A number of factors dictate how much you pay for your Battle Creek home insurance policy, and one of them is your history of making claims. If you’re a regular claimant, insurance providers will see you as a significant risk, and they will offset that risk with higher premiums. In some cases, they will withdraw coverage if they believe the risk you and your home pose is simply too great. However, there are some simple actions you can take to secure and maintain your property in order to keep claims to an absolute minimum.

Keep Your Roof in a Good State of Repair

Your roof will often be the first line of defense during a storm, so it is essential that it is in a good state of repair. Perform regular visual inspections, and replace missing or damaged shingles and tiles immediately. If you have the money to do so, replace a roof that is over 25 years old with an impact-resistant material, and hire a contractor to perform a full inspection at least once a year. 

Have Your Plumbing System Inspected

It is important to remember that insurance companies share information, and a home that has been prone to plumbing problems in the past may be on an insurance provider’s radar. Hire a plumber to perform an inspection and overhaul your plumbing system, since waiting until after a flood will be a lot more expensive. If you can demonstrate to your insurance company that you have had the work done by a professional, you may be rewarded with a reduction in your premium.

Ensure Your Electrical System Is Safe

The National Electrical Code, as set out by the National Fire Protection Association, is the national standard for electrical wiring. If the wiring in your home is over 25 years old, it may need replacing. A modern system should have circuit breakers and absolutely no old-fashioned fuses. Your insurance company may ask for a professional report to ensure that your home is compliant with the code. 

Improve Your Home’s Arrangements

Insurance providers will look favorably on state-of-the-art alarm and monitoring systems, since they act as a deterrent to burglars. Consider adding security cameras to your home, and make sure all your windows have key-locking mechanisms. You can also make changes to your lifestyle to deter thieves, such as scheduling deliveries when you know you’ll be in and asking neighbors to turn on your lights and collect mail when you’re away.

Consider Moving

This may seem drastic, but some areas that are blighted by crime or severe acts of nature will always attract higher-than-average insurance premiums. Insurance companies particularly like new homes that are in areas not prone to burglaries, flooding, severe weather or earthquakes. 

Finding the right home insurance at the best price possible can be a minefield, but call Allen Harmon Insurance today at 269-441-5156, and one of our expert agents will guide you in the right direction.