The Factors That Determine Your Homeowner’s Rates

When you own a home like your neighbor’s, you can expect certain household expenses will be comparable to theirs. The cost of your homeowner’s insurance, however, is not one of them. There are a variety of factors that determine the cost of your homeowner’s coverage, and they are unique to your home and lifestyle.  


So why would your homeowner’s premium be different than what your friends and family who own similar homes are paying? Let’s look at some of the factors that determine your home insurance rates: 


⦁    Credit History/Score 
Your credit history/score is something insurance carriers take into consideration when calculating your homeowner’s insurance rates. Payment history, outstanding debt, credit history length, pursuit of new credit, and credit mix are all pieces of your credit history that can make you look favorable or not-so-appealing to an insurance carrier. 


⦁    Claims History 
No matter where you move, your claims history follows you. Insurance carriers look at your claims history to determine your future likelihood of filing claims. The type of claims and number of claims you have filed is carefully reviewed and taken into consideration when determining both your rate and eligibility. 


⦁    Distance from Local Fire Department & Fire Hydrant 
 According to the Insurance Information Institute, homes located near fire departments and fire hydrants enjoy a lower premium than those located farther away. The reasoning is simple: in the event of a fire, the incident can be addressed more quickly, and thus, the damage that occurs for an insurance carrier to pay out on can be minimized. 


⦁    Coastal Exposure 
Waterfront property is desirable because of the natural beauty it offers, but if you purchase a home near the coast or in a wind zone, be prepared for a higher insurance premium and a higher deductible when it comes to storms. Depending on where you live, you may also need an additional windstorm policy or separate deductible for hurricanes. 


⦁    Multiline Discount 
Most carriers will give you a better rate on your homeowner’s insurance if you package or bundle it with your auto insurance. The same applies for adding in coverage for your jewelry, boat, motorcycle, etc. The more items you have with one insurance carrier, the better your rates will be. 


⦁    Replacement Cost 
If your house were to burn down, the Replacement Cost would be what it would cost to re-build your home exactly as it stands now. That’s why underinsuring to get your premium down is a bad idea. The last thing you’d want after a catastrophic loss is to find out you don’t have enough coverage to bring you back to where you were before an incident occurred. 


⦁    Marital Status 
Just like married couples get a break on their taxes, they get a break on their homeowner’s coverage. Why? Historically, insurance carriers have observed that couples tend to file fewer claims than singles, and as a result, are seen as lower risk to insure.  


⦁    Deductible Amount 
Your deductible is the amount of money you are willing to pay toward a claim before your insurance coverage kicks in. So, it should come as no surprise that the higher the deductible, the more money you save on premium. Determining the right deductible for your household is an important decision, and one you should work with your insurance agent to make. 


⦁    Home Liability Limits 
Personal liability limits should be carefully considered based on your personal assets. In some cases, it might make sense for a homeowner to purchase an Umbrella policy. In others it might be sufficient to simply carry coverage with higher liability limits. Most standard carriers offer $500,000 in liability, but you can go up to $1 million in liability coverage with an Umbrella. Discuss these options with your insurance agent to select the best option for you. 


⦁    Age & Condition of Your Home 
The size, age, and type of construction of your home all play a role in determining the cost of your homeowner’s coverage. For example, an older home may be more difficult to repair should damage occur – and as a result, more costly for the insurance carrier to pay a claim on because materials today might not be what they were when the house was originally constructed (e.g., plaster vs drywall). 


⦁    Wood-burning Stoves & Fireplaces 
Few things add to the atmosphere of a home the way a wood-burning stove or fireplace do. The same can be said for how it can add to your insurance premium. Although the increase in premium for having these items is small, providing your insurance carrier with proof that your wood-burning stove or fireplace is up to code and has been installed by a licensed contractor might help lower it. 


⦁    Swimming Pool or Hot Tub 
While the increase in premium for owning one of these outstanding additions to your home is small, its important that you have enough liability coverage to address any injuries or accidents that might occur on your property because of your pool or hot tub. 


