You Can Get Better Insurance Premiums If Your House Has These Features

​Homeowners are strongly recommended to have homeowners insurance to protect their property. While factors like location can reduce the risk of a natural disaster or unexpected event affecting a house, there’s no guarantee that a house is safe from natural elements or any other unplanned event.

Home Features Can Raise or Reduce Premiums
Homeowners’ insurance rates are based on factors like the cost of the home, its location, and the assets and properties inside the home. What not many homeowners are aware of, however, is that certain features in the property can increase or decrease their premiums. 

Features like swimming pools and fireplaces are nice, but these can raise premiums. This is because of the added risk: swimming pools can cause slips and falls, while fireplaces may be prone to fire accidents or fire damage. Alternatively, here are a few home features that can bring your premiums down. 

Installed Security Systems
Thousands of homes are burglarized or trespassed every year, with the FBI estimating a burglary in the US every 15 seconds. Homeowners who take steps to fortify their homes from potential burglaries may be offered lower insurance costs. On average, an operational security system can reduce homeowner’s insurance up to 20 percent. 

The reasoning behind this is that insurance companies see these homes as less likely to be burglarized due to the security system protecting them. This makes it less of a risk, therefore less likely to file a claim. 

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors 
Just like a security system, smoke detectors can protect your home before a potential risk increases. A home equipped with functional detectors can alert the home and a security company of a potential fire hazard before it can turn into a devastating fire. 

While smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are common in most homes, it’s important to check if it is functional. Insurance companies who inspect homes check if these detectors are operational; if it is not, these will not help reduce your premiums. 

Deadbolt Locks 
Burglars and trespassers are finding new ways to break through different types of locks. Nowadays, one could even find instructions on how to pick locks online. Deadbolt locks, however, remain one of the simple but efficient locks that are difficult to break into. 

Homeowners should install deadbolt locks in all entry points: the main entrance, the backdoor, and (if applicable), the basement. Even if there is no outdoor entrance leading to the basement, a deadbolt on the basement entrance can prevent burglars from accessing your home through the basement windows, if possible.
 
Storm Shutters
Especially for properties in areas prone to storms and hurricanes, storm shutters can reduce premiums because of the way they can reduce property damage during a storm. During a storm, storm shutters can:

• Minimize the wind that enters the home;
• Prevent large debris from entering the home and causing damage indoors;
• Maintain the integrity of a property’s structure. 

Storm shutters, combined with a reinforced roof and barred windows, can greatly reduce the premium. 

At American Eagle Insurance, we put our clients first by offering them policies that they can afford. Having insurance is a necessity nowadays, and we're here to help you out. Learn more about our products and services by calling our agency at (225) 667-7377. You can also request a free quote by CLICKING HERE.