• Increase your deductible to a minimum of $1,000 could save up to 20%
• Pay small claims out of pocket to keep your claims frequency down
• Installing an alarm system can save you up to 15% annually

Buying a Home?

• Homes within 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant will get the best rate on their insurance
• Homes within 5 miles of a staffed fire department will get a better rate on their insurance
• Homes over 5 miles to a staffed fire department and without a fire hydrant within 1,000 feet will pay the highest rate for insurance

• Properties located within a half mile of the Bay will pay a higher premium

• Secondary and Seasonal Homeowners will pay more on those policies for their insurance than Primary Homeowners
• If the carrier that writes the Primary property is willing to write the Secondary or Seasonal property, it may cost less to have the same company insure them both

• Most companies offer discounts for new homes, the newer the home, the bigger the discount.  Up to 20% in some cases
• Older homes need to be updated within the last 20 years

Before a Loss

Take an inventory of your personal property at home.  Pictures are helpful in doing this.  Save the pictures and inventory to a disc and store it away from your home.  You can download free home inventory software to guide you here.

Loss Prevention

     Preventing Fires in the Home

• Install smoke detectors outside bedrooms and on each floor of the home, including the basement and check them once a month
• Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors once a year and replace the detectors every ten years
• Do not leave the stove unattended while cooking, even for a minute
• Turn pot handles inward to prevent children from grabbing them
• Hide matches and lighters
• Have a fire extinguisher in the home and inspect it every 30 days
• Use surge protectors on your electronics
• Unplug television sets and other expensive electronics when you know a storm is coming

     Preventing a Loss When You are Away

• Turn water off before leaving
• Have someone check the house every few days to make sure the heat is working
• Shut off the breakers to the water heater, stove, and electric clothes dryer
• Prior to leaving, clean out gutters and rain spouts, if they are clogged water could back up into the house
• Make your house look occupied,
• Never leave Christmas trees or wreath lights on and unattended
• Load your car in the garage so that others do not see that you are leaving

     Preventing Thefts

• Barking dogs can deter burglars, post a beware of dog sign on your property
• Install motion detectors outside
• Close all windows and doors when you are not home, even if you are gone for just a few minutes