Shopping for home insurance? Wondering if you can save money? Here are some of the best ways to save money when shopping for a home owner insurance quote.

Home insurance rates can vary from company to company so the number one thing you want to do is to get several comparison quotes. This could make the difference of hundreds of dollars you pay in premiums. Shopping online is one of the easiest and fastest ways to do this. You can go directly to the insurance company’s Web site and request a quote, or go to a comparison Web site where you only enter your information once and then get quotes from different companies back.

Ask about discounts. You can often save 5% or more just by getting a second policy — like an auto insurance policy — with the same company that insures your home. What’s more, you may get discounts for upgrading your plumbing and electrical and installing a fire and burglar alarm system.

You may want to consider a higher deductible. This is the amount you have to pay on a claim before the insurance company pays the rest. Usually, the higher the deductible, the lower your costs.

When determining the amount of coverage you’ll need, don’t include the value of the land your home is on. Home insurance protects your actual home (dwelling), outlying structures such as sheds, personal belongings (contents) and your exposure to liability. It does not protect the land under your home, so including that value in your coverage amount could make you get more coverage than you need — and consequently have a higher premium to pay.

To get the most accurate comparison quotes when shopping for home insurance, provide the same information about coverages and deductibles to each company or agent providing you a quote.

Get several free comparison home owner insurance quotes, and learn more about saving on home insurance at LowerYourInsurance.com. Scott Lunt is a freelance insurance writer.