Tips to save on home insurance

(NewsUSA) - It's not wise to go without home insurance, but increasing costs can make paying for protection difficult.

Why the high costs? Some homeowners used low interest rates to move into larger homes, which need more coverage. Increased construction costs leave homes more expensive to replace. Experts predict that natural disasters will increase, making full coverage even more difficult and expensive in highrisk areas. Recent storms and fires have caused insurance companies to pay damages, so they raised premiums.

But there are ways to protect your home and still save money on your home insurance policy. Here are some tips for savvy insurance shoppers:

• Compare prices. Shopping around can take awhile, but extra time spent could mean extra savings. Consult consumer guides, insurance agents and online insurance quote services, not only to compare prices, but also to find complaints. Many states offer rate and complaint information for major insurance companies.

• Raise your deductible. Your deductible is the amount of money that you must pay towards damages. Raising your deductible will lower your premiums.

• Use the same company for home and auto insurance. Many companies will lower premiums for customers buying more than one policy.

• Upgrade your home. Installing a home security system can lower premiums. Modernizing electrical, heating and cooling, and plumbing systems will lead some insurers to offer discounts.

Many insurers offer discounts to homeowners who install the FloLogic System. Like a circuit-breaker for the home plumbing system, the FloLogic monitors an entire building's water system, then shuts off the water when it senses leaks. Insurers often face hefty water damage claims, so taking steps to prevent floods can help lower premiums.

• Cover damages less than $1,000. If the damages cost less than your deductible, pay for them out-of-pocket. You'll want to own insurance for larger damages in the future.

For more information about the FloLogic System, visit www.flologic.com.