Compare rates Must dos Basics Calculators Q & A Tips

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Ask yourself these questions when shopping for homeowners insurance:

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Questions to ask about home insurance

Check out the company What is the insurance company's reputation?______________________ Check with your state insurance department to make sure the company is licensed in your state and see if they keep a record of complaints. Or go to the NAIC Consumer Information Source Web site. What is the company's complaint ratio?______________________ What is its financial rating?______________________ Go to www.ambest.com to see how they rank. Discounts Are any discounts offered?______________________ For instance, customers carrying homeowners and auto insurance from the same company will often receive a break on premiums. Other premium offsets could include: Fire, smoke and burglar alarms Being claim-free for a certain number of years Some automatic sprinkler systems qualify for discounts How much coverage do you need? How much is your house worth?______________________ Have you done renovations that have increased its value?______________________ What are home values in your area as well as construction costs?______________________ Do you live in a high-risk area where rebuilding costs could skyrocket?______________________ Consider getting extra coverage as an endorsement to your replacement-cost coverage to fill in the gap in the event of a worst-case scenario (think Hurricane Andrew or Hurricane Katrina).

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