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When you’re shopping for insurance, combining your home and auto policies under one roof can save you money and simplify your life. But before you commit, you need an accurate home and auto insurance quote to compare options. Bundling isn’t always the best deal if you don’t shop around, so knowing how to get and evaluate quotes is key.
Why Bundle Home and Auto Insurance?
Insurance companies love loyal customers who purchase multiple policies. In return, they offer a multi-policy discount that typically ranges from 5% to 25% off each policy’s premium. That’s the main financial incentive, but there are other perks too.
Cost Savings
Let’s say your current auto insurance costs $1,200 per year and your homeowners is $1,000. Separately, you’d pay $2,200. With a 15% bundle discount, you’d save $330 annually. Over five years, that’s over $1,500 back in your pocket. Those savings can offset higher premiums from one insurer compared to another, which is why you still need to compare standalone quotes as well.
Simplified Management
One bill, one renewal date, one customer service number. Bundling reduces paperwork and administrative hassle. If you need to file a claim, the same company handles both your home and auto claims, which can streamline the process. But convenience shouldn’t come at the cost of coverage—always verify that the bundled policy meets your specific needs.
How to Get a Home and Auto Insurance Quote
Getting a bundled quote is straightforward, but the accuracy depends on the information you provide. Here’s how to do it right.
Gather Your Information
For your home, you’ll need the property address, year built, square footage, construction type, roofing material, and estimated replacement cost. For your auto, you’ll need driver’s licenses, vehicle VINs, annual mileage, and current coverage limits. If you have a recent claim history, have those details handy—insurers will ask for them.
Use Online Comparison Tools
Many insurers offer instant online quotes. You can visit a national carrier like Geico or a direct auto insurance company—just understand the difference. If you’re curious about what that means, check out our article on what a direct auto insurance company is and whether you should buy from one. Online tools let you get multiple quotes in minutes, but be aware that some may require a phone call to finalize bundled pricing.
Work with an Independent Agent
An independent agent can shop your information across multiple carriers to find the best bundled rate. This saves you time and often uncovers discounts you might not find on your own. It’s a good option if your situation is complex—like having a less-than-perfect driving record or an older home.
For a step-by-step walkthrough of the quote process, read our guide on how to get a direct auto insurance quote—the same principles apply to bundled quotes.
What Factors Affect Your Home and Auto Insurance Rates?
Insurers use a variety of factors to calculate your premium. Understanding these can help you improve your quotes before you even apply.
For Home Insurance
- Location: Proximity to a fire station, crime rates, and weather risk (hurricanes, floods) all matter.
- Age and condition of the home: Older homes with outdated wiring or plumbing cost more to insure.
- Coverage limits and deductible: Higher limits mean higher premiums; a higher deductible lowers your rate.
- Claims history: Even one claim can raise your premium for years.
For Auto Insurance
- Driving record: Accidents, speeding tickets, and DUIs increase rates significantly.
- Vehicle type: Sports cars cost more to insure than sedans; safety ratings help.
- Annual mileage: The more you drive, the higher the risk.
- Credit score: In most states, a good credit score leads to lower rates.
When you’re comparing bundled quotes, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. The same coverage limits and deductibles should be used across all quotes. For example, if you’re looking at a Geico car insurance quote, note the coverage details so you can match them with another insurer’s bundled offer. See real numbers in our Geico car insurance quote article.
Tips for Lowering Your Combined Premium
Even after you get a bundled quote, you might be able to lower it further. Here are practical steps to take.
- Increase your deductibles. Raising your home deductible from $500 to $1,000 and your auto deductible from $500 to $1,000 can cut your premium by 10-15%.
- Improve home security. Install burglar alarms, deadbolts, and smoke detectors. Many insurers give discounts for these.
- Add safety features to your car. Anti-lock brakes, airbags, and anti-theft devices can earn discounts.
- Maintain good credit. A high credit score can lower both home and auto rates.
- Ask about loyalty and multi-policy discounts. Some insurers offer additional discounts for being a long-term customer.
For more strategies, read our guide on how to find affordable automobile insurance without sacrificing coverage—many tips apply to homeowners insurance too.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Bundling Policies
Bundling can be a smart move, but it’s not without pitfalls. Avoid these common errors.
Not Comparing Quotes from Multiple Insurers
Don’t assume your current insurer offers the best bundle. Get at least three quotes from different companies—including both traditional carriers and direct auto insurers. The fastest way to compare rates is to use a comparison tool. Check out our page on direct auto quote: the fastest way to compare car insurance rates for a reliable approach.
Choosing the Cheapest Option Without Checking Coverage
Low premiums often mean lower coverage limits or higher deductibles. Make sure the policy has enough liability protection to cover your assets. Also check for exclusions—some bundled policies have restrictions on how claims are handled.
Ignoring Customer Service and Claims Satisfaction
Even the best premium won’t matter if you have a terrible claims experience. Research each company’s reputation. Read reviews, check financial strength ratings (A.M. Best, J.D. Power), and ask friends about their experiences. A company that handles claims promptly and fairly is worth a slightly higher price.
Review Your Coverage Annually
Insurance needs change. You might add a teen driver, renovate your home, or pay off your mortgage. Each of these events can affect your home and auto insurance quote. Set a calendar reminder to review your policies once a year. Get fresh quotes from at least two other insurers, even if you plan to stay with your current one. Often, simply asking for a loyalty discount can lower your rate without switching. By staying proactive, you ensure you’re always paying a fair price for the protection you need.
