I am a reporter for a nationally syndicated real estate section published weekly in newspapers across the country. I’m looking to interview real estate agents, brokers, lenders, insurance experts, property attorneys and other housing experts for the following article with a very tight deadline turnaround of noon central, Monday, Oct. 20 or sooner (I give preference to first responders).

STORY: HOW TO FIND BETTER HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE COVERAGE AND SAVE ON PREMIUMS. This story would examine tips on why and how to search for homeowners insurance that provides better coverage and also save on premiums, if possible. Below is a list of questions I’m seeking answers to for this story. Please e-mail me back your interest, availability and phone number. My deadline is noon central time, Monday, Oct. 20.

QUESTIONS:

1. Why is it worth it for homeowners to shop around for new/upgraded homeowners (property) insurance, even if they’re happy with the policy they currently have?

2. What are the criteria for getting the best coverage at the lowest possible rates? (e.g., good credit rating, no history of claims, etc.)? Note: . Homeowners with poor credit pay 91 percent more for homeowners insurance than people with excellent credit, according to a new report from Bankrate.com in conjunction with insuranceQuotes.com, part of Bankrate Insurance. Homeowners with median credit pay 29 percent more than those with excellent credit (more details here: http://www.insurancequotes.com/home/home-insurance-and-credit).

3. What tips/steps do you suggest for saving the most money without sacrificing important coverage limits? (e.g., combining home and auto policies under one company, improving credit rating, etc.)

4. Speaking of, what minimum recommended coverage limits do you recommend (for liability, replacement cost, medical, etc.)? Please provide a hypothetical example with details, if possible.

5. What about optional coverages, such as flood insurance: why and when is this recommended, and what can a homeowner expect to pay for each of these coverages?

6. Is homeowners insurance getting more expensive lately? Why/why not? Any stats/data to back this up?

7. Do you expect homeowners insurance rates nationally to rise notably in the near future? Why/why not?

8. Any other thoughts, tips, suggestions on this topic that I failed to ask about?

9. What is your full name, title, company, and location where you are based?