Consumers should ask about insurance rate discounts

After a major disaster, it is possible for an insurance company to raise their rates. But when looking for an insurance quote, it may be a good plan to ask for a lower rate overall, according to The Houston Chronicle.

Many insurers will lower rates for consumers who go out of their way to prevent big damages from occurring to their property. This can include storm shutters, reinforcing doors as well as other around-the-house precautions, the news source reported. By asking for lower rates and comparing them with other companies, it could make the process much easier and cheaper.

"It can really pay to ask about discounts to reduce your premium," Jerry Hagins, Texas Insurance Department spokesman told the news source. "But you have to ask, because every company is different."

If a consumer has a more expensive home, and these have temperature sensors, or other high-efficiency tools, the insurance company may be more willing to help reduce the rates of the coverage, the news source added.

"Depending on the value of the home, the high-net insurers do a home inspection and make sure everything's up to snuff," Andrew Bean, a Houston-area broker, told the news source.