After a winter of hunkering down, spring’s warmer temperatures and longer days provide the perfect opportunity to clean, organize and update things around the house. And while it may seem like the only benefits are peace of mind and a few treasured finds, you may be surprised to learn that there are cost savings associated with a robust cleaning session. These home insurance tips can help.
5 Home Improvements to Lower Insurance Costs
Wondering how to save on home insurance while spring cleaning your home? Keep these potential home insurance discounts and cost-saving ideas in mind as you freshen up your space.
Take Stock of Your High-Value Items
Did you gift or sell any jewelry, sporting goods or other pricey merchandise recently? If so, you may be paying for insurance endorsements that you no longer need. Before you sift through drawers, attics and garages, do a quick review of your insurance policies to make sure no changes are needed.
Get Rid of Items That Pose a Risk
Have your kids outgrown the trampoline and play structure that they loved when they were little? If those attractive nuisances - the insurance term for things that might attract a child but could also be potentially dangerous - are just collecting dust, it may be time to sell or donate them, which could result in a lower premium.
Implement Safety and Security Measures
If you’ve recently added a security system to your home, don’t forget to let your insurance agent know — you may qualify for a discount on your homeowners insurance rates. Your insurance company could recognize the fact that you’re increasing the safety of your home and decreasing the likelihood that you will need to file a theft claim.
Say Goodbye to Wood-Burning Stoves
The wood furnaces and stoves installed in older homes can be cozy, but they can also be a reason your homeowners insurance premiums increase. That’s because these types of fixtures are more likely to cause house fires than other, modern heating systems.
Install Smart Home Features
Smart home devices can do more than keep intruders out. They can keep items inside safe and functioning correctly, too. Leak detectors can sense when you have a potential water leak in your bathroom, kitchen or basement. If a water leak is detected, the system will notify you via an app so you can respond quickly and reduce the risk of a much larger plumbing catastrophe. Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monitor the air for signs of fire or toxic fumes and will alert you if a dangerous situation develops.
Assess Your Policy Today
There’s no better time than now to set up a SuperCheck® with your local Farm Bureau agent to evaluate your current coverage and see if there are additional ways you can save on your insurance.