In addition to comparing rates at least once a year and maintaining good credit, you want to maintain your home to decrease the chance of filing a claim. Of course you’re paying for insurance to help repair or replace your home should the worst happen, say a fire or severe storm does major damage, and in those cases you should file a claim. But if you have minor damage, say under $1,000, it doesn’t make financial sense to do so because your rates will go up, so in the long run, you’ll pay more than if you pay for the repairs yourself.
Raising your deductible also can help you save money. For example, taking on a $1,000 can cut your insurance costs by 25%, according to the Insurance Information Institute. However, do not raise your deductible unless you are sure you will have enough cash handy to meet the deductible should you need to file a claim.