Four Ways to Save on Your Homeowners Premium

The forecasts are out, and we're told to brace ourselves for an active storm season -- particularly those of us on the East Coast. June marks the beginning of the seven-month hurricane season, and you'll want to make sure you're as prepared as you can be.

As homeowners insurance premiums continue to rise at double-digit rates, especially in catastrophe-prone areas, it's important to do what you can to lower your premium -- no one else is going to do it for you. Some improvements you can make on your own, while others require a professional.

Insurance companies offer discounts based on certain features and what they call "loss mitigation measures" you've taken with your house. It's a jargony way of saying "home improvement."

The discounts vary by company and often depend on where you live. Some states require companies to offer certain discounts. For example, Florida requires insurers to offer discounts for protecting your home against damage caused by hurricane winds.

States in which tornadoes, earthquakes, fires or other natural disasters are prevalent may also require insurers to offer discounts related to those events.

Call your insurance agent, or the company directly, and ask specifically what things you can do to take advantage of any discounts offered. Here are some steps the company may suggest: