Protecting Your Most Important Investment in North Dakota

North Dakota homeowners insurance premiums are about average when compared with the rest of the country. North Dakota is not especially prone to natural disasters, which makes it a relatively low-risk location as far as providers are concerned. On the other hand, the area does often experience heavy snow, ice storms, and flooding, which makes it essential for homeowners to carry sufficient protection. In this guide, you will find information on how to choose the right amount of coverage and capitalize on valuable discounts.

Choosing Coverage

The primary purpose of house insurance, of course, is to protect the structure of your house. When you purchase a plan, your carrier will most likely conduct an appraisal to determine the market value of replacement cost of your dwelling. If you are purchasing protection to comply with the request of a mortgage lender, the lender may have already had an appraisal performed. Regardless, it's important not to over-insure or under-insure your property. If you over-insure your house, your premiums will be unnecessarily high and may take a toll on your budget. On the other hand, if you under-insure your residence, you will suffer significant financial losses in the event disaster strikes. Ideally, you should figure out how much it would cost to rebuild your dwelling from scratch and then base your coverage on this figure.

Savings to Consider

Residents may qualify for a number of discounts. To find out what incentives your provider offers, ask your agent or representative for a list. Some discounts can save you as much as 20% off your annual premiums. Here are few of the most common savings:

• Homeowners over 50
• Multiple policy (e.g., discount for carrying life and home policies with the same company)
• Non-smoker
• Renovations
• Fire sprinklers
• Anti-theft alarm
• Deadbolts

The North Dakota department of insurance is the agency responsible for regulating the carriers licensed to operate in the state. The department also fields and investigates consumer complaints against carriers. On their website, you will find all of the requisite forms to file a complaint against your provider. You can also find step-by-step instructions on how to file a claim. If you would like to check the complaint history of a particular carrier, you can also do so by contacting the department.