10 Tips on Home Insurance

Just because you need home insurance to complete your mortgage, doesn’t mean that once you sign on the dotted line, you're finished with it. Follow these tips to make sure that your home insurance policy is the right fit for you.

10. There are different types of homeowner insurance policies and depending where you live, different items are covered (or not covered). Make sure that your home is covered if that stream beside you overflows

9. In general, lower deductibles mean higher premiums but less out of pocket costs if something happens

8. Discounts. By staying with an insurance company for longer periods of times or using the same company to also insure your vehicle, you can save money on your insurance

7. Typical homeowners insurance doesn't cover your car in the driveway or the termites that are attacking your walls

6. Buying a home security system can help you save money on your policy

5. Many homeowners are underinsured. Make sure you check your insurance policy every year and update it after major renovations or additions

4. Talk to your insurance agent or professional about insurance to cover floods or earthquakes. Your policy may not have these extra items covered

3. Take a yearly home inventory. This will help you if a disaster strikes by showing or listing all your items and their value

2. If you want to be able to cover Great-Grandma's pearl earrings, make sure you talk to your agent or professional to make sure you have the proper coverage for them. Typical policies don’t cover expensive jewelry, paintings, photography equipment or musical instruments

And the number 1 tip on your homeowners insurance: Make sure you read your policy. Just because it's thick doesn't mean that it isn't important