Easy Ways to Lower the Premium on Your Fire Insurance
By Michael F. McDonough
Okay, so your fire insurance probably isn't the biggest expense you pay each month. As a matter of fact, since it usually comes along as a part of your balanced homeowners insurance package it probably doesn't even put a blip on your budgeting radar. That doesn't mean that it's not something you shouldn't take into account when you're finding new and creative ways to cut your family's operating expenses, however. With a little bit of techno sense and some safety savvy you can shave five to fifteen percent off your homeowner's insurance and put that money back into something a little more entertaining-like that '65 Vette you've had your eye on for years.
Easy Ways to Lower the Premium on Your Fire Insurance
a) Smoke Detectors
Yes ladies and gentlemen, that's right-smoke detectors are, in fact, good for something other than letting you know that lunch is ready. They make a great early warning system to let you know that your antiquated electric wiring has finally given up the ghost, and since they're usually available for $10 or less from your local hardware store they're a great, low budget way to boost your home's safety, minimize the chances of injury if there's a fire in the night and lower the premiums on your fire insurance.
b) Fire Extinguishers
If your home doesn't have a fire extinguisher you need to get one. As soon as possible. A general purpose fire extinguisher is a great front line defense for homeowners if small fires break out (or to minimize damage while waiting for the fire department), and because it's such a vital part of loss mitigation for homeowners most homeowners insurance providers offer impressive discounts just for having one sitting on your closet shelf.
c) Sprinklers
You've got them at work, but did you know that there are sprinkler systems available at a reasonable cost for your home as well? A heat activated sprinkler system promptly douses a fire when it breaks out in your home, and because it has the potential to nip a fire in the bud your homeowners insurance is likely to offer you a discount of 15% or more on your coverage in exchange for their installation.
d) Emergency Alarms
Do you ever get the feeling that your smoke detector could be going off for hours and no one would hear it? That's because you're probably right. While your smoke detector will let you know that your house is on fire, no one else is going to know unless you tell them. That means if you live in a rural area where the neighbors aren't going to notice that they've got smoke rolling in through their windows and call the fire department it could be far too late before you get the help you need. An emergency alarm that connects you directly to your local fire department and will let them know immediately that your home is on fire will protect you and your family as well as saving you money on your homeowners insurance.
Your fire insurance might not be the biggest investment you make for your home, but it's definitely a vital part of the expense associated with your homeowners insurance. Taking steps to save money on your fire coverage will go a long way toward boosting your budget each month and plumping that vacation fund you've been dreaming about.
Michael McDonough is a National Account Executive for http://www.QuoteScout.com
Since its launch in 1996 the company has specialized in matching consumers requests for insurance quotes with both local agents and national insurance carriers. For more information, visit them on the web at QuoteScout.com.
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