If you own a home, you need to have home insurance. It's absolutely required if you have a mortgage on your home, and even without a mortgage, home insurance is essential to protect yourself from high costs in the case of home damage or a personal injury on the property. But as you shop around for home insurance, what do you look for and how do you know which plan to choose? Here are a few tips to help you out in that regard.

Get quotes from local and non-local companies. 

Sometimes, you can get a better deal on homeowners insurance from a local insurer who is more familiar with the area. Other times, you can get a better deal from an out-of-town company from a city with cheaper rents and operating costs. So, it is a good idea to get quotes from both non-local and local companies. Also, consider your preference when it comes to dealing with claims. If you're the kind of person who likes to go, sit down in an office, and chat with someone in real life, then a local company is likely the way to go. If you tend to do everything online anyway, then there's really no reason not to go with a non-local company.

Pay attention to the coverage limits.

There are two big types of coverage you get with homeowners insurance. The first protects your home itself. It will pay for the damage if you have a flood, a fire, or other major catastrophes that damages your home. The second pays for medical bills and similar costs if someone is injured in your home or on your property. Each policy will have different limits on both kinds of coverage. Make sure the limits are suitable for you. For instance, a policy with $25,000 in medical coverage may or may not be enough to suit your needs.

Ask about discounts. 

Home insurance companies are usually quick to offer discounts to customers who can prove they are less risky than the average customer. They might, for example, offer a discount if you have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, or if you belong to a certain professional organization. Ask what discounts the company provides, and use this to help you decide which insurer to go with.

With the tips above, you will have an easier time choosing a homeowners insurance company. Good luck, and enjoy the process.