Recent statistics reveal the average cost of homeowners insurance in the United States was $695.70. However, the average price varies greatly from state to state, with a low of $369 in Idaho to a high of $1389 in Louisiana. The actual price you pay for your homeowners insurance depends on numerous factors, including: * The value of your house and possessions * Whether you live in a high-risk area such as a flood plain * The amount of your deductible * Your credit history Fortunately, there are ways you can save: Don’t Buy Too Much Coverage One mistake that can lead you to pay a higher-than-average rate on your homeowners insurance is buying too much coverage. You do not need to include the value of your land when you're deciding how much coverage to buy. Instead, you need to buy enough coverage to rebuild your home in case of a total loss. You can get an estimate from a local builder or real estate agent to help you determine this amount. Select a High Deductible The deductible is the amount you pay toward a loss before the insurance company begins to pay. Selecting a higher deductible will automatically give you a lower premium. Keep Your Credit Record Clean A homeowner with poor credit will pay more for homeowners insurance than will a homeowner with good credit - even for the exact same house. Ask for Discounts Most insurance companies offer discounts that can help lower your insurance bill. For example, you may be able to get a discount if you're a non-smoker or a senior citizen, or if your home has smoke detectors, a burglar alarm, or deadbolt locks. Be sure to ask your insurer for all the discounts you qualify for and include them in your policy. Comparison Shop on an Insurance Comparison Website Just as the average insurance rate varies from state to state, it also varies from one insurance company to another. Therefore, you need to get quotes from several companies to ensure you're getting the best rate. The fast and easy way to comparison shop is to go to an insurance comparison website. Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com/homeowners-insurance.html or click on the following link to get homeowners insurance quotes from top-rated companies and see how much you can save. You can get more tips and advice in their Articles section, and get answers to your questions from an insurance expert by using their online chat service. The authors, Brian Stevens and Stacey Schifferdecker, have spent 30 years in the insurance and finance industries, and have written numerous articles on the cost of homeowners insurance.
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