Compare Home Insurance Quotes for the Best Deal
Whether you are a veteran homeowner or a first time buyer, you seek reliable advice about how to collect, compare, and choose among home insurance options. Different carriers can provide radically different coverage options. And your needs and preferences will undoubtedly evolve over time. To that end, here is a fast and furious guide about how to compare home insurance quotes effectively without wasting your whole afternoon on the task.
Step-By-Step Guide about How to Compare Home Insurance Quotes
1. Do Your Homework
Factors that can influence your rates include your credit score, the degree to which you’ve paid off your mortgage, the state of your home security and fire proofing system, the safety of your neighborhood, and any geographically-specific risks e.g. if you live near a flood plain or earthquake fault). Research average homeowners insurance rates in your area to get a “standard candle” of sorts) to help you shop. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners annually publishes average rates for homeowners insurance broken down state-by-state.
2. Develop a Rough Idea about the Kinds of Coverage You Want
Do you need a standard HO-3 homeowners policy the most common kind)? Do you need protection for valuables such as antiques, collectibles, jewelry, and special electronics? Do you want replacement cost coverage instead of actual cash value coverage? Do you want to aim for a higher deductible in hopes of offsetting your premiums? Discuss these and other concerns with your spouse. Before you compare home insurance quotes, come up with a vision of what your best-case-scenario final insurance package will look like.
3. Compare Home Insurance Quotes Online
Sure, you can hop around from insurance website to insurance website to get quotes. But it’s faster and simpler to use the free service we have here at NetQuote. Answer one simple questionnaire, and get back 5+ quotes from top tier insurers to compare and contrast.
Another added benefit of using NetQuote is that our report allows you to compare home insurance quotes in a more “apples-to-apples” manner, which makes choosing a policy easier.
4. Review Your Quotes and Talk to an Agent
You may find widely different rates from different insurers for the coverage you seek. Before picking a policy, do your due diligence. Check the company’s rating with independent groups like A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. Talk to an agent about tailoring your policy for your specific needs. You might be accidentally excluding a precious item that you want insured –or you might be taking on needlessly excessive coverage in some area.
5. Play With the Numbers to Find Best Rates
For instance, you and your spouse may want to toy with your deductible amount. By increasing your deductible from something low like $250 or $500 to something higher like $1,000, you can drive your premiums down. Refine your search to zero in on a best-fit policy.
6. When the Time is Right, Nab the Policy
Studies show that over-deliberating can lead to poor decision-making. At some point, after you’ve done due diligence, you need to pull the trigger. Keep good records of your policy and documentation of all insured possessions in case you ever do need to make a claim.
7. Reassess Your Needs at Least Once a Year
The circumstances in your life will change as you get older, take on different responsibilities, and adopt and make major buying decisions. Use a service like NetQuote to compare home insurance quotes regularly to make sure your coverage is optimally suited for your needs.
See how much you could save today on your home insurance. Get your free home insurance quotes today!
