Most of us pay our automobile and homeowners insurance premiums by habit without exploring and comparing services and prices. With many families insurance costs totaling over $2000 a year, even a 15% savings equates to $300 annually.

Here are some hints for saving money on your Homeowners Insurance:

1. Be sure to shop around. It may take a little time, but it could save you money. The insurer you select should offer both a fair price and excellent service.

2. Raise your deductible. Deductibles on homeowners policies typically start at $250. By increasing your deductible to $500, you could save up to 12%.

3. Beef up your home security. You can usually get discounts of at least 5% for a smoke detector, burglar alarm or dead-bolt locks.

4. Ask your insurance company for information about discounts.

For automobile insurance savings tips include

1. Shop around. Prices for the same coverage can vary by hundreds of dollars from company to company, so it pays to shop around. Surf the net, ask your friends or call your state insurance department for ideas about companies and agents to contact.

2. Ask for Higher Deductibles. By requesting higher deductibles on collision and comprehensive (fire and theft) coverage, you can lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive cost by 15% to 30%.

3.Take Advantage of Low Mileage Discounts. Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive fewer than a predetermined number of miles a year.

4. If you have teen drivers in the house, encourage them to make good grades. Many insurance companies reward good students with a drop in insurance rates. Check with your insurance company for "Honor Roll Student Discounts".

5. Take a Defensive Driving class and send the certificate to your insurance company, requesting a drop in rates. Most insurance companies reward the driver who takes a driving class with savings in premiums.

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