While it might seem as though your home insurer is taking you for a ride each April, when their rates usually jump, The Globe and Mail reports that they have no choice — claims have soared during the recession with more people using insurance to pay for things like water damages instead of shelling out for the repairs on their own.

Home insurance costs rose 10.2% over the past five years, leaving many Canadians desperate to lower their bills. Unfortunately, everyone’s raising rates, so it’s difficult to shop around for a better deal. Instead, experts are  suggesting we cut our coverage in order to save.

Switching from a platinum to gold package, for instance, is an easy way to see results. Raising your deductible is another popular option.