Homeowner   |    Flood   |    At Risk

If you are looking for quality insurance for your personal needs, we feel that you can rely on our experience, skill, and judgment to help guide you through the whole insurance rating, quoting, and buying process without sacrificing your patience or your humor.  We are as hi-tech as any agency BUT we will never sacrifice our commitment to personal, one-on-one service.  Technology is a wonderful tool that has made us more responsive and efficient for our customers. As a wise risk manager said, "Why are banks and insurance companies MORE worthy of our trust just because they now have .COM after their names?"

How can I reduce my Homeowners Insurance premium?

Install an Alarm System Insurance Companies offer up to a 24% discount for installing a Central Station fire and burglar alarm system. Central Station means your home is monitored by a company such as ADT or Brinks and in the event of a fire or burglary, they notify the proper authorities. If you live in an apartment, condo or co-op, and your building is alarmed(not just smoke detectors), you should receive a credit. As the association or building manager for a copy of their alarm certificate and submit it to your company.

Higher Deductibles=Lower Premiums Insurance companies reward us with lower premiums for taking a higher level of risk(higher deductibles). In some cases the premium can be substantial. If raising your deductible from $100 to $500 saves you $110 per year, and you haven't had a claim in 20 years, how much would you have saved??? In today's homeowners insurance climate, having two or more claims in three years can get you canceled. You ask "what do I have insurance for"? The answer is.. to restore your home to it's condition prior to the fire, burglary or other covered loss. IT IS NOT A MAINTENANCE POLICY! If your 10 year old picket fence blows down in a storm, sure it's covered, but is it worth putting in a claim for??? Insurance companies in many states are unable to raise your premiums after you put in several claims- Their only recourse is to cancel your policy. By the same token, many companies offer a claim free discount. The time to shop for a better rate is not after you have had a claim.

Renovation Credits Most insurance companies offer a credit to homes that have been completely renovated. Complete means just that, interior walls, wiring, plumbing if other than copper or PVC, and new roof. If you purchased an old home, then renovated much of it, call your insurance agent or broker as your home may be eligible for a renovation credit or better rating tier(many companies have different rates based on the age or proximity to water of a home).

Non-Smoking Household If no one in your house hold smokes, inquire as to the availability of a non-smoking household credit.

Multi-Policy Discounts Placing your Auto & Home insurance with the same company can bring a 5-10% discount on both policies(varies by company).

Frame vs. Brick Check your policy to see if your home's construction class is correct.

Underinsured vs. Overinsured If you believe your home is insured for too much, supply your agent or broker with a copy of your survey or building plans and ask that your home be re-estimated. Be prepared for the possibility that your home is not currently being insured for enough. Market value is not replacement cost. If you live in a depressed area, but have a 6 bedroom 3 bath house, the statement "but I couldn't sell it for that" is not relevant. If your home is underinsured,- you put a full dormer on two years ago, and never notified the company, in the event of a loss, you will probably lose the battle. It is your responsibility to notify the company regarding any material change to your residence. Many people insure their homes to an amount equal to their mortgage. THIS IS WRONG. Rather than fight with the adjustor on your lawn after a fire, insure your home correctly. The premium difference is minimal in most cases. Besides, who else will replace your $100,000 home for $390 per year?

How can I reduce my rate?

Flood Insurance rates are standard, so you cannot shop for a better rate. Increasing your deductible can decrease your rates, but you would have to take a $5000 deductible to substantially reduce the rate. Raising your foundation or home out of the flood zone, or to a higher elevation is expensive, but is becoming more common.

"I believe my house is rated incorrectly"

Call your broker directly and inquire. Flood rating can be tricky and if your broker has not seen your house, she is relying on your description. Having an elevation certificate completed by a qualified engineer at your expense is another alternative. Some homes were built after the flood maps were surveyed, and are assumed to be on ground level, unless you can document otherwise.

How long must I stay in the Assigned Risk?

The answer varies by state. The answer to this question has changed dramatically in the last year or so. Since the premiums for high risk business is so expensive, several insurance companies have seen this market as a significant opportunity, thereby making available policies to drivers with little to no experience! It pays to shop for the lowest rate when you are in the high risk bracket- BUT BEWARE. There are many excellent companies that serve as alternatives to the assigned risk plan- usually priced anywhere from 5-25% below the assigned risk.

Do I have to stay with the same company 3 years before I can get out?

Only if you are not eligible for any of the other non-standard insurance companies. It is to your advantage to request quotes when you receive your renewal policy. Ask any of the brokers on this site if they insure drivers with your record or circumstance anywhere besides the assigned risk.

THE ASSIGNED RISK RATES ARE THE SAME REGARDLESS OF WHICH BROKERAGE YOU BUY THE POLICY FROM. THE RATES ARE DICTATED BY THE STATE-SO BEWARE!