Everyday Risk Factors That Can Affect Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
Did you know that the risk factors that you present to your home owners insurance can have huge effects on the premiums you pay? It’s true! Risk Factors, by definition, are the characteristics and factors that increase the likelihood of a claim being filed. These can include everything from the condition of your home to your financial standings. In order to save as much money as possible on your home owners insurance policy, you need to not only be aware of your personal risk factors but also how to lessen the risks that insurance companies see! Below, we describe ten of the most influential risk factors that can affect your homeowners insurance policy’s premium. If ignored, these factors can cost you thousands of dollars a year in coverage.
The Most Common Risk Factors For Home Owners Insurance
- Your Deductible
One of the most commonly known factors that can affect insurance premium prices is the deductible. An insurance policy deductible is an amount the policyholder will pay before insurance covers repairs or reparations. This is not a way for insurance companies to save money but rather a risk management factor that has been proven to reduce negligence on the policyholder’s side. The idea behind deductibles is a monetary way to increase awareness of potential risk in hopes to mitigate negligent behavior. Naturally, a higher deductible means a lower premium! - The Cost To Rebuild or Replace Your Home
Another commonly associated risk factor with homeowners insurance is the overall value of a home. Like car insurance, the more expensive the item you are insuring becomes, the more the insurance company would need to pay out in the event of damage. Contrary to popular belief, the value the insurance company decides upon is not the same as the market value provided by the tax association. - The Condition of Your Home
Unlike car insurance, the condition of your property is a major concern for homeowners insurance policies. Damages to parts of your home such as a roof or foundation are not just costly repairs, these damages can cause catastrophic failure if not fixed promptly. When it comes to pre-existing damage to your home, insurance companies may charge more for a premium due to the potential for costly claims in the future. Some companies will even deny your application if the roof or foundation is not up to code!
The Most Surprising Risk Factors For Home Owners Insurance
- Your PETS?!
Yes, your pets may cause your homeowners insurance rates to increase! Certain dog breeds are considered more dangerous and liable than others according to insurance providers. While this characteristic may not apply to your fur child, it is simply based on a statistical analysis performed by insurance companies. - How Close The Home Is To A Fire Station
Another shocking risk factor that insurance providers take into account when calculating your insurance premium is the travel time between your home and the closest fire station. According to the Insurance Information Institute, Household fire claims make up over 25% of property damage claims in the past 10 years. While using safety precautions to prevent household fire damage is extremely important, neglect is not the only cause of household fires. Your proximity to the fire station may be the difference between having to build a new home or simply remodel the kitchen. - Your Credit History
Yes. Unfortunately, credit history is a factor in even your insurance rates. Aspects like your payment history, current debt, and length of credit history are all considered when calculating your premiums. The thought behind this is not just to see whether the policyholder will be able to pay their premium each month but also to reduce the risks of fraud.
Risk Management Is The Most Effective Way To Reduce Homeowners Insurance Premiums
Simply put, making sure you are doing all you can to reduce the risk of a claim will help to lower your yearly insurance costs. Bogle Agency Insurance experts in Lyndhurst NJ can help you discover any potential risk factors you face before you are hit with a large insurance premium. Although some risk factors are easier to fix than others, it is important to know what these risk factors are so you can work on them and continue lowering your premiums over time!