Welcome to Ameritrade Plus University
  Home and auto insurance
  Introduction
 
The details:
 

Top things to know
 

Why insurance costs so much
 

Value your home properly
 

Choosing homeowners coverage
 

Picking an insurer
 

Maximizing your savings
 

A few words about claims
 
Glossary
 
Take the test
 
Lessons:
1
  Setting priorities
2
  Making a budget
3
  Basics of banking
4
  Basics of investing
5
  Investing in stocks
6
  Investing in bonds
7
  Buying a home
8
  Investing in mutual funds
9
  Controlling debt
10
  Employee stock options
11
  Saving for college
12
  Kids and money
13
  Planning for retirement
14
  Investing in IPOs
15
  Asset allocation
16
  Hiring financial help
17
  Health insurance
18
  Buying a car
19
  Taxes
20
  Home insurance
21
  Life insurance
22
  Futures and options
23
  Family law
24
  Estate planning
25
  Auto insurance

|> About Money 101

investing 101

  Maximizing your savings
Lots of discounts are available, but you have to ask for them.

You can't change many of your risk factors. But you can save money by taking advantage of discounts that insurers offer for behavior that lowers your risk -- from driving less than the average number of miles per year to quitting smoking. Certain types of people-- senior citizens, for instance -- also are eligible for price cuts. You'll also save by installing certain safety or protective equipment in your car and home. There's one catch: You have to ask. By one estimate, consumers lose some $300 million a year by not taking advantage of discounts.

Here are some other money saving tactics:

Combine coverages. Because it's cheaper to service two policies from the same customer, insurers often cut premiums up to 15 percent if you link auto and homeowners policies.

Sweat the small stuff. Frequent claims are red flags for insurers; some won't renew policyholders with more than two claims in three years. So try to carry more of the risk by covering claims under $1000.

Next: A few words about claims

 
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