If you’d like to ask questions about what you’ve just read or get a homeowner’s insurance quote, give us a call at 845-239-4787 or reach out to Vicki Hoffman at vicki@jhoffmaninsurance.com. In addition to helping you find personal auto insurance, J. Hoffman can assist you with securing Commercial auto insurance for any business vehicle. We are also experts when it comes to business insurance in Goshen, NY; Middletown, NY; and Warwick, NY. Contact J. Hoffman Insurance for your personal andand commercial insurance needs.

 


December 19, 2025
Running a successful business requires more than strong sales and day-to-day operations. It takes thoughtful planning, risk awareness, and financial discipline. Two of the most important professional relationships a business owner can have are with their insurance advisor and their Certified Public Accountant (CPA). When these two roles work together, the result is stronger protection, smarter financial decisions, and long-term stability. Here are five key ways business insurance and working with a CPA are closely connected—and why aligning the two matters. 1. Risk Management and Financial Planning Business insurance is designed to protect your company from unexpected risks such as lawsuits, property damage, accidents, or liability claims. A CPA, on the other hand, helps you plan financially for both known and unknown risks. Together, they form the foundation of a strong risk management strategy. Insurance transfers risk, while a CPA helps you understand how those risks impact your balance sheet, cash reserves, and overall financial health. When both are aligned, your business is better positioned to withstand disruptions and recover quickly when the unexpected happens. 2. Compliance and Regulatory Requirements Many businesses operate in industries that require specific types of insurance coverage, such as workers’ compensation, professional liability, or commercial auto insurance. Failing to carry the proper coverage can lead to fines, penalties, or even business shutdowns. At the same time, CPAs help ensure compliance with tax laws, payroll regulations, and financial reporting requirements. Insurance and accounting compliance often overlap—especially when it comes to payroll, employee classifications, and industry regulations. Working with both professionals ensures your business remains compliant on all fronts. 3. Tax Deductibility of Insurance Premiums One often overlooked benefit of business insurance is that many premiums may be tax-deductible. Policies such as general liability, professional liability, property insurance, and workers’ compensation are commonly considered legitimate business expenses. A CPA plays a critical role in making sure these premiums are properly categorized and documented, helping maximize allowable deductions while staying within IRS guidelines. When your CPA understands your insurance program, you’re more likely to capture every tax advantage available to your business. 4. Cash Flow and Budgeting Insurance premiums are a recurring expense and can have a meaningful impact on cash flow, especially for growing businesses. A CPA helps forecast expenses, plan for renewals, and ensure insurance costs fit within your broader financial strategy. By coordinating insurance coverage with budgeting and financial projections, businesses can strike the right balance between adequate protection and affordability. This collaboration helps avoid being underinsured—or overspending on coverage that doesn’t align with actual risk exposure. 5. Business Continuity and Succession Planning No business owner likes to think about worst-case scenarios, but planning for them is essential. Insurance products such as business interruption coverage, key person insurance, and buy-sell funding play a major role in keeping a business running during a crisis. CPAs incorporate these protections into long-term financial planning and succession strategies. Whether it’s preparing for the loss of a key employee, an extended shutdown, or an ownership transition, insurance and accounting together help ensure the business can survive and thrive beyond any single event. Bringing It All Together Business insurance and CPA services are not separate silos—they are complementary tools that work best when aligned. Insurance protects what you’ve built, while a CPA helps you grow and sustain it financially. When these professionals collaborate, business owners gain clearer insight, stronger protection, and greater confidence in the future. If you want your business to be resilient, compliant, and financially sound, make sure your insurance strategy and your CPA are working together—not independently. For a review of your business’ insurance coverage, contact Vicki Hoffman, J. Hoffman Insurance, at 845-239-4787 or vicki@jhoffmaninsurance.com . Want to learn more about how working with a CPA can benefit your business? Contact John Pacos, CPA at 845-694-5703 or john@jpacoscpa.com .
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