Homeowners Insurance premiums may vary by hundreds of dollars.
You should compare prices annually.

Homeowner Insurance rates may vary sharply from one insurer to another based on a number of factors. You should shop for homeowner insurance rates just as you would a gallon of milk from one store to the next. Check with your neighbor or your State Department of Insurance. 

You may also use Internet and receive homeowners insurance quotes  from more then one insurance company. Even if you have an existing homeowners insurance policy or are in a new home you can still compare homeowner insurance rates. Get a printed quote, compare like items and question what you don't understand. Get a Homeowners Insurance quote.

If you have a mortgage, you can almost be assured that you must have a homeowners insurance policy naming the mortgage holder as an additional insured. This protects their interest (their loan) should the home be damaged or destroyed by fire or other disaster. 

If you DON'T a mortgage, you may think you don't need a homeowners insurance policy. Think again. In many states, not all, there is a requirement. 

TIP: YOU SHOULD MAINTAIN INSURANCE ON THE VALUE OF YOUR YOUR HOME, EXCLUDING LAND VALUE.

If you own a car(s) or other motorized vehicles you should also ask your insurance agent about discounts for placing your Homeowners Insurance and Auto Insurance with the same insurance carrier. 

The NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) publishes
 A CONSUMER GUIDE TO HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE. View (pdf)

RAISE YOUR DEDUCTIBLE:  A Deductible is the money you have to pay toward a loss before your insurance company pays a claim on your policy. The higher the deductible, the more money you may save on your premiums. Insurance companies may recommend a deductible of $500. Raise the deductible to $1,000 and you may save on your homeowners insurance premium. HOWEVER YOU ARE NOW ASSUMING THE FIRST $1,000 of a CLAIM vs $500.

BUY YOUR HOME AND AUTO POLICIES FROM THE SAME INSURER Often companies that sell homeowners, auto and liability coverage discount 5 to 15 percent off your premium if you buy multiple policies from them. Make sure the 'discounted'  rate is lower than buying the different coverage from different companies by comparing individual rates. 

 - Automobile / Homeowners Insurance

 - Homeowners Policy

Always read the Homeowner's Insurance contract for specific explanations of coverage and exclusions.

DON'T CONFUSE WHAT YOU PAID FOR YOUR HOUSE WITH REBUILDING COSTS. LAND. The land under your house isn't at risk from theft, windstorm, fire and the other perils covered in your homeowners policy. So the land value should not excluding from the calculation to determine the amount of homeowners insurance to buy. If you do, you will pay a higher premium than you should. Your agent should remind you of this and help you based on your homes square footage and other factors.

Homeowner's Insurance rates vary depending on coverage
and your location and the size of your home. 

IMPROVE YOUR HOME SECURITY  Discounts 5 percent or more for a smoke detector, burglar alarm or dead-bolt locks are common. In a new home, these may be standard. In older homes, probably not. Additional discounts may exist based on the type of system or even how close you are to a fire station or hydrant as well as crime data based on zip code.

SEE IF YOU CAN GET GROUP COVERAGE If your employer administers a group insurance program, ask if a homeowners policy is available and see if it is  a better deal than you can find elsewhere. (You still have to get your quotes) In addition, professional, alumni and business groups sometimes offer insurance packages which include a discount for association members. Again, compare with your own quotes on the same type of policy. Often, you may need an Insurance package customized to your needs.

 - Automobile / Homeowners Insurance

- Homeowners Policy

ASK ABOUT OTHER DISCOUNTS A number of discounts may be offered by companies as we mentioned,  but they may not offer the same discount or the same amount of discount in all states. You must ask your agent or company representative about any discounts available. In the end, it all adds up. Examples a)  If you're at least 55 years old and retired, you may qualify for a discount of up to 10 percent at some companies. b) You have an Auto Policy and Homeowners Policy  c) Your child has moved out or reached a certain age (they may have been driving your car). 

Nothing is automatic. Shop, compare and ask. 
Insurance Knowledge is powerful ! Be informed. SAVE.

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You may also find high quality Homeowners Insurance from one of these leading companies.  For more information on these companies, select one: