Everything is getting more expensive these days, including insurance rates. According to Policygenius, homeowners insurance premiums increased by an average of 12.1% in 2022. That’s an average increase of $134 on your insurance bill, and that trend is expected to continue. Multiple factors are contributing to this increase, but the biggest are inflation and increased house prices. Weather events and labor shortages also contribute to higher insurance prices. The more it costs to repair, the more it costs to insure.
These increased rates are understandably worrying, but a good insurance agent can actually help you lower your costs. Our agents at Brownell Insurance Center do everything they can to get the best rates and services for our customers.
Here’s how an agent can help you manage the rate of your homeowners insurance.
When to Open a Claim
If your home suffers serious damage, your instinct might be to file a claim right away. But that’s not always the best course of action. Before filing a claim, you should always have a conversation with your insurance agent first. They can advise you about when—or if—you should file a claim.
Depending on what caused the damage, filing a claim may not always be your best option. If something outside of your control caused the damage, like extreme weather or an accident, filing a claim is usually the way to go. However, if a lack of home maintenance is the source of the damage, you may want to think twice. If your claim is denied, it is still included as part of the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange and can affect your premium.
Policy Adjustments
Whether or not you have filed a claim in the past, insurance premiums are going up for everybody. To help save you some money every month, an insurance agent can offer you a plan with a higher deductible to lower your premium. This won’t be the right choice for everyone, but if you can afford the risk, it can save you quite a bit of money off your monthly bills.
Homeowners Insurance by Brownell Insurance Center
At Brownell Insurance Center, we take each of our customers individually to give you the best policies for your life, home, and family. Whether you need homeowners insurance, auto insurance, or another policy, our agents are ready to help you.