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Six ways to reduce home insurance premiums
By Riki Unrau
I think we can all agree that no one likes paying for home insurance. True, it is a necessary requirement for responsible home ownership but that doesn’t make the bill any easier to pay. Here are some great improvements you can do to your house to, not only save on your home insurance, but ensure your home and your family are well taken care of.
Your pipes are showing
Like a lot of homes built in the 1950s, ‘60s and ’70,s your home may still be using galvanized pipes or, more rarely, lead pipes. Upgrading your pipes to PVC or copper will bring down your health risk as well as your monthly premiums.
A rough roof
If your roof is looking like it has seen better days then it probably has. A roof replacement is huge when it comes to home insurance costs. Sometimes the cost can seemingly outweigh the benefits but keep in mind that a new roof should last for decades if it’s done right.
How shocking
Ask any electrician and they will tell you to ditch the old school aluminum or knob and tube wiring. Not only is copper wiring better for your home but some insurance companies won’t even insure you if you have the old systems.
Where there’s smoke…
We pretty much all have smoke alarms but how many of us have CO2 detectors? These simple devices are an easy way to shave a few dollars off that insurance bill for sure.
Sound the alarm
Peace of mind can be obtained by installing a professional security monitoring system. Not only do insurance companies love them but the new features offered allow you to control your home from anywhere. Oh the age we live in.
Pump up the…backup?
Many people know how unpleasant a basement flooding can be. Insurers know how costly and time consuming the clean-up process can be. Why not save both of you a headache and install a sump pump with a backup battery? Those little guys will work hard to keep your home dry and your premiums low.
Of course there are more ways you can reduce your home insurance costs but hopefully this will get you off to a good start. If you would like to learn more about how you can reduce costs please give your favourite insurance provider a call. Happy savings!
– Riki Unrau is a Mortgage Broker with Invis Williams and Associates, located at 828C Baker Street, Cranbrook, BC V1C 1A2 – 250-919-6402. For more try: www.facebook.com/rikiunraumortgages
