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.

Spring Road Trip Prep: 5 Ways to Make Sure Your Auto Policy is Ready!

Spring is finally here! The flowers are blooming, the air is getting warmer, and the open road is calling your name. Before you load up the car with snacks and your favorite playlist, there’s one crucial step many people forget: making sure your auto insurance policy is road-trip ready.

A smooth trip requires more than just a full tank of gas—it requires security. Here are five ways to review and adjust your auto policy to ensure you’re fully covered, no matter where your spring adventure takes you.

Confirm Your Coverage Area and Limits

The first step is the most fundamental. Where are you going, and is your current policy valid there?

  • Geographic Scope: Most standard U.S. policies cover you across all 50 states and, in some cases, Canada. However, if you are venturing into Mexico, you will almost certainly need to purchase a separate, temporary Mexican auto insurance policy, as U.S. policies are rarely accepted there.

Liability Limits: Road trips often mean driving longer distances in unfamiliar areas. This is a good time to review your liability limits. If your current limits are low (e.g., state minimums), consider temporarily or permanently increasing them. A serious accident far from home could result in significant costs, and higher limits offer a better layer of protection for your assets.

Pro-Tip: A quick call to your insurance agent can confirm your geographic coverage and help you understand the cost-benefit of raising your limits.

Check Your Roadside Assistance

Nothing derails a road trip faster than a flat tire or a dead battery in the middle of nowhere. While you might have roadside assistance through an auto club (like AAA), you may already be paying for this coverage through your auto insurance policy.

  • Dual Coverage Check: Review your policy to see if it includes towing, tire changes, fuel delivery, or lockout service. If you have overlapping coverage (e.g., an auto club and your insurance), you might be wasting money.

Service Distance: If your insurance includes roadside assistance, check the maximum towing distance. A short limit (e.g., 10 miles) might not get you to a repair shop in a rural area.

Review Comprehensive and Collision Deductibles

While liability protects others, Comprehensive and Collision coverage protects your vehicle. On a long road trip, your risk of a collision (especially with unfamiliar traffic or road conditions) or a comprehensive claim (like hail damage, hitting a deer, or theft in an unfamiliar city) can increase.

  • Deductible vs. Premium: Consider whether a slightly lower deductible (meaning you pay less out of pocket if you file a claim) is worth a small increase in your premium for the months you’ll be traveling heavily.

Total Loss Value: Ensure your vehicle’s stated value is accurate, especially if you have a newer car. You want to know you’ll be properly compensated if a total loss occurs hundreds of miles from home.

Understand Rental Car Coverage

What happens if your car breaks down beyond repair during your trip and you need to rent a vehicle to get home or finish your vacation?

  • Rental Reimbursement: This is an optional coverage that pays for the cost of a rental car while your insured vehicle is being repaired after a covered accident. Check if you have this on your policy and what the daily limit is (e.g.,$30 or $50 a day).

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): When renting a car, the rental agency will push you to buy their expensive CDW. If you have Collision and Comprehensive coverage on your personal auto policy, it generally extends to the rental car. However, review your policy documents or call your agent to be 100% sure, as coverage can sometimes be limited to domestic travel.

Ensure Your Contact Info is Current

Imagine having an accident and needing to file a claim, only to realize your insurer is trying to reach you using an outdated phone number or email address.

  • Personal Information: Double-check that your address, phone number, and preferred communication method are up to date.
  • Proof of Insurance: Make sure you have the most current physical proof of insurance card in your glove compartment, along with a digital copy saved on your phone. Some states are very strict about requiring immediate proof.

By taking an hour to review these five points, you can swap potential stress for absolute confidence. Your auto policy is your safety net, and confirming its strength is the last—and most important—step before you hit the highway!

ADA Website Compliance: What Florida Business Owners Need to Know

As insurance advisors, we want to make you aware of an emerging legal trend that’s affecting businesses across the state of Florida: lawsuits alleging that business websites fail to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Over the past year, Florida businesses—particularly in North Florida—have been hit with a wave of federal lawsuits claiming their websites aren’t accessible to individuals with visual impairments. These lawsuits often cite technical issues like:

  • Images lacking proper descriptive text for screen readers
  • Improper tab navigation order
  • Phone numbers listed as plain text rather than clickable links
  • Links that open new tabs without announcing the transition
  • Missing descriptive labels on form elements

What’s particularly concerning is that businesses are being sued without warning or the opportunity to fix their website. Many business owners discover they have a problem only once they’re served with a lawsuit.

Most business owners assume their General Liability or Business Owner’s Policy will cover these lawsuits. Unfortunately, standard commercial insurance policies do NOT typically provide coverage for ADA website compliance claims.

