After you have got a clear and definite idea on what kind of policy you need, you should also bear in mind the possibilities to lower your insurance costs. Here are some aspects to consider before choosing the right policy:

1. Self-protection is rewarded: try to reduce the risk of damage regarding your property through security investments, for example try to fit alarm systems (fire alarm, burglary emergency, smoke detectors), locks to the doors and windows etc. It is also good to consider the neighbourhood and region even before buying the property: an area considered safe, preferably having a neighbourhood watch system will reduce your premiums considerably. However, before installing expensive security improvements, contact your insurer and ask for recommendations and how much would that improvement count in the lowering of your premiums.

2. Clean history: it is always a bonus point if you have no previous claims, as well as if you have a good credit record (keep your credit balance low, pay your bills in time). This helps maintain your reliability and will put you in a very good light in the eyes of the insurer when you are about to apply for a home insurance policy.

3. Buy what you really need: although it is not easy, try to make calculations regarding the buildings as well as contents insurance parts. You should know that buildings insurance refers to the construction of your home, and in case of damage it covers the rebuilding costs, but never the market value of your home. Some companies have online rebuilding calculators on their websites, so you can easily find out the exact amount of money. However, some policy offers do not ask you to make an estimation of rebuilding costs, as they provide unlimited insurance, so you'll never be left without protection should the worst happen. Contents insurance views the objects and values in your home, which you take away with you in case you decide to move house. Make a list of these valuable objects and calculate their overall value, then match your requirements with the offers of different companies. Some policies offer an extra, single item coverage, which means a special protection for one valuable (expensive jewellery, work of art) named by you.

4. Pre-buying awareness: when you decide to buy a house, consider the specificities of the living area. Usually it is always a bonus to live near to a fire station, or to live in a safe area, where less violent acts (burglary, theft) occur. It is also important to buy a relatively new house built from solid and resistant materials, in which the heating, plumbing as well as electrical systems are newly installed.

5. Buy two different policies if necessary: some may think that buildings and contents insurance are to be bought together from the same company in a joined package, but the truth is that you can purchase them separately. The reason for considering this might be that some tricky offers place cheap buildings insurance in the first place to catch your eyes, but when you look at it in more detail you will find out that the contents part is very expensive. Thus, it is highly advisable to shop around for the best and cheapest offers, and buy the policies separately, even from different companies.

6. Ask for discounts: consider buying more insurances from the same company (auto-, life-, home insurances), because in this way your premiums will be lower with 10-15% at least.

7. Save as much as you can: shop around for the best offers. Many people think the best and simplest way to get insurance is to buy from your mortgage lender. This usually has higher prices, so try to compare different agencies before making a decision. The fastest and safest way to get the best quote is an online search. Some websites offer forms to fill in, and then search for the best offers in the databases on many agencies simultaneously.

Some buildings policies already include in their estimated rebuilding costs a list of outbuildings that is practically everything outside but still belonging to your estate: the walls, the fences, terraces and gates, swimming pools, sport facilities, even solar panels. Contents insurance gives you peace of mind regarding the repairing or replacing your movable personal items in your home. This usually includes accidental damage to electronic equipment (television, computer, video equipment) as well as damage to furniture.

Don't forget to ask as many questions as you can before buying a buildings and contents insurance, thus you will have a clear perspective on all the details.