Are you in the market for Illinois homeowners insurance? To make sure you get the best rate possible, follow these money-saving tips.
Shop Around for the Best Rate Renewing your homeowners insurance year after year with the same company is the easiest approach to insuring your home.
It may even qualify you for a "loyalty" discount.
However, because insurance costs vary by hundreds of dollars from one insurance company to another, it pays to comparison shop to make sure you're gettingthe best rate.
To make your comparison shopping easy, go to an insurance comparison website.
On this website you fill out a simple questionnaire, then multiple A-rated insurance companies will begin to send you quotes.
You can then compare the quotes and choose the one that's best for you.
If you have any questions, the best insurance comparison websites let you talk with insurance professionals so you can get answers to your questions, plus get advice on how to lower your premium (see link below).
Money Saving Tips * Set your deductible as high as you can afford.
Your deductible is the amount you have to pay on any claim before the insurance company starts to pay.
A high deductible will mean lower premiums.
Example: Increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can save you 15% to 25% on your insurance.
Increasing it to $2,500 can save you up to 35%.
* Make sure you purchase the right amount of insurance - enough to rebuild your home and replace your personal possessions.
Ask a builder or Realtor how much it would cost to rebuild your home, and take inventory of all your possessions so you know how much coverage to buy.
* Get all the discounts you qualify for.
Insurance companies offer discounts for non-smokers and for retired people.
You might also qualify for discounts if your home has safety and security features such as deadbolt locks, fire extinguishers, window locks, burglar alarms, and smoke alarms.
And finally, insuring both your home and car with the same company can get you a 5% to 15% discount.