If you think you’re paying too much for Home insurance in Allentown, PA, you could be right. Surprisingly, you may unknowingly have things in your home that are raising your insurance rates. Before you resign yourself to a high home insurance premium, keep reading to learn about some potential insurance budget-busters and what you can do about them.
Rubber Washing Machine Hoses
Rubber washing machine hoses have a limited life expectancy, and they can cause a surprising amount of water damage when they burst. Since insurance agencies are particularly worried about water-damage related insurance claims, they often offer discounts to homeowners who upgrade their old rubber hoses with burst-proof stainless steel hoses. According to The Family Handyman, this simple switch could save you around 10% on your premium.
Your Dog
If your dog has any bitten anyone in the past, you may be paying more for Home insurance in Allentown, PA. Although Pennsylvania law prohibits insurers from refusing insurance to owners of “high risk” breeds like Rottweilers or Pit Bulls, they can charge higher insurance rates if a dog has proven to be potentially unstable or dangerous to humans or other animals. So what can you do if your dog has a tarnished record? You may be able to negotiate lower rates if you show your insurance agency you’re committed to preventing future misbehavior. Installing high-quality fencing and investing in professional obedience training for your pooch may help the situation.
A Trampoline
Sure, that trampoline you just purchased for the backyard seemed like a fun buy, but it could end up causing your insurance to skyrocket. To insurers, trampolines are a liability nightmare. Some companies will add a surcharge to your policy–and some may refuse to continue insuring you at all. If a trampoline is raising your insurance rates significantly, consider getting rid of it. In some cases, however, you may be able to negotiate an acceptable rate by adding safety features that prevent unwanted access to the trampoline, like gates or locks.
Some common household items could be causing your adding unnecessary expense to your insurance premium.