Atlas Insurance Magazine Fall 2021 | Page 8

HOME SAFETY TIPES

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Home Safety Tips That Will Shrink Your Premiums

Having high safety standards for your home doesn ’ t just give you peace of mind in your everyday living . It can also save you hundreds when it ’ s time to renew your homeowners insurance policy . At Atlas , we are committed to securing the lowest premiums for all of our clients by helping you create the safest possible living environment for you and your family . As you prepare to renew your homeowners insurance , here are four tips that will help you save on next year ’ s premiums .

# 1 - UPGRADE YOUR FIRE ALARMS
Although smoke alarms are mandatory in every living space , you can earn additional insurance credits if you install an alarm system . Systems with central security , meaning if one alarm is activated all alarms are activated , qualify for a greater discount than decentralized systems . If your alarm system is monitored by a third party , you ’ ll be awarded even more credits .
Installing burglar alarms is another great way to earn credits with your insurance carrier . Talk to your Atlas agent to find out which system is feasible to install in time for your next renewal .
# 2 - UPDATE OLDER HOMES
If your home , like many homes in Hawaii , was built in the 1970s , then your plumbing and electrical are likely in need of an upgrade . Insurance carriers look to verify that old homes have been brought up to code before they renew your policy . Homes that have been updated will cost far less to insure than those that have not .
In some cases , your insurance carrier may require an inspection of your home prior to finalizing your homeowners policy . Your Atlas insurance agent can work with you to make all of the necessary changes and help make sure you are prepared when the time comes .
# 3 - INSTALL HURRICANE CLIPS
Hurricane clips are mandatory on all new builds . However , if your home was built prior to these requirements coming into effect , you can earn additional insurance credits by proactively installing hurricane clips in your home . Typically , the cost of installing hurricane clips is relatively low , and in addition to reducing your insurance premiums , it will protect your home in the event of a hurricane or strong winds . Ask your Atlas insurance agent to recommend a contractor to perform a hurricane clip installation prior to your next renewal .
# 4 - REMOVE / SECURE LOOSE DEBRIS
One thing insurance carriers look at is pride of ownership . Many homeowners do not consider that this may affect their premiums . This means your carrier will take into consideration the state of your property , including the presence of any loose debris or other items that might present a potential hazard . Prior to renewing your homeowners policy , be sure to remove debris and secure any loose items in your yard to earn additional credits towards your next year of home insurance premiums . +
BY : IRENE ZILISCH SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER ATLAS INSURANCE AGENCY
My name is Irene Zilisch , and I am a homeowners insurance expert here at Atlas Insurance . If you have any questions related to preparing for your upcoming policy renewal , I would be happy to help . If you are a new homeowner preparing to purchase homeowners insurance for the first time , I invite you to contact me to help secure the lowest possible premium for your new home . You can reach me by email at izilisch @ atlasinsurance . com or by phone at ( 808 ) 244-5561 x203 . I look forward to hearing from you !
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