When you buy and move into a new home, the last thing you should be thinking about is what would happen if someone broke in or a fire broke out. No matter where you live, it is very important to have homeowner's insurance. A homeowner in Washington State can do a few things to get a discount on their homeowner's insurance and make sure they are working with a reputable company:
Every year, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner in the state of Washington puts out a list of customer complaints. This includes claims against insurance companies for homeowners. People can look at how their potential insurance company compares to others.
Insurance companies look at your past claims when deciding whether or not to cover you. If you have made a lot of false claims, this can cause your premiums to go up. Do not file a claim with your home insurance company unless it is really necessary.
Keep a good record of employment. Many home insurance companies look at your work history to figure out how much of a risk you are. If you have a stable job, that's a good sign that you're a good risk.
Buy a house that is in good shape. If you buy a house that needs work, you will probably have to pay a lot more for insurance. Old roofs, boards that are falling apart, and yards that are a mess all pose a risk, so your premiums will be higher.
Even though insurance is required by law in order to get a mortgage, it should be seen as something much more important. Too often, fires and natural disasters cause people to lose their homes and possessions. If it happens to you, you don't want to be watching your house burn down without insurance to pay for the damage. Make sure you have enough insurance from a company you can trust.
