Understanding Your Insurance Costs
At Nova Insurance, we believe insurance should feel less overwhelming and more empowering. While rates continue to change across the industry, there are steps you can take to help manage the cost of your home and auto insurance—and we’re here to help guide you through them.
Think of this as a checklist for protecting what matters most while keeping your insurance working smarter for you.
Drive Safely, Save Consistently
Your driving habits play a big role in your auto insurance costs. Simple actions can make a real difference:
- Avoiding accidents and traffic violations
- Staying focused and minimizing distractions — in Nova Scotia, using a handheld device while driving is considered a serious offence and can lead to fines, demerit points, and increased insurance premiums
- Practicing defensive driving
A strong driving record doesn’t just help today—it protects you from higher premiums in the future.
Keep Your Home Well Maintained
Your home tells a story to your insurance carrier. When major systems are updated, it shows lower risk and stronger protection. Key updates that matter:
- Electrical systems – reduce fire risk
- Plumbing – help prevent water damage
- Roof – newer roofs handle weather better
- Heating systems – lower mechanical and fire risks
We always encourage clients to let us know when updates are made—because those improvements may positively impact your coverage or eligibility.
Maintain a Good Credit Score
Many insurance companies consider a credit-based insurance score when determining home and auto insurance premiums. While it’s only one piece of the overall picture, maintaining good credit can positively influence your insurance costs over time.
Things that may help support a strong credit profile include:
- Paying bills on time
- Keeping credit card balances manageable
- Avoiding frequent or unnecessary credit inquiries
It’s important to note that insurance credit scoring is different from lending credit scores and is used alongside many other factors.
Bundle for Simplicity and Savings
Bundling policies—like home and auto—often leads to:
- Lower overall premiums
- Fewer bills to manage
- Stronger, more consistent coverage
We’ll always explore bundling options that make sense for your household.
Choose Deductibles That Fit Your Comfort Level
Higher deductibles can lower your premium—but they should still feel manageable. We help clients find the right balance between:
- Monthly savings
- Out-of-pocket comfort if a claim occurs
Insurance should support you, not stress you out when you need it most.
Review Your Coverage with a Local Team That Knows You
Life changes, and your insurance should change with it. An annual policy review helps ensure:
- Your coverage still reflects your home, vehicles, and lifestyle
- You’re not underinsured—or overpaying for unnecessary coverage
- You’re receiving all eligible discounts
This is one of the most valuable services we offer our community: making sure your coverage still fits you.
At Nova Insurance, we’re proud to be part of the community we serve. Our goal is to help you protect what you’ve worked hard for while keeping costs as reasonable as possible. If it’s been a while since your policies were reviewed—or if you’ve made updates to your home or vehicles—we’re always happy to take a look. A quick conversation can bring clarity, confidence, and sometimes savings.
Nova Insurance—here for you, and here for our community.