Why Did My Fixed Mortgage Payment Go Up? It could be because of the home insurance.
Have you ever opened your monthly mortgage statement and received a shocking surprise? Your monthly payment went up, but you have a fixed interest rate. How can that happen? A fixed-rate loan means your principal and interest payments never change. Therefore, if your total payment increased, it means either your home insurance or your property taxes (or both!) went up.
Most home loans use an escrow account. Your lender collects extra money each month to pay your annual tax and home insurance bills. When these bills rise, your escrow account falls short, and your lender raises your monthly payment to cover the gap.
The Good News about Shopping for Home Insurance
If a rising insurance premium caused your higher payment, you have options. Many homeowners believe they must wait until their current policy expires to switch companies. This is a myth! You can shop for new home insurance at any time.
Consequently, if you find a better home insurance rate, you can switch immediately. Your old insurance company will refund the unused portion of your premium on a prorated basis. Thus, that refund goes right back into your pocket or your escrow account, helping lower your costs.
💡 Smart Shopper Tip: Check Your Homestead Exemption
Before you change anything, check your property tax status. If you live in the home as your primary residence, make sure you have filed for a homestead exemption with your county tax office. This special tax exemption can lower your home’s taxable value and cap how much your property taxes can rise each year. It is a quick step that saves hundreds of dollars annually.
Work with a Local Independent Home Insurance Agent
Shopping for home insurance on your own can feel overwhelming and take hours. Instead, work with a local independent insurance agent like AlphaSure Affordable Insurance Services. Independent agents do not work for just one big insurance company. Instead, they compare quotes from several top-rated providers.
Don’t let a rising mortgage payment ruin your budget. Check your tax exemptions today and reach out to a local independent agent to start saving on your home insurance.