Some EPLI policies provide coverage for “Third Party” discrimination claims, which can include disability discrimination under the ADA. However, there are important limitations:

What EPLI May Cover:

  • Legal defense costs (often the most significant expense)
  • Settlement amounts or judgments for monetary damages

What EPLI Typically Does NOT Cover:

  • Costs to actually fix your website accommodations and make it ADA compliant
  • Injunctive relief expenses
  • Punitive damages (which are generally uninsurable under Florida law)

Important Considerations:

  • EPLI policies often have higher deductibles/retentions (commonly $15,000-$25,000)
  • Defense costs may erode your policy limits rather than being provided in addition to limits
  • Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions
  • Some claims may be settled for less than your deductible, meaning you’d pay out of pocket anyway

So what now? Some practical steps to protect your business are:

1. Make Your Website ADA Compliant NOW

2. Review Your Insurance Coverage

3. Document Your Compliance Efforts

4. Don’t Ignore the Issue

Not always will a plugin fix ADA compliance issues. There’s a chance your site will need to be rebuilt if ADA requirements weren’t considered from the start. One tool you can try is this scan: https://adascan.dev to get a better idea of where your site is currently.

If you have questions about your coverage or want to discuss your specific situation, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re committed to helping you protect your business and navigate these complex insurance issues.

Cyber Insurance: A Necessity for Small Businesses

In today’s digital-first world, cyber threats are not just a concern for large corporations—they’re a growing risk for small businesses too. As technology becomes more integral to daily operations, the potential for cyberattacks increases. For small businesses, a single cyber incident can be financially devastating. This is why cyber insurance is no longer optional; it’s a crucial part of a risk management strategy.

The Rising Cyber Threat Landscape

Small businesses are increasingly in the crosshairs of cybercriminals. According to a 2024 report by the U.S. Small Business Administration, 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses. These attacks range from phishing scams and ransomware to data breaches and system hacks.

Unlike large enterprises, small businesses often lack the dedicated IT staff or cybersecurity budgets to effectively fend off attacks. This vulnerability makes them appealing targets. And when an attack does occur, the consequences can include:

  • Loss of customer trust
  • Legal liabilities
  • Regulatory fines
  • Business interruption
  • High recovery costs

What is Cyber Insurance?

Cyber insurance, also known as cyber liability insurance, is designed to help businesses mitigate financial losses that result from cyber incidents. This includes both first-party and third-party coverage.

First-Party Coverage

This type of coverage helps your business recover from the immediate impact of a cyberattack. It can include:

  • Data breach response (notification costs, credit monitoring for affected customers)
  • Business interruption coverage
  • Data recovery and restoration
  • Cyber extortion and ransomware payments
  • Crisis management and public relations support

Third-Party Coverage

This covers legal and regulatory liabilities resulting from a cyber incident. It can include:

  • Legal defense costs
  • Settlements or judgments
  • Regulatory fines and penalties
  • Liability for data privacy violations

Why Small Businesses Need Cyber Insurance

Many small business owners operate under the misconception that cyber insurance is only for large corporations. However, the reality is quite the opposite. Small businesses are often more susceptible due to limited resources and awareness.

Financial Protection

The cost of recovering from a cyberattack can be staggering. A 2023 study by IBM found that the average cost of a data breach for small businesses was $2.98 million. Cyber insurance can absorb a significant portion of those expenses, making recovery possible without bankrupting the business.

Risk Transfer

Cyber insurance shifts the financial burden of a cyber incident from the business to the insurer. This allows business owners to focus on restoring operations rather than scrambling for resources to cover costs.

Compliance Requirements

More industries and jurisdictions are implementing regulations requiring data protection and privacy measures. Cyber insurance can help ensure compliance and provide support if your business is audited or fined.

Customer Trust and Reputation Management

A data breach can erode customer trust. Having cyber insurance not only aids in recovery but also demonstrates a commitment to data protection. This can be critical in maintaining your reputation and customer base.

Real-World Scenarios

To understand the true value of cyber insurance, consider the following examples:

Example 1: Ransomware Attack on a Retailer

A small retail business experiences a ransomware attack that locks them out of their POS systems and inventory software. Hackers demand $50,000 in cryptocurrency. The business has cyber insurance, which covers the ransom payment, system recovery, and three weeks of lost income during downtime.

Example 2: Phishing Scam at a Law Office

An employee at a small law firm clicks on a malicious email link, giving hackers access to client files. Sensitive information is leaked, and the firm faces legal action from several clients. Their cyber policy covers legal fees, settlements, and PR efforts to restore trust.

What Does a Cyber Insurance Policy Cover?

Every policy is different, but typical cyber insurance coverage may include:

  • Data breach response: Costs related to customer notification, identity theft protection, and crisis communication.
  • Cyber extortion: Coverage for ransomware demands, negotiation, and payments.
  • Business interruption: Compensation for lost revenue due to operational downtime.
  • Data loss and restoration: Costs of restoring lost or damaged data.
  • Legal and regulatory expenses: Coverage for defending lawsuits or regulatory penalties.
  • Network security liability: Protection against claims of negligence in preventing unauthorized access or transmission of malware.

