When your home or belongings are damaged or destroyed the value of insurance is clear. Following are some points to consider as you look to cover your biggest investment - your home.

Shop Around. Get price quotes from several companies, and ask each insurance agent for ways to lower the policy cost.

Raise Your Deductible. Generally, the higher the deductible, the less you pay for the insurance policy.

Buy Your Home and Auto Policies From the Same Insurer. Combing coverage may decrease your premium by 5 to 15 percent.

Insure the House, Not the Land. Most perils will not change the market value of your property, so be sure you're covered for the actual cost of rebuilding the structure.

Look for Group Coverage. Alumni, professional and business associations, and employers may negotiate insurance coverage for large groups, giving a discount to the members.

Stay With an Insurer. People who stay with the same insurer for several years often are rewarded with a 5 to 10 percent discount.

Compare Your Policy to the Value of Your Possessions at Least Once a Year. Take inventory and note significant changes to your home to avoid being over or under covered.

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