Home insurance is just one of those necessary but decidedly annoying costs. Your monthly or annual payments don’t get you anything tangible and it can be frustrating for new homeowners to fork over high insurance payments when it goes toward something you don’t get to see or feel. Luckily, there are ways you can lower your premiums.
Keep your home up to date. Older homes with appliances or parts that may be nearing their life expectancy will likely require more insurance than a newer or more updated home. For example, a home with an aging roof or old furnace will cost you more. Make sure major liabilities are up to date and insurance providers might be likely to reward you with a lower premium.
Replace obvious hazards. There are certain items—especially in older homes—that are seen as red flags by insurance companies. These include certain types of pipes and hoses that can contribute to flooding, one of the major causes of insurance payouts in Canada. The one-time cost of replacing or mitigating these could save you significantly in the long run. Ask your insurance provider for details.
Save your claims for big items. Many don’t know that making multiple claims for small amounts can actually impact your premiums over time. Instead, save your claims for items you really can’t handle on your own. For example, if you damage an appliance that costs $1,200 and your deductible is $1,000, it might not be worth it to file a claim for the remaining $200. Constant small claims can increase your premium or result in your account being flagged.
