For many of us our home is our most valuable possession. The time to think about the unthinkable disaster is before it happens. If your home were damaged or destroyed, a good homeowners policy will help you repair or rebuild your home, replace your possessions, and help you pay for temporary housing.

In addition to protecting your home and possessions, homeowners insurance also provides liability coverage to protect you from financial ruin if someone is injured on your property and sues for damages.

A homeowners policy consists of coverage for your dwelling and your personal property, and liability insurance for injuries to other people or damages to their property accidentally caused by you, your family, or your pets. There are also several types of additional insurance for property that is not listed in your homeowners policy, or for perils not covered — such as floods or earthquakes. Insurance for events not covered under your homeowners is available as a separate policy, or by adding an endorsement or "rider" to your policy.

Tips for Keeping Your Rates Low
There are some simple steps you can take to reduce your homeowner's premiums.

• Raise Your Deductible  A deductible is the amount you pay before the insurance starts to reimburse your loss. Since the purpose of insurance is to cover the losses you cannot afford, raise your deductible to a limit that you could handle.
• New Home  If your home is less than 10 years old, you may be eligible for a new home discount.
• Make Your Home Safer  You may be eligible for a discount if you have a burglar and fire alarms systems and/or sprinkler systems. Monitored systems will earn a bigger discount than those that are unmonitored.
• Construction Materials  When you buy a home, look for fire-resistant construction, such as brick, masonry, or rock. You may pay a lower premium for hail-resistant roofs, such as those made of concrete tile, while wood roofs may bring a surcharge. Check the location of the nearest fire department, and avoid buying in flood-prone areas.
• Non-Smoker Discounts

Buying homeowners insurance and keeping it up to date is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your investment. Does your policy have everything you need to keep them safe? Click here to request a Comprehensive Personal Coverage Review.