Sunday, September 9, 2007

Finding the Right Home Insurance for you and your Home

For the vast majority of us, our home is the biggest purchase that we will ever make. Our home represents an investment in the present and the future and, if taken care of properly, your home will only increase in value over time. Imagine, then, the utter devastation that would be caused, both financially and emotionally, if your home were to be destroyed and you discovered that your home insurance did not cover the damage. Such sad occurrences are all too common, and they occur when home owners do not realize that their home insurance does not cover the specific occurrence that damaged their home or they were aware of it but did nothing because they did not think that the event was likely to ever occur. It is also possible to lower the premiums on your home insurance if you take certain steps that make your home safer.

Standard home insurance does not cover widespread disasters such as floods and earthquakes. These types of insurance coverages are required in areas that are prone to earthquakes and flooding, but floods and earthquakes can occur in surprising places. For example, flash floods are not unheard of in the desert and even the geologically inert center of the North American continent is not completely free from the threat of earthquakes. It is a good idea to investigate the history of your area to see if earthquakes or flooding is even a remote possibility and, if so, to go ahead and purchase the extra home insurance coverage.

It is often possible to reduce your home insurance premiums by making your home safer. For example, many standard policies will reward home owners who purchase theft deterrent systems and fire control systems such as sprinklers. Be sure to check with your insurance agent to see if you qualify for any of these discounts.

No comments: