Many homeowners spend months looking for the perfect house, only to choose an insurance policy on price alone. Unfortunately, even minor mistakes choosing a homeowner’s insurance policy can leave your most valuable investment exposed to fire, storms, and other serious threats. When shopping for a new policy, avoiding the mistakes below will help ensure you have the protection you need.

4 Common Homeowner’s Insurance Mistakes

1. Choosing Coverage Based on Fair Market Value

Due to inflation, the fair market value of your house probably wouldn’t cover the cost of rebuilding it after a total loss. Instead, choose a home insurance policy based on the replacement value of your property, which provides complete protection against the worst-case scenario.

2. Forgetting About the Deductible

As a general rule, choosing a high-deductible plan can significantly reduce your premiums, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in the long run. However, be sure you have the cash on hand to pay your share of the repairs if disaster strikes.

3. Not Asking for Discounts

Most insurance carriers offer discounts, but you’ll usually have to ask. For instance, installing smoke alarms or other safety features will often lower your premiums, and you may be able to save even more by bundling multiple policies from the same carrier.

4 Relying on Online Price Tools

Automated programs make comparing policies seem easy, but are the products they suggest really the best for your home? An insurance agent can evaluate your situation, recommend ways to save money, and help you select and customize a policy tailored to your needs.

No two homes or families are exactly alike, which is why you need a homeowners insurance policy designed to protect what matters most to you. The independent agents at Allegheny Insurance Services in Elkins, WV offer a wide variety of products from some of the top carriers in the country, giving you the coverage you need at the best price possible. Visit their website for a closer look at their services, follow their Facebook for updates and tips, or call (304) 636-1680 now to request your free homeowner’s insurance quote.