Property insurance: what will affect the price of the policy?

Chapters of the article

• Calculation of property insurance
• How to choose the right insurance company?
• How to influence the amount of insurance?
• Watch out for underinsurance and overinsurance
• Insuring a property in a flood zone
• How to avoid spending unnecessary amounts on insurance payments?
• How is the insurance payment process?

Property insurance calculation

The price you pay for insuring your property can vary depending on the insurance company you choose. It is therefore worth making a comparison to ensure you get the best deal. There are various comparison tools and calculators available on the web for this purpose.

However, the basic factors that affect the amount of your policy are more or less similar for all insurers. These are:

• The value of the property and equipment: a higher value means a higher sum insured and therefore a higher cost of insurance. The value is influenced by the materials used and the size of the property, for example, but also by the location of the property, which we’ll discuss next.
• Age and condition of the property: Older homes may have a higher risk of damage due to wear and tear on the materials, which can also lead to higher insurance prices. In general, however, the age and condition of the house can only be factored into the price of the policy for certain coverages, and only if they have a direct impact on the resilience to various elements.
• Location of the property: properties in flood-prone areas or areas with a higher risk of natural disasters usually have higher premiums. Similarly, a location with a higher crime rate can mean a higher insurance price. For example, a property’s prestigious address, i.e., location in a so-called “better” neighborhood, can also affect the price of the property. The latter, on the other hand, is often safer, so this factor is not entirely straightforward.
• Type and use of the property: flats in apartment buildings may have a different insurance price than houses. For apartments, the floor on which the apartment is located may also play a role. Lower floors are worse off in this respect, as there is a higher risk of burglary, water leakage from neighbours, or even flooding if it is a flood plain.
• Security measures: having a security system or other protective features can significantly reduce the cost of insurance. Of course, we are talking about risks associated with crime.
• Previous insurance history: Owners who have frequently drawn on insurance in the past may face higher premiums due to the increased risk.However, this principle typically applies to other types of insurance (accident) and is more likely not to be encountered in property insurance.
• Specifics of construction: the material and quality of the construction can affect the risk of damage. For example, timber buildings may be considered a higher fire risk.
• Purpose of use: Commercially used properties may have higher premiums due to increased traffic and risk of damage.
• Additional Coverages: The cost typically increases with the addition of other coverages such as natural perils or third-party liability insurance.
• Benefitamount and deductible: This is the single most important item that will affect the final cost of the policy. However, the amount of the benefit is determined by a combination of the previous factors and is already included in them. The level of the deductible is an essential component of the price: the higher the deductible, the less you pay preventively.

Each of these factors may contribute to the individually determined cost of insurance. These factors may not affect all insurers, so it is a good idea to check the calculations of different insurers.

Insurance calculators are used to quickly and easily estimate the cost of property insurance. They allow you to enter various property parameters such as size, location, value and type of construction, and provide an approximate premium estimate based on this information. Many insurance companies allow you to enter a quote on their site before you enter into direct negotiations with them. Often, however, you will not receive the final amount until after you have entered your personal contacts, so you will not be able to avoid negotiating with an insurance agent after all.

How to choose the right insurance company?

When choosing the right insurance company, many people are influenced primarily by the amount they will pay. However, it is also important to consider the financial stability of the insurance company, the range of cover offered, the quality of customer service or the experience of other clients. You should also find out how quickly and efficiently the insurer handles claims.

How to influence the amount of the policy?

The age and location of the property no longer affect the policy. You can influence its physical condition to some extent. However, there are other factors that you can use to influence the amount of the policy.

To achieve a lower policy price, you can:

• Consider a higher deductible: With a higher deductible, premiums can go down.
• Improve security measures: Installing security systems can reduce risk and therefore reduce the cost of premiums.
• Optimize insurance coverage: Consider whether you need all the insurance products offered. On the other hand, it is crucial not to sacrifice essential aspects of coverage to achieve a lower premium price.
• Review the insurance policy regularly: Updating your contract may reveal unnecessary coverages.
• Take advantage of discounts and promotions: some insurance companies offer discounts for new clients or when you take out a policy online.
• Compare quotes from different insurers: as mentioned earlier, using online comparison sites can help you find a better deal.

You may be able to compare insurance rates, which can help you find better deals, such as underinsurance and overinsurance

Don’t underestimate the issue of underinsurance and overinsurance on a property. Underinsurance occurs when the sum insured is less than the actual value of the property or assets. While you may be happy to pay only a thousand a year instead of two thousand, in the event of a loss the insurance company may only pay part of the cost of repair or restoration, which can mean a financial loss many times greater.

On the other hand, excess insurance means that the sum insured is higher than the actual value of the property. While this may look like an advantage at first glance, in reality the owner is paying higher premiums for coverage they don’t need. In the event of a loss, the insurance company will only pay compensation up to the actual value of the property.

Properly determining the value of the property and assets is therefore key to effective insurance. It is advisable to update the property value in the insurance policy periodically, especially after significant changes such as renovations or extensions to the property.

Insuring a property in a flood plain

We have already mentioned that the location of a house in a flood zone can significantly swing the amount of the insurance policy. When insuring a home in a floodplain, it’s important to choose an insurance company that offers special coverage for flood-related risks.

Also consider taking preventative measures such as flood proofing or building higher off the ground, which can reduce the risk and therefore the cost of insurance.

How can I avoid spending unnecessary amounts on insurance payments?

To determine the best insurance for your property, first of all, assess your needs and the real risks to the property. Is it really necessary to insure against flooding a villa that stands on the highest point of the city?

And speaking of floods: do you have any idea what the difference between a flood and a flood is? A flood is the inundation of an area by water that has spilled from the banks of watercourses or reservoirs (dams and ponds) or that has breached these banks and dykes. Flooding, on the other hand, is the creation of a continuous body of water that stands or flows for a period of time and can be caused by sources other than watercourses, such as ice melt. The two terms, which sound interchangeable to most people, can be quite crucial in the context of damage management. So don’t underestimate the importance of reading the explanations of each term and ask exactly what your policy covers. Also consider consulting with an insurance agent other than the one representing the particular insurer (preferably an independent one), and it is in their interest to sell you the most comprehensive policy possible.

How is the insurance paid?

Generally, the policy is paid either monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually, depending on the agreement with the insurance company. However, for property insurance, we most often see an annual payment, which is usually spread over two semi-annual payments on request.

If you forget to pay the premium, your insurance cover may be suspended. Insurance companies usually send a reminder before the policy due date and a reminder if the policy has not been paid properly. They also usually provide a grace period during which premiums can be paid without losing coverage. However, if payment is not made after this period, the policy may be terminated and you will not be entitled to claim in the event of a loss. It is advisable to set up automatic payments to avoid forgetting to pay.