Florida homeowners pay some of the highest property insurance rates in the country, and auto insurance here is not far behind. Bundling the two policies with the same carrier is one of the simplest ways to bring those costs down, but it works a little differently in Florida than it does in the rest of the country. Here's what South Florida residents should know before bundling.
What Bundling Actually Means
Bundling, also called a multi policy discount, is when you place two or more policies (typically auto and home) with the same insurance carrier and receive a discount on each. Most major carriers offer it. The savings are real, but the size of the discount varies widely depending on your carrier, your home's risk profile, and your driving record.
How Much Can You Save?
Nationally, bundle discounts average between 15 and 25 percent across both policies. In Florida, the picture is more nuanced. Because home insurance premiums in coastal counties like Broward are so much higher than the national average, even a modest percentage discount can translate into real money. We routinely see Hollywood families save between $400 and $1,200 a year by bundling correctly.
What Makes Florida Bundling Different
Flood Insurance Is Always Separate
Your home policy does not cover flood damage, no matter who you bundle with. In South Florida, flood insurance is sold separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood carrier. A good bundle still leaves you needing a third policy for flood, and your agent should help you coordinate all three.
The Hurricane Deductible Affects Your Math
Florida home policies carry a separate hurricane deductible, usually 2 to 5 percent of your dwelling coverage. Bundling does not reduce that deductible. When comparing bundle quotes, make sure you understand what your out of pocket cost would be in an actual storm, not just your monthly premium.
Wind Mitigation Discounts Stack
If your home has hurricane shutters, impact windows, a newer roof, or strong roof to wall connections, you qualify for wind mitigation credits that reduce your home premium significantly. These stack on top of bundle discounts. If you have not had a wind mitigation inspection in the last five years, getting one before you bundle can dramatically increase your savings.
Your Roof Age Matters More Than Your Driving Record
In most states, the auto side of a bundle drives the discount. In Florida, the home side often does. If your roof is over 15 years old, some carriers will not write the home policy at all, which means no bundle is possible until the roof is replaced. This is a Florida specific reality that catches many newcomers off guard.
Carriers That Bundle Well in Florida
Not every national carrier has a strong Florida appetite, and some of the best bundle deals come from regional and specialty carriers most homeowners have not heard of. Carriers we frequently place bundles with include Progressive, Hartford, Bristol West, and Bankers, along with several Florida domestic insurers that consistently offer competitive home rates when paired with auto.
When Bundling Does Not Make Sense
Bundling is not always the cheapest option. Here are the situations where unbundling beats bundling:
- Your home is on a barrier island or in a high risk flood zone where most national carriers will not write at all, forcing your home into a specialty market.
- You have a teenage driver or a recent at fault accident that makes auto premiums much higher with one carrier than another.
- Your home requires a Citizens Property Insurance policy (the state insurer of last resort), since Citizens does not write auto.
- You qualify for an affinity discount through your employer, military service, or alumni association that beats the bundle savings.
How to Compare Bundles the Right Way
Online quote tools rarely surface the best bundle for a Florida homeowner because they only show you one carrier at a time. The smarter approach is to work with an independent agent who can quote your home and auto across multiple carriers simultaneously and show you the real total cost of each option, including the hurricane deductible, flood premium, and any wind mitigation credits.
At Marker Insurance, we have been bundling Florida homes and autos since 2003 and we have access to over 100 carriers. Call us at (954) 456-7505 or request a quote online and we will show you exactly how much bundling could save your household.
