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Although homeowners insurance is usually full of exclusions - including war, terrorism, natural distasters and Acts of God - protection against fire in most home insurance policies remains a basic area of coverage.

Yet there are many ways homeowners can decrease the costs of fire insurance premiums by planning ahead with measures to protect against fire.

For instance, if you're buying a home ask if it includes fire-resistant building materials, and, if one hasn't already been included, be sure to install a home security system that protects against burglary and fires. If the area in which you live is prone to wildifires, retrofitting your home's building materials and landscaping may also qualify you for a discounted premium.

For obvious reasons, you'll also be offered a discount on premiums if you live within 1,000 feet of a water hydrant, or near a town fire department. However, expect to pay higher premiums if you live in a rural area where volunteer fire departments have to travel long distances to your home in the event of a fire.

Since most insurance companies will assume that retirees are more likely to be at home more often throughout the day (and can spot a fire sooner than those who go to work) senior or retiree fire insurance applicants can also expect to pay less.

On the Web, find out more about reducing insurance costs, facts on fire insurance law, how to protect against wildfires in rural areas plus other tips, advice, and information on getting the right amount of fire insurance for your home or business...

Firewise.org - Comprehensive guide to protecting your home against wildfires and reducing insurance premiums with tips on building materials, landscaping and other saftety hints.

Wildfire: Insurance when all is lost - Archived CNN Money report on 2003 California wildfires and home insurance issues, advice on keeping a home inventory of possessions, what victims may collect, and links to related stories.

CCH Business Owner's Toolkit - Fire/Hazard Property Insurance - A guide to insuring your business against fire and related terms including data loss and business interruption coverage, deductibles, co-insurance clauses and proof of loss.

Fire Sense - The Power of Fire - Consumer guides from The Hartford Insurance company with tips on causes and prevention, risk assessment, fire-safe product guide, related links and resources.

Fire Insurance Law - Good overview at what happens at the fire scene, the insurance adjusters role, instances when a lawyer or private investigator may be called in cases of suspected arson, and details on background investigation of the insured.

Also see -> Disaster Insurance

Flood Insurance | Hurricane Insurance