The Home and Auto Bundle is Back! And Florida Homeowners Need to Pay Attention

If you’ve been in Florida for the last several years and tried to bundle your home and auto insurance, you already know the frustration. It just wasn’t possible — or if it was, the savings were barely worth mentioning. That era is officially over.

The home-auto bundle is back in Florida, and for homeowners looking to cut costs without sacrificing coverage, the timing could not be better.

So what happened? A quick background:

To understand why the bundle disappeared, you have to get what actually happened to Florida’s insurance market over the past decade.

Florida homeowners insurance became one of the most volatile and expensive markets in the country. Rampant litigation, roof replacement and solicitation scams, repeated hurricane seasons, and reinsurance costs drove carrier after carrier either out of the state entirely or into insolvency. The companies that remained standing were often Florida-only or regionally focused carriers — built specifically to write homeowners insurance in a difficult coastal environment. They had no auto product to even offer.

On the flip side, the big national carriers that do write auto insurance — your Progressives, GEICOs, State Farms — either stopped writing new homeowners policies in Florida altogether or severely restricted their risk appetite. Without a competitive home product to pair with auto, the bundle simply didn’t exist.

The result? Florida homeowners were left piecing together coverage from two separate carriers, losing the multi-policy discount that used to be one of the easiest savings out there.
How does it look now?

Thankfully, the market has started to stabilize. Legislative reforms in recent years have reduced frivolous litigation, and several national carriers have re-entered or expanded their Florida footprint. At the same time, Florida-based and regional home carriers have gotten creative.

The bundling opportunity is back in two ways:

1. National Carriers Writing Both Lines Again

Some of the larger multi-line carriers have returned to writing homeowners in Florida with more appetite than they’ve shown in years. That means true bundling is back on the table with a single carrier — one policy, one bill, and a genuine multi-policy discount on both your home and your auto.

2. “Auto in Agency” Discounts Through Florida-Specific Carriers

Here’s a little more interesting development: even home insurance companies that still don’t write their own auto policies have started offering a discount just for having your auto insurance placed through the same agency. Some call it an “auto in agency” discount. Others have partnered with auto carriers specifically to facilitate the arrangement.

The logic from the carrier’s perspective is that if a customer trusts the same agent with both their home and auto, they are statistically less likely to file excessive claims and more likely to stay long-term. Loyalty being rewarded.

How much savings are we talking about?

The discount range can vary by carrier and policy, but bundling or qualifying for an “auto in agency” arrangement can potentially save homeowners anywhere from 5-15% on their homeowners premium. In a market where Florida home insurance costs have climbed sharply over the past few years, that percentage represents real money.

Example: For a homeowner paying $4,000-$6,000 a year in insurance premiums — which is not unusual in Florida — a 10% discount is $400-$600 back in your pocket annually. When you add the multi-policy discount that may also apply to the auto side, the combined savings can be substantial.

Should you look into it?

Yes. Really any Florida homeowner should. But this is especially relevant if you fall into any of these categories:

• You haven’t reviewed your insurance in more than 12–18 months
• Your home and auto are currently with two completely separate carriers and/or agents
• Your homeowners premium has increased significantly at renewal and you haven’t shopped alternatives
• You recently moved to Florida and are still figuring out how insurance works here
• You’re a first-time homeowner who set up coverage at closing and never revisited it

The market has changed enough that even if you looked at bundling two years ago and found nothing, it’s worth another conversation today.

The Bottom Line

Florida’s insurance market has been painful for homeowners. But the story has started to change. Carriers are coming back, discounts that vanished for years may be available again, and for the first time in a while, there is a real opportunity to review your home and auto together and come out ahead. If you haven’t had that conversation recently, now is a good time.

Making sure your home is properly covered for a disaster

How to avoid being underinsured

For many people, their home is their greatest asset, so it is crucial to avoid being underinsured. To properly insure your home, it is important to ask your insurance professional four key questions.

  1. Do I have enough insurance to rebuild my home?

Your policy needs to cover the cost of rebuilding your home at current construction costs. Unfortunately, some homeowners simply purchase enough insurance protection to satisfy their mortgage lender. Others confuse the real estate value of their home with what it would cost to rebuild it.

  1. Do I have enough insurance to replace all of my possessions?

Most homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for your personal possessions for approximately 50 percent to 70 percent of the amount of insurance you have on the structure of your home. If you have $100,000 worth of coverage on the structure of your home, you would be covered for $50,000 to $70,000 worth of the contents of your home, depending on the policy.

The best way to determine if this is enough coverage is to conduct a home inventory, which details everything you own and the estimated cost to replace these items if they are stolen or destroyed by a disaster.

  1. Do I have enough coverage for additional living expenses?

Coverage for additional living expenses pays the extra costs of temporarily living away from your home if you can’t live in it due to an insured disaster such as a hurricane. It covers hotel bills, restaurant meals, transportation and other living expenses incurred while your home is inaccessible or being rebuilt.

