Buying a house is a large commitment that comes with many responsibilities. One of the most important steps is investing in homeowners insurance to protect this purchase. If you are in the market for this type of insurance, there are some steps you should take before committing to an agency.

What To Do Before You Buy Homeowners Insurance

1. Consider Buying an Insurance Bundle

Many insurance agencies cover more than just homeowner's insurance. If you want to save money on your premium, these companies will let you enroll in their home, rental, auto, and other insurance plans for a substantial discount on your routine payments. This can reduce your rates for all involved insurance programs, which Nerd Wallet affirms by explaining that these discounts can range between 5% to 25% off. 

2. Think Beyond Your House

Most home insurance plans cover your main dwelling in the case of a fire, lightning strike, windstorm, or hail. However, you can extend your plan to cover more than just "general damage" to your main house. Natural disasters, such as tornadoes and hurricanes, usually require additional coverage. 

You should also consider covering other components on your property, such as other standing structures and your personal belongings. Remember that if any of these items are worth more than your policy covers, you may also need to extend it for this purpose. 

3. Utilize Your Home Inspection Report

If you recently purchased a house, you and the person you purchased from may have ordered an official house inspection. You can use these inspection results to evaluate the risks and true value of your home. If you follow the home inspector's recommendations for repairs and improvements, you can score a reduced rate on your insurance plan. 

Many home insurance plans are based on your location and your home's quality, including its age, roof age and type, building material type, appliances and electrical fixtures, and even its overall square footage. By fixing up your home ahead of time as per the inspector's recommendations, you could reduce your insurance premium.

Excellent home insurance starts with a great company like  Barnes & Howell Insurance, an agency in Gainesville, GA. This homeowners insurance provider has been in operation since 1995, and they serve the entire state of Georgia. You can get a quote on your home through their website or call (770) 718-0202 to speak with one of their agents.