 TITLE: Step-by-Step Checklist for Buying Home Insurance CONTENT: Look for Ways to Save Money on Homeowners Insurance\n---------------------------------------------------\nFactors in the cost of homeowners insurance include your home's location, condition and materials, and past claims you and previous owners have filed for the home. To lower your premiums:\n*   **Maintain good credit.**\n    *   If you have poor credit, insurance providers in many states may charge you more.\n    *   Before applying for homeowners insurance, check your credit report and credit score, and take steps to improve your score if necessary.\n*   **Increase your deductible** (the amount you pay before the insurance company pays out for your claim).\n    *   Homeowners insurance deductibles can be a dollar amount (typically starting at $500) or a percentage of the claim amount.\n    *   Separate insurance for flood, earthquake and other disasters typically has its own deductibles, so make sure you can afford a higher deductible before making a change. In earthquake-prone states, minimum deductibles are often 10% or more.\n*   **Bundle insurance policies.** Buying more than one policy from the same company generally earns a discount.\n*   **Investigate discounts.** Different insurers may offer discounts for:\n    *   Buying insurance online, setting up autopay or paying your annual premium in full.\n    *   Installing safety or security devices such as storm windows, burglar alarms or smoke detectors.\n    *   Updating or replacing old roofs or heating, plumbing or electrical systems that could pose risks. END