How to save up to 10% on your homeowner's
insurance
Florida property
insurance rates are rising, but there are ways you can save
hundreds of dollars |
Article Courtesy of ABC ACTION NEWS
By Stacy Olmos
Published
September 19, 2022
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WATCH VIDEO |
WHAT IS THE PRICE OF PARADISE?
As Tampa Bay continues to attract
new residents and businesses, the impact of living in paradise comes at
a cost for all of us— from the increasing cost of housing and
infrastructure to utilities and insurance. ABC Action News is committed
to helping you and your family make the most of your money and navigate
through the Price of Paradise.
In our continuing coverage of the
property insurance crisis in Florida, we’re taking action
for you, finding out ways you can lower your homeowner’s
insurance premium.
Many experts have said that homeowners will have to get new
roofs in order to reduce their property insurance and keep
coverage, but if you own a newer home, or have a new roof
already, there are other ways you can save some money.
“I just actually had a client that the wife's credit score
was much higher than the husband's and the insurance was
$300 less a year,” said Susan Zacharias, Vice President of
Meadowbrook Insurance Agency.
Zacharias suggested that first and foremost, homeowners sign
up for paperless billing.
Second, if you share a home with another adult, make sure
the person with the higher credit score is listed as the
primary policyholder.
“Your insurance score is very closely related to your credit
history and your claim history and anything that has to do
with insurance, so if your significant other has a better
credit score than you do, it is worth looking to see if they
would be listed for first on your policy,” Zacharias
explained.
Safety inside and outside your home can save you money too,
which includes burglar and fire alarm systems as well as
living in a gated community.
“You can also get a discount for a water leak detection
system that's in your home,” she added. “So if there would
be a large pressure of water going through your plumbing,
and you have a system installed that either stops the water
from running altogether or alerts you on your cell phone,
that's a discount.”
Zacharias said with discounts stacked, homeowners could save
5 to 10% on their premiums and advised you should get an
independent agent who knows which companies offer what.
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In our continuing coverage of the property insurance
crisis in Florida, we’re taking action for you, finding out ways you
can lower your homeowner’s insurance premium. Many experts have said
that homeowners will have to get new roofs in order to reduce their
property insurance and keep coverage, but if you own a newer home,
or have a new roof already, there are other ways you can save some
money. “I just actually had a client that the wife's credit score
was much higher than the husband's and the insurance was $300 less a
year,” said Susan Zacharias, Vice President of Meadowbrook Insurance
Agency.
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As hurricane season continues, she also said business
owners should make sure hurricane coverage is in your commercial
insurance.
In addition, much of the Tampa Bay area is in high-risk flood zones. If
you rent your building, make sure you have your own flood insurance
because a property owner’s flood insurance doesn’t cover the belongings
you have inside.
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