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Home > Smart Spending > Archives > 2009 > January > 08
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Protect Your Cars and Home, But Don’t Overdo It
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A sedan hibernates in my driveway, its operator away at school. It was spared when a tree in my front yard toppled, tearing up said driveway but leaving my house unscathed. (As for the neighbors, well, sorry about the damaged SUV and roofs.)
So, insurance is on my mind. Specifically, how to trim my premium for auto coverage, given that one vehicle is idled indefinitely, and home, seeing as how another oak is precariously close to eliciting cries of “tim-brrrr.”
Thankfully, my car and home policies are packaged with one company, which saves me anywhere from 5 to 20 percent.
Do you have separate policies? If so, why?
My deductibles have inched upward, by choice, as the cars have aged. Many experts say that $250 for comprehensive and $500 for collision are ideal.
As for the house, raising the deductible to $1,000 is widely recommended.
Are you comfortable with those, or do you prefer lower deductibles?
The thinking is, for lesser repairs, filing a claim ultimately will hike your premium anyway, so take care of those out of pocket.
Check out more money-saving tips for your [wheels](money-saving tips] http://www.edmunds.com/advice/insurance/articles/44858/article.html) and your [digs](http://www.ourfamilyplace.com/homebuyer/inssaving.html).
Oh, and please forward them to my neighbors before my other tree takes a fall.
To find ways to help make you way through a bumpy economy check out Your Money.