  1. Do I have enough insurance to protect my assets?

Although not a key element in disaster planning, it is also important to have adequate liability protection. This covers you against lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that you or your family members may cause to other people. It also pays for damage caused by pets.

Your answers to these 4 questions will give you a good idea if your home is properly covered.  Don’t wait until it’s too late to know if your home insurance policy will cover your home and its possessions.

Source:  https://www.iii.org/article/making-sure-your-home-properly-covered-disaster

Homeowners Insurance – A Guide to Dwelling, Personal Property, Liability, and Additional Living Expenses

Navigating home insurance can sometimes feel overwhelming, but understanding it is essential for protecting one of your most significant investments—your home. Many homeowners often find themselves confused by the specifics of coverage, which can lead to costly gaps if not addressed. Home insurance typically includes four key areas: dwelling coverage, personal property protection, liability, and additional living expenses. Homeowners must understand what each type covers and assess whether they need these protections in their home insurance policy.

Dwelling Coverage

At the heart of your home insurance policy is dwelling coverage. This is the part that protects the physical structure of your home—everything from the walls and roof to the floors and built-in appliances. If disaster strikes—think fire, lightning, vandalism, or severe weather—this coverage helps you repair or rebuild your home.

How Much Dwelling Coverage Do You Really Need?

Finding the right amount of dwelling coverage is essential. You want to ensure you have enough to completely rebuild your home if needed. This isn’t necessarily the same as your home’s market value; it’s based on how much it would cost to rebuild. The following tips may help you with making this decision.

Get a Professional Appraisal: A professional can give you an accurate estimate of your home’s rebuilding cost.

Understand Local Building Costs: Research what it costs to build a home in your area, as this can vary widely.

Factor in Upgrades: If you’ve made any renovations or have unique features, make sure those are accounted for in your coverage.

Review Regularly: Life changes, and so do your home’s needs. Regularly check your coverage to ensure it matches your home’s value.

What’s Not Covered?

While dwelling coverage is pretty comprehensive, there are some things it typically doesn’t cover.  Understanding this in advance is essential, as it allows you to decide whether to consider adding coverage for these events.

Flood Damage: You’ll need separate flood insurance for that.

Earthquake Damage: Like floods, earthquakes often require additional coverage.

Maintenance Issues: Damage due to lack of upkeep, like mold or pest infestations, usually won’t be covered.

Personal Property Coverage

Personal property coverage protects your belongings. This includes furniture, electronics, clothing, and more. If something happens—like theft or fire—this coverage helps you replace those items.

How Much Personal Property Coverage Do You Need?

The following steps will assist you with determining what personal property you own and its approximate value. Once you have this figured out you can decide how much it would cost you to replace if something happens to it.

Inventory Your Belongings: Keep a list of your possessions and their estimated value. This could be a spreadsheet or a handy app designed for home inventory.

Replacement Costs vs. Actual Cash Value: Make sure you know if your policy offers actual cash value or replacement cost coverage. Actual cash value takes into consideration the depreciation of your goods meaning you could receive less than the amount you spent when you purchased the items.  Replacement costs coverage pays the amount you spent on the items at the time of purchase.

High-Value Items: If you have expensive items like jewelry or collectibles, consider getting valuable items insurance.  These items are typically not covered by standard personal property insurance.

Business Property: If you run a business from home, your business equipment may not be covered under standard personal property insurance. You may need to consider extra coverage for these items.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is a critical safety net that protects you financially if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally damage someone else’s property. This coverage helps with legal fees, medical expenses, and any settlements that may arise.

Liability coverage is essential for several reasons

Accidents Happen: Even the most cautious homeowners can face lawsuits due to unexpected events.

Protection Against Legal Fees: Legal expenses can add up quickly, and liability coverage can help cover those costs.

Sense of Security: Knowing you have this coverage allows you to enjoy your home without constant worry.

How Much Liability Coverage Do You Need?

Most home insurance policies offer liability coverage ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. Depending on your situation, you may want to consider higher limits. Here’s how to decide:

Your Assets: If you have significant assets, higher liability limits can help protect them.

Risk Factors: If you frequently host gatherings or have a pool, you may want to increase your coverage.

Umbrella Policies: For extra protection, consider an umbrella policy that provides additional liability coverage beyond your home insurance limits.

Additional Living Expenses Coverage

Additional living expenses (ALE) coverage, also known as loss of use coverage, helps cover the costs of living elsewhere while your home is being repaired or rebuilt after a covered loss. This includes hotel bills, restaurant meals, and other necessary expenses that go beyond your normal living costs.

Why is ALE Coverage Important?

ALE coverage is a lifesaver for several reasons:

Avoids Financial Strain: If your home becomes uninhabitable, this coverage helps you maintain a similar standard of living without breaking the bank.

Temporary Housing Solutions: ALE can cover costs associated with staying in a hotel or renting a place while your home is being fixed.

