Promise Yourself You'll FINALLY Go Looking for Cheap Home Insurance in 2010
You know, it always seems like you've got way too much to do and not nearly enough time to do it over the holidays. Relax, it's normal. Since studies show that fervent prayers and offerings to the time gods don't actually inspire them to make the days five or six hours longer, however-or make your eyes stay open five or six hours past your bedtime-you're going to have to work with the hours you've got.
While you're creating your very own, brand new time management strategy, don't forget to schedule in some time to finally go hunting for cheap home insurance.
|
If you own a house or have an apartment with more than $500 worth of "stuff" in it (which is a pretty safe bet, since most people have at least $5,000 in clothing, jewelry, DVDs, CDs and electronics just hanging around) you already know that your home insurance is one of the best investments you make in a year. If a robber decides to come by and clean you out, you know you're covered. If your house burns to the ground, you know you're covered. Really, it's a peace of mind you don't get anywhere else!
Of course, that doesn't mean you want to pay a fortune for that peace of mind! Feeling good about your investments is all well and good, but you shouldn't break the bank just to keep your finances all in one piece. If you've just been smiling and going along with the numbers your home insurance company has been throwing your way, it's time to make a few changes. It's time for you to finally stand up and demand the cheap home insurance rates you deserve!
The single best way to get a good deal on your home insurance is to go shopping around. It's amazing what can save you hundreds of dollars a year with one company but won't even touch your premiums with another. Remember, no two home insurance policies are the same. State governments haven't stepped in to start mandating what can (and cannot) save you money on your home insurance, which means insurance companies have complete autonomy. That can work for you, or it can work against you. If it's working against you, you're paying way too much.
Of course, just because you can't predict exactly what (or how much) you're going to be able to save on your home insurance doesn't mean you shouldn't take advantage of a little insider knowledge to make it as insurable as possible. Start by picking up a fire extinguisher and checking the batteries in your smoke alarms. You should have one on each level of your house to let you know as quickly as possible when your house is going up in flames.
Next, let's talk about your home security system. There are only two things you need to know: deadbolts and electronic security systems, preferably the kind that connect your home directly to local law enforcement. Would-be burglars aren't usually fond of the idea of spending 5-10 in the slammer, and they'll give wide berth to a house that's going to throw a kink in the works when there's easier pickings to be had right next door.
So fortify your house and start making some phone calls. Make 2010 the year you finally decide to start saving money on your home insurance.