Reduce your home insurance costs

From Marketwatch.com,

Home insurance rates are rising around the country, as evidenced by rate hikes by several major firms in Florida this week. But there are ways to economize. The Insurance Information Institute offers several simple steps to lower your home insurance rates:

Consider increasing your deductible, the amount of money you must pay toward a loss if you ever have a claim. Higher deductibles usually mean lower premiums.

Consolidate your insurers by purchasing your homeowners insurance from the same company you buy your auto policy. You might be able to snag a discount.

Make your home safer. Security and safety systems such as deadbolts on doors, burglar alarms, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and automatic sprinklers make your home more attractive to insurers. Find out whether your company offers a discount for these measures.

Set up an interior inspection with your insurance company. You may be able to get 10% to 15% off if you allow an inspector to review the inside of your home when you sign a new policy.

Find out if your insurance company offers loyalty discounts. If you've been with the same insurer for a certain number of years, you may be able to get a reduced premium.

Let your insurance company know if you don't smoke. Some insurers offer discounts to nonsmokers.

Shop around when looking for a new policy. It's much easier to compare prices these days. Many state insurance departments offer price comparisons for major insurance companies.

Reduce your home insurance costs [Marketwatch.com]
Ways to Avoid Getting Dropped By Your Home Insurance Provider [SFHomeBlog]
Surge in Home Prices Leaves Homeowners Underinsured [SFHomeBlog]