Essential Expenses: It can also help with essential expenses like transportation and laundry while you’re displaced.

How Much ALE Coverage Do You Need?

The amount of ALE coverage you need will depend on a few factors:

Duration of Repairs: Consider how long it might take to repair your home based on its size and the extent of the damage.

Local Cost of Living: The cost of living in your area can greatly affect how much ALE coverage is necessary.

Policy Limits: Review your insurance policy to understand the limits of ALE coverage, as some policies have specific timeframes or dollar amounts.

What’s Not Covered?

While ALE coverage is helpful, there are limitations:

Non-Covered Events: If your home is damaged due to an event not covered by your policy, ALE won’t apply.

Normal Living Expenses: ALE is intended for expenses that exceed your normal living costs, so regular bills like your mortgage typically won’t be covered.

Understanding home insurance coverage is vital for protecting your home and belongings. By getting familiar with dwelling coverage, personal property coverage, liability coverage, and additional living expenses coverage, you can make informed choices and ensure you have the right protection in place.

With this knowledge in hand, you can approach your home insurance policy with confidence, knowing you’re well-prepared for any unexpected challenges that might come your way. Protect your investment, safeguard your belongings, and enjoy the security that comes with comprehensive homeowners insurance coverage.

5 Ways to Save Money on Home Insurance

Home insurance is a critical component of protecting your most significant investment—your home. While it provides valuable coverage for unforeseen events, you may be looking for ways to reduce your home insurance premiums without compromising the protection it offers. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to save money on your home insurance. Here are five effective ways:

Shop Around and Compare Quotes

Just like any other purchase, it’s essential to shop around for home insurance. Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Different insurance companies offer varying rates and coverage options. By obtaining multiple quotes and comparing them, you can identify the most competitive and cost-effective policy for your needs.

Increase Your Deductible

One of the most straightforward ways to lower your home insurance premium is to increase your deductible—the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. A higher deductible means you’ll assume more financial responsibility in the event of a claim, but it can significantly reduce your annual premium. Ensure you have enough savings to cover the deductible comfortably.

Bundle Your Insurance Policies

Many insurance companies offer discounts when you bundle multiple policies, such as home and auto insurance, with them. Bundling can lead to significant savings, making it a cost-effective option for homeowners who need both types of coverage. It also simplifies the insurance process by having all your policies with one provider.

Improve Home Security

Enhancing your home’s security can not only provide peace of mind but also lead to lower insurance premiums. Installing security systems, deadbolt locks, smoke detectors, and a sprinkler system can reduce the risk of theft, fire, and water damage. Many insurers offer discounts for these safety measures, as they lower the likelihood of a claim.

Maintain a Good Credit Score

Your credit history can impact your home insurance rates. Insurance companies often use credit scores to assess risk. A higher credit score suggests financial responsibility, which can lead to lower premiums. Pay your bills on time, reduce outstanding debts, and monitor your credit report to ensure accuracy.

Remember that while these strategies can help you save money on your home insurance, it’s crucial to strike a balance between cost savings and adequate coverage. Cutting corners on coverage to lower your premium may leave you underinsured when you need it most. Consult with your insurance agent to find the right balance for your specific situation.

In conclusion, home insurance is a valuable investment in protecting your home and belongings. By implementing these five money-saving strategies, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with proper coverage while keeping your insurance costs manageable.

Saving on home insurance doesn’t mean sacrificing protection; it means making informed choices and leveraging discounts and strategies available to you. So, take the time to review your policy, explore cost-saving options, and ensure your home and finances are well-protected.

Happy Hurricane Season! Said no one ever.

According to the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), there are twelve to seventeen anticipated named storms during the 2023 Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1st through November 30th. Five to nine of those are expected to be hurricanes, with one to four being major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). Once a storm is named, insurance companies can and will suspend binding coverage as the storm approaches and will continue to suspend coverage following a storm hitting land.

The suspension of coverage can affect home buyers who don’t get coverage early. Without adequate home insurance, closing dates can be pushed back until companies end the suspension. Use these tips throughout storm season to prevent delays for you and your home buyers:

  1. Encourage buyers to purchase their coverage early. There is no reason to not start the insurance process as soon as possible. This is important any time of year with the current state of property insurance in Florida but especially during hurricane season.
  2. Connect the mortgage company and insurance agent early in the process. Most buyers rely heavily on whatever their mortgage company requires and what their insurance advisor recommends so making the connection between those two parts of the transaction early on is sure to help things run smoothly.
  3. If a storm is approaching and insurance is not in place, encourage your buyer to call an insurance advisor as soon as possible. The policy must be bound with an effective date to avoid being held up by the binding suspension. Just because they’ve received a quote, does not mean it can’t be suspended.

We can’t stress enough, more so than ever before with the state of our insurance and reinsurance markets, to start the process early. Please share this information with your clients and let us know if we can help in any way. Let’s all hope for an uneventful season but were here if you need us.