What Isn’t Covered?

It’s important to understand that cyber insurance doesn’t cover everything. Common exclusions might include:

  • Prior known events or undisclosed vulnerabilities
  • Criminal acts by company insiders
  • Physical damage to computer hardware
  • Failure to maintain minimum security standards

Always review the fine print of your policy and discuss any concerns with your insurance provider.

Choosing the Right Cyber Insurance Policy

Selecting a cyber insurance policy that fits your business needs requires careful consideration. Here are a few tips:

Assess Your Risk

Start by conducting a risk assessment to understand your vulnerabilities. What kind of data do you collect? How is it stored and protected? What are the potential costs of a breach?

Work with an Experienced Agent

A knowledgeable insurance agent can help you navigate the complexities of cyber coverage. They can compare policies, explain exclusions, and help find a policy that aligns with your risk profile.

Look for Customizable Coverage

Your business is unique, and your insurance should be too. Look for policies that allow you to customize limits, deductibles, and coverage options based on your needs.

Evaluate Limits and Deductibles

Make sure the policy limits are sufficient to cover the types of incidents you might face. Also consider how high deductibles might impact your ability to access benefits.

The Role of Cybersecurity in Insurance Eligibility

Insurers are increasingly scrutinizing the cybersecurity practices of applicants. Businesses with poor security hygiene may be denied coverage or charged higher premiums. To improve your eligibility:

  • Install and maintain firewalls and antivirus software
  • Require strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication
  • Train employees in cybersecurity best practices
  • Back up data regularly and securely
  • Have an incident response plan in place

The Future of Cyber Insurance for Small Businesses

As cyber threats evolve, so will cyber insurance. Trends to watch include:

  • More granular underwriting: Insurers using AI and data analytics to assess risk more accurately
  • Bundled policies: Cyber insurance increasingly bundled with general liability or professional liability coverage
  • Greater regulatory involvement: Potential federal regulations requiring certain businesses to carry cyber coverage
  • Focus on prevention: Policies that offer resources for cybersecurity training and risk mitigation tools

Small businesses face many risks, but cyber threats are among the most serious and fastest-growing. The financial, legal, and reputational damage from a cyberattack can be catastrophic. Cyber insurance offers a safety net, helping businesses recover quickly and efficiently.

By investing in cyber coverage and maintaining strong cybersecurity practices, small businesses can protect their data, reputation, and future. If you haven’t explored cyber insurance yet, now is the time. The cost of being unprotected far outweighs the investment in proactive defense.

Speak with us today to learn how a cyber policy can help address your business’s unique needs and vulnerabilities.

Does Your Business Need Flood Insurance?

 Natural disasters can be devastating to businesses. While damage caused by some types of natural events—such as lightning or wind—will usually be covered by commercial property insurance, you need a special policy if you want protection from flood damage.

What is the definition of a flood?

A simple definition of a flood is an accumulation of water on normally dry land. The NFIP has a technical definition of a flood, which is as follows: A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is your property) from any of the following:

  • Overflow of inland or tidal waters
  • Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source
  • Mudflow, which is defined as “A river of liquid and flowing mud on the surfaces of normally dry land areas, as when earth is carried by a current of water. Other earth movements such as landslide, slope failure, or a saturated soil mass moving by liquidity down a slope, are not mudflows.”
  • Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined above

What are the common causes of flooding?

Floods can have a variety of causes, and floods can occur even in areas that don’t typically flood. Some of the common causes of flood include:

  • Storm surges after hurricanes
  • Heavy rain causing flash-flooding
  • Overflowing rivers or streams
  • Broken dams or levees
  • Mudslides due to heavy rain on hills or mountainsides
  • Fast melting snow, which can cause floods when the ground is frozen and unable to absorb water
  • Blocked storm drains, which may cause a flood even with moderate rainfall
  • New urban development which changes natural runoff patterns and reduces the ability of the land to drain properly

Does My Commercial Property Insurance Include Coverage for Flooding?

No. Damage from flooding, including flooding generated by hurricane-generated storm surge, typically is not covered under a standard commercial policy, including a Commercial Package Policy (CPP) or a Business Owners Policy (BOP)

Is Flood Insurance REQUIRED for my business?

Flood Insurance is not a requirement. However, if you own a business inside or outside of the high-risk flood area, you own a building or lease an office, you should consider purchasing flood insurance for the protection and peace of mind it brings. Many business owners, particularly those in high-risk flood areas, may be required to have flood insurance. If you have a mortgage from a federally regulated or insured lender you may be required to obtain flood coverage.

Whether your business is located in an area of common flooding or not, commercial flood insurance is worth exploring. Contact our agents at (352) 371-7977 or contact us so we can help you get started.

Sources:

https://www.iii.org/article/does-my-business-need-flood-insurance

https://disb.dc.gov/page/business-commercial-flood-insurance-coverage-faqs