Money-Saving Tips On Your Insurance

Do you know how much insurance you should have on your home?

Are you looking for ways to tighten your belt? You may have read that one way is to shop around for better insurance rates. Be careful when doing this because insurance has so many options and details that it's extremely difficult to be an informed buyer.

 When reviewing your renewal paperwork.  Do what every homeowner should do - open and read your insurance contracts. Second, call your insurance agent to answer questions.

Questions you should ask: The listed limit of your house has increased... during a time when home sale prices dropped. "Why?"

Yes it is true, the Ohio Association of Realators reported that average sales prices fell 15% from March 2008 to March 2009.

The limit listed on the homeowner policy is the dollar amount needed to reconstruct the home. If market value or sale price was used, it could very well leave a homeowner underinsured.

Reconstruction costs are more expensive than a new build regardless of scale, a small repair or a whole home replacement. Reconstruction often involves the removal of debris, and working around existing structures, neighbors, landscaping and utility lines. Sources say that to rebuild a home cost up to 30% more than to build it brand new. Source: Marsh & Swift/ Boekh

How to hire a Chimney Sweep

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CISA) recommends that people take a few steps when considering which chimney sweep will perform an annual inspection or related service on their chimney or vent. Proper care to chimneys and vents will help protect you from unnecessary fires and carbon monoxide poisonings.

When considering which chimney sweep company to choose to service your home consider a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep and that they are a credible service technician by asking these question:

How long have your chimney sweep company been in business?

Do you offer current references?

Do you have any resoveled complaints?

Does your company carry a valid business liability insurance policy?

Are your service technicians CSIA certified?

Tips 

At Executive Insurance Group, we are always looking for ways to make your coverage more affordable. To aid in this process, there are things you can do.

A) Review your deductibles. You can immediately lower your cost by increasing your deductible amount on any type of insurance policy. A $500 deductible is fairly standard, but higher deductibles are available.

B) Keep all your insurance with one company. Many insurance companies offer a multi-policy discount. You can include home, auto and sometimes even fire coverage with one company.

C) Ask us about Association Coverage. For example, if you own a motorcycle and belong to American Motorcycle, BMW or Retreads, you can receive an additional insurance rate discount for that membership.

D) Take a certified safe-driving course.

E) Obey traffic laws. Driving carefully and defensively leads to a clean driving record. Generally, the fewer traffic violations you have, the less your insurance will cost.

F) Garage your vehicles.

G) Consider home and business alarms systems. Have one of these installed and you might not only prevent losses, but also may receive further insurance coverage discounts.

H) Wear your seatbelt.

I) Don't smoke or use your cell phone while driving. Every little bit helps when it comes to safe driving. Safe driving leads to discounted insurance rates. 

If you have any further questions, please call us at Executive Insurance Group. Our team of experts can be reached Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at 330.966.0080 locally, 800.981.0080 toll free, or email: info@executiveinsurance.com