Like most homeowners, you purchase home insurance with the idea that you will never have to make a claim.

However, just when you least expect it, something bad could happen. From a fire to a theft to a wind storm, you never know when you will need to file a claim to recover your loss.

In a perfect world, your home insurance premium would remain the same, year after year. Unfortunately, this is not reality for many people. Instead, their premium increases for one reason or another.

Here are some of the most common reasons for a premium increase:

1. SUBMITTING A CLAIM.

If you make a claim, you can expect your premium to increase as a direct result.

more claims you make, especially in a short period of time, the higher your rate will climb.

This doesn’t mean you should avoid submitting a claim. What it means is you should think twice before doing so. In some cases, it may be better to pay out of pocket than to bring your insurance company into the equation.

2. ADDING A SWIMMING POOL TO YOUR HOME.

There is no denying the fact that there are many costs associated with installing and maintaining a swimming pool. But did you know that this could also increase your home insurance premium?

Insurance companies see this as an added danger, which is why a premium increase almost always follows.

Tip: don’t try hiding your pool from your insurance company. If you do, and you need to make a related claim, you will likely find that you are not covered.

3. HOME RENOVATIONS.

Are you building an addition to your existing home? Are you increasing your home’s value, such as by installing a custom kitchen? If you greatly increase the size and/or value of your property, it is a must that you notify your insurance company. They can take this into consideration and provide you with a new quote. The increase will depend largely on the project, with special attention paid to additional square footage and valuable upgrades (granite countertops, etc.).

There are many reasons why your home insurance premium could increase. If you are lucky, you will never be faced with a large increase. However, if you find yourself in one of the three positions above, you can expect your cost to rise.