Donavan Insurance Group: 4 Great Homeowner's Insurance Tips

Donavan Insurance Group 4 Great Homeowner's Insurance TipsLet’s face it; no one likes to think about insurance or the reasons why we may need it. Noone wants to ponder bad things happen to their properties or worse, their family members.But insurance is important. It can give you peace of mind when things are good, and helpyou recover from the worst of circumstances when everything goes wrong. And of all thethings in your life that you insure, your home is easily one of the most important. Here arefour great homeowner’s insurance tips to consider when purchasing your first policy.Shop AroundIf you use a mortgage lender to buy your new home, chances are they are going to requireyou to purchase homeowner’s insurance as well. Make sure that you determine the type ofcoverage you are going to require. For example, depending on where you live, you may

need a flood insurance policy. Ask your bank or lender for advice, and get quotes fromthree to four different companies on their insurance rates.Also, keep in mind that whichever insurance company you decide upon, chances are youare only going to talk to them when something bad happens, and you have to file a claim;check online reviews and word of mouth to make sure that the company you choose has avery good customer service reputation.Lower Your PremiumAs a prudent homeowner, your goal should be to get the best homeowner’s insurance at thelowest price. A great but little-known way to do this is to make improvements that, besidesmaking your home better and safer, can also help to reduce your premium. Safety andsecurity improvements – deadbolts, strong window locks, and fire and burglar alarms thatalert emergency services – can make your family more secure, while simultaneouslyhelping you reduce your monthly homeowner’s premium anywhere from five to twentypercent. A new roof, especially one that provides additional reinforcements for bad stormsin hurricane-prone areas, can help you save a bundle on insurance premiums as well.Finally, if you feel you have sufficient funds in the bank for emergencies, you could alsoconsider boosting your deductible; doing so will often help to lower your monthly premiumconsiderably.File Claims Quickly and Document EverythingIf there is a mishap that you think will require your home to be repaired, don’t hesitate; callyour insurance agent right away and file a claim. All too often, homeowners wait too long tofile insurance claims, move outside of their policy’s claim reporting window, and leavethemselves vulnerable to not being covered. Making a prompt call when disaster strikes isthe best way to avoid this hazard.Additionally, when filing a claim, ensure you document everything. Take pictures of thedamage you are reporting, and any purchases you make as a result of the incident. Youshould also keep meticulous records each time you speak to your insurance agent. Thisgoes for any service provider the company may contract with to address your claim.If either the insurance company or the repair company comes up short in addressingdamages on the claim you filed, your records will be the best weapon you have to seekrecourse and get the services you are paying for.Pool Your Policies and Watch Your CreditWhen you are buying homeowner’s insurance, you should consider pooling your newpolicy with others you have from your current insurance company, like health insurance.Companies often offer great discounts when you purchase another policy from them. Orwhen you combine them with the coverage you have already purchased at a reduced price.

Additionally, as you consider a homeowner’s insurance policy, you should check what yourcredit rating is as well. Like many other things, your credit rating can affect how insurancecompanies assess your level of risk. This can cause your premium to rise considerably.Working to raise your credit score can help to keep your premium in check, or even lowerit a bit.Our mission is to protect and enhance the financial resources of our clients, thus ensuringtheir security and quality of life, by providing sound professional management service.Donavan Insurance Group Services Inc. was established in 1986 as an independentinsurance agency with a reputation for Superior Service. Donna Martin-Boseker, who hasbeen in this industry since 1976, had previously worked in the agency when it was known asDomex Insurance. She purchased the business in 1986 and renamed it Donavan InsuranceServices Inc. We represent the best interests of our clients and tailor solutions for their specificinsurance needs. We offer a broad portfolio of insurance carriers with highly competitiverates. Our coverages include all forms of business and personal insurance.