Why you need homeowners insurance and what you can do to get lower rates. (iStock) At the peak of the pandemic, the U.S. unemployment rate rose to 14.8%, the highest rate on record since the Congressional Research Service began collecting data in 1948. This type of financial uncertainty is likely to drive many Americans to make cuts to their budgets. To free up some resources, you might want to start with recurring charges, but you should avoid completely cutting out something like homeowners insurance, which can provide crucial protection for you and your family. Instead of going without homeowners insurance, try looking for a cheaper plan. Visit Credible to explore your home insurance options and compare quotes. HOW TO GET A CHEAP HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE POLICY FOR YOUR NEEDS Why you need homeowners insurance Homeowners insurance is a must, whether you’re just moving in or you’ve paid off your house. While the government doesn’t require it, most mortgage lenders do. Along with meeting your lender’s requirements, homeowners insurance can help you protect one of your biggest assets. Here are a few key features of a standard homeowners insurance policy: When you factor in your house, possessions, living expenses, and potential liability, the need for homeowners insurance becomes clear. Compare homeowners insurance quotes and find the right coverage options that fit your needs on Credible. HOW MUCH DOES HOME INSURANCE COST PER YEAR? HERE ARE THE US AVERAGES How to reduce your home insurance rates While canceling your policy probably isn’t a smart move, looking for cheaper coverage is. To lower your home insurance costs, try some of the strategies below. 1. Shop around The best way to get lower rates is to compare several providers. Depending on where you live and the type and level of insurance coverage you need, one company might offer lower rates than another. Comparing multiple insurance quotes can potentially save you hundreds of dollars per year. And, you can get a free home insurance quote in minutes through Credible’s partners. 2. Increase your deductible Another way to save money on home insurance premiums is to adjust your deductible, the amount of money you’re required to pay out of pocket before coverage kicks in. Most companies allow you to set a standard deductible amount between $500 and $2,000, with separate deductible requirements for storm damage in higher-risk areas. The higher your standard deductible is, the lower premiums are, and vice versa. If your current deductible is $500, you could save significantly by increasing it to $1,000. HOW TO BUY HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE 3. Make your home safer Many homeowners insurance companies offer insurance discounts to policyholders for installing security systems with central monitoring, as well as home security features like deadbolts. You could also save by having smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and sprinklers. 4. Bundle your home and auto policies Many companies that sell different lines of insurance offer multi-policy discounts. You may be able to save 10% or more on insurance premiums by purchasing your home and auto insurance policies together from the same provider. Try getting quotes on multiple policy types to see how much you could save with bundle discounts. You can explore your auto insurance options via Credible, too. 5. Review your policy It’s important to take inventory of your home and belongings periodically and consider depreciation. In addition to taking inventory of your stuff, note any changes that could lower the cost of coverage options. For example, if you’ve recently paid off your mortgage, made upgrades to your home, or even improved your credit score, update your insurance company to see if you could be eligible for better rates. DOES YOUR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COVER EMERGENCIES? Key takeaways Without homeowners insurance, you could be left empty-handed if disaster strikes. Homeowners insurance provides extensive protection for your home and possessions, and going without coverage isn’t worth the risk. To lower the cost of your policy, try: To get started saving now, take a few moments to compare home insurance companies and shop their plans via Credible. Have a finance-related question, but don't know who to ask? Email The Credible Money Expert at [email protected] and your question might be answered by Credible in our Money Expert column. Source: Read Full Article