With insurance rates on the rise, it is more important than ever to be a careful shopper. Here’s how to get a deal without sacrificing coverage.
Insurance Policy Checklist
Shop around. Rather than simply re-signing with your carrier at renewal time, get quotes from at least two other insurers to see if they’ll offer better rates. And be prepared to tell them what you are paying now. “The more quotes you get, the better your chances of finding a lower premium,” says Laura Longero, executive editor of carinsurance.com, an insurance comparison website.
Highlight home improvements. Especially if the upgrades include projects like a new roof for storm shutters that make your house more resilient to natural disasters, your insurer may give you a discount to reflect your lower risk.
Boost your deductible. Increasing your homeowner’s insurance deductible from $500 to $1,000 may save you up to 25 percent on your premiums. Be sure you have enough cash in your emergency fund to cover it.
Consider telematics. Usage-based insurance plans use telematics, requiring drivers to install a device in their car or download a smartphone app that measures their speed, how many miles they drive and their braking habits. Then the device determines rates based on that data.
Take advantage of life changes. If you’ve recently retired, sent a child away to college or gotten married, you may be eligible for lower rates or an insurance discount.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. If you have the cash to cover the cost of claims that aren’t worth much more than your deductible, Longero recommends simply paying them out of pocket.
Bundle up. Moving your home, auto and other policies to the same carrier could save you 20 percent on total premiums, Bankrate finds. Some insurers let you have one deductible across multiple policies, which could save money if you experience multiple events that require claims. Article courtesy of AARP.