Home Matters

Did You Know? 

According to a new National Media Report, it may cost as much as 30 percent more to rebuild parts of a home than to completely build a new one from scratch. Demolition and removal of damaged property are pricey, limiting what a homeowner can do when rebuilding only parts of a home. 

PROPERTY INSURANCE CONSIDERATIONS

Limits on your homeowners insurance are established to protect your family in the event that something goes wrong. In an effort to remain protected while saving money, consider the following tips:

• Increase your credit score by paying your bills on time and always paying at least the minimum payment due.
• Avoid filing nuisance claims. Use your coverage to protect against losses that you cannot recover by yourself. Take care of minor incidents on your own.
• Increase your deductible to lower your monthly premium. According to the Insurance Information Institute, increasing your deductible from $250 to $500 can cut costs by 12 percent.
• Consider buying multiple lines of coverage from the same carrier to get discounts. Many carriers offer discounts for bundling homeowners and automobile insurance, for example.

Safety First 

Another way to save on homeowners insurance is to install a security system. This safety measure reduces the likelihood that intruders will be able to enter your home, which reduces the likelihood that you’ll file a claim. According to the Electronic Security Association, 90 percent of convicted burglars said that they would be deterred by homes that had security systems installed.