home, such as a safe deposit box at your bank. This way your records will be safe in case of disaster. These records can assist you in determining your coverage requirements, and they can also serve as your documentation of ownership if you incur a loss.

Nobody wants to think of their home being devastated by flood or fire, but the right homeowner's insurance can put your mind at ease. Each home buyer should be aware of the costs that accompany owning a home. It is crucial to have enough coverage, so talk to your insurance agent and protect your family's investment.

SOURCE
http://www.insurancepointeinc.com/
http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/protecting-your-investment-with-homeowners-insurance-733284.html