| Homeowners insurance premiums keep going up | | | | If you do live in an area that is prone to a |
| across the US. Some reasons for increases are | | | | particular type of storm damage, take a few |
| catastrophes we have all seen on the news like | | | | minutes to find out what sort of improvements |
| floods and storms. However the costs of repairs | | | | may lower your premiums with a discount for |
| has also increased, and this will increase insurance | | | | disaster-proofing. Storm shutters, reinforced |
| prices. Third, the housing stock in the US is aging. | | | | roofs, and modern wiring can reduce risks. These |
| Older houses tend to need repairs, which can | | | | are sensible steps to take anyway, and if you get |
| make them more vulnerable to damage. So the | | | | a discount from your insurance company, that is |
| combination of major disasters, higher repair | | | | an added benefit! |
| costs, and older homes has pushed the price of | | | | If thefts have been a problem in your area, learn |
| home insurance up. | | | | about discounts you may get for installing alarms |
| However, you can take some simple steps to | | | | or burglar bars. Sometimes you can even get a |
| lower your own rates. If you are in the market | | | | discount for installing deadbolt locks. And of |
| for a home right now, be sure and get a rate | | | | course, smoke detectors are a must, both to |
| quote. Most of us try to figure out how much a | | | | earn lower premiums, and maybe even to save |
| new home purchase will cost us, and that costs | | | | your life! |
| includes insurance as well as a mortgage and | | | | When you look into discounts, you may be able |
| property tax. An older home may seem a lot | | | | to save 15 to 20 percent every year. For most |
| cheaper, but it may not actually work out that | | | | of us this saves hundreds of dollars a year. So |
| way if you factor in all the costs associated with | | | | help yourself to lower premiums while improving |
| that purchase. | | | | your security and quality of life. |