• Monitor your claim activity. Be conscious and cautious and consult your independent insurance agent/Trusted ChoiceSM agent when filing smaller claims. Insurance companies track how many and what type of claims you file. Frequent claim activity, no matter how small, can be grounds for non?renewal. If your claim exceeds your deductible by $200 or less, consider withholding the claim and paying for the loss out of your own pocket. The out?of?pocket expense to pay the loss will probably be less than the premium increase you likely will pay later if you file a claim. It also keeps your claim record clean and allows you to stay insured for major or catastrophic losses.
• Stick with one insurance company and the company may be more likely to stick with you. An insurance company is more inclined to overlook a blemish on your claims record if you are a long?term customer rather than a new one. Annually hopping from one insurance company to another makes it difficult to build a relationship with any company.
• Bundle your home with other coverages. Keeping your homeowners and auto policies with one company makes you a more attractive customer. An insurance company may think twice about dropping your home coverage if it may mean losing your auto business, too. That bond can be further strengthened by having a personal umbrella policy?coverage that protects you from rare but potentially catastrophic liability claims and lawsuits. Umbrella policies are a bargain from a coverage and account stability standpoint, costing as little as $150 per year. Furthermore, maintaining multiple policies with one company often can lead to significant discounts.
• Home improvements help. Your home's wiring, plumbing, heating and roofing should be in good repair at all times. At least twice a year, walk through your home and inspect it for developing problems. Older houses with antiquated systems should be modernized immediately. Your insurance company has the right to inspect your property. It can require repairs for continuity of coverage or decide against renewing coverage on a house considered hazardous. These fixes initially may seem costly, but can be dangerous and ultimately more expensive if ignored.
• Buyer beware. If you are shopping for a new home, learn about the house's claim history before you buy it. Ask for a disclosure report, which can be obtained from your real estate agent or the seller's agent. Insurance companies will be wary of a home with previous multiple structural or water?damage claims. It can work against you, even if you were not the owner of the home at the time.
• Consult your independent insurance agent/Trusted ChoiceSM agency. Working closely with an independent insurance agent/Trusted ChoiceSM agent may be the easiest way to stay insured affordably. These agents are your advocate when you have a claim or other problem. They have relationships with many different companies and can shop around for the right coverage for you at the best value. The good counsel of an independent insurance agent/Trusted ChoiceSM agent may be your best protection in the current homeowners insurance market.
  
  For additional information about homeowners insurance and other insurance topics, visit www.TrustedChoice.com.

Source: Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America