Home and auto insurance are two of the most important types of insurance that you can have. They protect you from financial loss in the event of an accident or damage to your property. However, finding the best offer on home and auto insurance can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you get the best deal on your coverage.
1. Combine Your Current Rates
The first step to getting the best offer on home and auto insurance is to shop around. Don’t just settle for the first quote you receive. Get quotes from multiple insurance companies and compare them to find the best deal. You can do this online or by contacting insurance agents directly. What combined figure are you currently paying for your home and auto? Have this number handy so you can rapidly compare bundle rates.
2. Calculate Your Projected Mileage
If you plan to drive your car fewer than 5,000 miles next year, it’s worth reiterating that you may save more money with pay-per-mile car insurance like Metromile than in a bundle. (Note: Metromile is auto-only and currently available in CA, IL, NJ, PA, VA, WA, AZ, and OR).
That being said, some traditional providers are beginning to offer super low-mileage discounts to stay competitive, so be sure to ask. If the lowest mileage you can input in an online quote calculator is “<15,000 miles,” call up an agent to see if your insurance rate would differ if you drove 5,000 versus 15,000 miles.
3. Price Shop
Insurance companies offer a variety of discounts that can help you save money on your premiums. For example, you may be eligible for a discount if you have a good driving record or if you install safety features in your home. Be sure to ask about available discounts when you’re shopping for insurance. Take your time shopping for quotes online. It may take a little extra effort, but collecting separate quotes for home/renters insurance, auto insurance, and a bundle from each provider will reveal the truly best deal for your insurance needs.
4. Start a Bidding War
Let’s say you’re currently paying $1,200 to Provider A for auto, and $1,300 to Provider B for
Let’s say you’re currently paying $1,200 to Provider A for auto, and $1,300 to Provider B for
home. Provider C quotes you $2,300 for identical coverage in a bundle. It’s totally fair to share Provider C’s quote with Insurers A and B. Let them know that you’d like to stay with them, and are hoping they can beat the lower rate (this may also remove you as a candidate for price optimization).
Insurance providers, like car dealers, are open to negotiation. Continue sharing the lowest offer until you discover where the price floors really are. While it may feel uncomfortable pitting providers against each other, all you’re really doing is giving them a fair opportunity to keep your business and saving big money in the process
5. Defend Yourself from Price Optimization
Keep your premiums low by challenging your provider every six months with a competitor’s offer, or by simply asking what new discounts are available. If they know that you’re an informed shopper, they’ll fight harder to keep your business.
If you’re willing to take on more risk, you can save money on your premiums by increasing your deductibles. This means that you’ll pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim, but your monthly premiums will be lower.
FAQs
What Is Bundling Insurance?
Bundling insurance is purchasing two or more types of insurance policies — like home, auto, or life insurance — from the same insurance provider. Providers usually incentivize this by making the premium for the insurance bundle cheaper than separate premiums would be.
Does Bundling Insurance Save Money?
Bundling insurance typically does save money. I’ve seen deals where you can save up to 25% by bundling home and auto insurance together, but you can conservatively expect around a 10% discount.
Can I Bundle Renters and Auto Insurance?
Yes, chances are that if an insurance provider offers a home + auto insurance bundle, they’ll also offer a renters + auto bundle as well.
Summary
Getting the best offer on home and auto insurance requires some research and effort on your part. By shopping around, bundling your policies, increasing your deductibles, asking about discounts, and considering your coverage needs, you can find the right insurance coverage at a price you can afford. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and work with an insurance agent to find the best deal for you.
It’s a tricky business, these home and auto bundles. When providers say you can save “up to X%” in a bundle, they’re not trying to hoodwink you into high hopes; they really don’t know how much you’ll save until the almighty algorithm delivers a number.
For that reason, bundles should be considered the third dimension of quote collection. If you need a home and auto insurance bundle quotes, grab them from a number of lenders to know what is truly the best deal for you.
Never assume that if you bundle home and auto insurance, you’ll be getting the best deal by default.