Our top tips for cheaper home insurance

Rather than simply getting one quote or accepting the renewal price from your current insurer, you should shop around and compare home insurance quotes  from a wide range of insurance companies. That way you can be sure you are not only paying a competitive price for your policy but that you're also getting the right level of cover for your needs.

As well as shopping around, you can also take other measures to keep the cost of your home insurance affordable:

• Improve your home security
  Most insurance companies will offer discounts for approved locks on external doors, such as five-lever mortice locks, and the use of key operated locks on windows. Similarly, if you have a burglar alarm then this can also reduce your premiums, providing it is professionally installed and maintained annually. If you do have an alarm and declare it to your insurer, always ensure it is on when the house is unoccupied as failure to do so could invalidate a claim.
  
  If you are considering fitting any security devices then it's well worth contacting your insurer first to see what they recommend, that way you can pick and choose items that are most effective at bringing the cost of your premium down.
  
  Installing security lighting and using time-switch lights when the property is unoccupied overnight can also reduce the risk of your property being targeted by burglars.

• Join a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme
  If you live in an area that is covered by a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme then you may qualify for a discount of up to 5% on your home insurance.

• Prevent house fires
  Fit at least one smoke alarm per floor of your property and take simple steps to avoid fire breaking out. The majority of house fires are caused by smoking and cooking - so never smoke in bed, don't leave cigarettes lying around and beware of lit candles especially around pets, children and near draughts.
  
  Most insurers will now ask if you are a smoker, but if you are don't be tempted to lie in an effort to keep premiums low as it could invalidate a future claim.

• Increase your voluntary excess
  The voluntary excess is an amount you agree to pay towards a claim in addition to the compulsory excess set by your insurer. When you take out a new home insurance policy you can stipulate what amount you'd like the voluntary excess to be set at - the higher that amount, the lower your premium will be. You should always factor in the amount of the compulsory excess and never set the total excess higher than what you can comfortably afford to cover in the event that you do make a claim.

• Buy buildings and contents insurance together
  Many insurance companies will provide a discount on your premium if you buy your buildings and contents insurance together rather than from separate companies. Some insurers may even throw in contents insurance for free if you agree to take out your buildings insurance with them.

• Buy your home insurance online
  When insurance companies sell policies online they have lower overheads and so to increase online sales they often offer an online discount to attract new business. This can be as much as 5-15%.

• Assess your level of cover
  The more cover options you add to your policy, the more expensive it will be. Before you buy check what cover is included as standard and what cover will attract an additional premium. To lower your premium, trim off any additional cover options that you don't need but will have to pay for.
  
  Gocompare.com will search through the UK home insurance market and offer some of the most competitive quotes available saving you the time and hassle of going to each individual company yourself. Don't forget, we're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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