Colorado home owners can find good values on home insurance with just a little bit of time and effort. Here are some things to consider that could save you quite a bit of money.
It’s important to realize that home insurance rates vary from company to company in Colorado. This is because each company sets its rates according to several factors such as risk assessment, business goals and more. Knowing this fact leads to one of the easiest ways to save money on your homeowners insurance: shopping around.
More people spend time trying to save on a grocery bill than on home insurance, even though it doesn’t take that much time. What’s more, the savings could be in the hundreds. Just a few phone calls or a few minutes on the Internet can get you started.
In fact, the Internet has really made getting comparison quotes easy. For one thing, The Division of Insurance, on the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies’ Web site features a premium report for homeowners insurance. It’s based on certain types of coverages and certain types of homes, but gives you a ballpark estimate depending on where you live: Colorado Springs, Denver, Ft. Collins, Durango and so on.
This may help you identify some companies that you can call or go to their Web sites and request quotes. Many people, however, find it even more convenient to visit an insurance comparison site. The reason is, these sites don’t represent a single company. You only need to complete one online form and you’ll get several quotes back. The Insurance Information Institute recommends that you get at least three quotes for comparison, so these sites do make the process quicker.
Many people don’t realize how much a low deductible is adding to their home insurance premium. You may want to consider a higher deductible and put the extra money into a savings account. The difference between a $500 and $1,000 deductible could lower your premium quite a bit.
Discounts are another great way to lower your home insurance costs. You can often save 5 percent or more when you insure your vehicles with the same company that insures your property. And having safety features such as smoke alarms and deadbolt locks can also qualify your for savings. Be sure to ask once you’ve found some quotes you like.