If you’re wondering how to lower your homeowners insurance in Florida, you’re not alone. The cost of insurance is rising so fast that you may be tempted to reduce your coverage or eliminate it all together. However, this is a costly mistake that could cost you a lot more in the long run. Instead of cutting back on coverage, look for ways to bundle it with your flood insurance for a discount.
Homeowners insurance rates can increase every year, depending on the value of your personal property and land. You should review your policy with your insurance agent annually to determine whether it is worth making a few changes. If you’re unsure about any changes, ask your agent about discounts available for homeowners insurance. In some cases, increasing your deductible can lower your premiums considerably. If your policy allows it, check with your agent about ways to reduce it even more.
A positive fire inspection report is another way to reduce your premiums. Fire inspectors rank homes based on their proximity to fire stations. Get a home inspection done on your property and ask your insurance agent to negotiate with the county to get a higher score. A good “wind mitigation report” can also save you a lot of money on your homeowners insurance. Lastly, you can make sure your roof is in good shape. A hip roof is less likely to blow off during a storm.
The second step to lowering your homeowners insurance in Florida is to talk with your insurance agent. Not only will he be familiar with your state’s insurance requirements, but he will also be able to offer you specific advice based on your policy. He will also be able to explain the different types of insurance discounts and their benefits. Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to shop for the best deal.
If your home is in good shape, you can reduce your premium by fixing any minor damages that may have occurred. If you do, you can save up to 25% on your policy premiums by reducing your deductible by up to $500 or $1,000. Remember to ask your insurance agent for an accurate estimate of the costs of rebuilding your home, because if you don’t have enough coverage, you’ll have to pay for the damage yourself.
One other way to lower your homeowners insurance in Florida is to improve your credit score. Your insurers base their quotes on your insurance score, which is determined by your credit score. If you have poor credit, you’ll most likely have higher premiums than those with good credit. So, if you have bad credit, try improving your credit score as much as you can. The best way to do this is to improve your credit score and start paying off your credit cards.
You can also increase your deductible. Insuring a home with a higher deductible will lower your premiums every year. Just be sure to keep an emergency fund handy for any eventualities. You’ll also want to ask your insurance agent if you can raise your deductible. During the past few weeks, South Carolina has been hit with record rainfall, and officials are estimating damage to be in the billions.
Another way to lower your premiums is to bundle home and auto insurance. Most home insurance companies do not offer bundles, so make sure to find a company that offers both. You can often save up to 5% or 10% on your total cost by bundling your home insurance with your auto insurance. Insurers often give a higher discount to homeowners who live in gated communities and install monitored fire alarms.
In addition to building a solid credit history, it is vital to monitor your credit score and make sure it is as good as it can be. More insurers use credit data to set prices and are legally obligated to notify the insured when they have taken adverse action. Ensure that the data your insurer uses is correct, and pay bills on time. Monitor your credit history regularly and make any corrections as soon as you notice any errors.