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If you own a home and a car, you’ve probably noticed that insurance costs keep creeping up. The good news? Shopping for home and car insurance quotes together can unlock serious savings. In fact, bundling your policies typically saves 10% to 25% on premiums. But getting the right quotes isn’t just about filling out forms—it’s about knowing what to ask, where to look, and which mistakes to dodge.
The Benefits of Bundling Home and Auto Insurance Quotes
When you buy separate policies from different companies, you’re leaving money on the table. Most insurers offer a multi-policy discount if you combine your home and car insurance under one roof. That’s not the only perk:
- Single deductible: If a storm damages your car and home at the same time, many bundled policies let you pay just one deductible.
- Simplified billing: One payment, one renewal date, one agent to call.
- Higher loyalty discounts: Insurers reward long-term, bundled customers with better rates over time.
For a deeper look at how bundling works and how to maximize your savings, check out our guide to Bundle and Save: How to Get the Best Home and Auto Insurance Quote.
How to Get Accurate Home and Car Insurance Quotes
Accuracy is key. A quote that’s off by even a small detail can lead to surprises at binding time. Follow these steps to get reliable numbers.
What Information Do You Need?
Prepare this data before you start:
- For your car: VIN, current mileage, driving history (accidents, tickets, claims in the past 5 years), annual miles driven, and who else drives the car.
- For your home: Square footage, year built, construction type (frame, brick, etc.), roof material and age, proximity to fire station, and security features (deadbolts, alarm system, smart locks).
- For both: Your credit score (in most states, it affects rates significantly), current insurance expiration dates, and any existing policy details.
Having this info handy ensures you get apples-to-apples comparisons.
Comparing Quotes: Direct vs. Independent Agents
You have two main routes for gathering quotes. Direct insurance companies (like Geico or Progressive) let you get a direct auto quote online or over the phone. Independent agents shop multiple carriers at once. Which is better?
Direct quotes are fast—you can get five in 15 minutes. But they only show you that company’s rates. Independent agents, on the other hand, can compare policies from dozens of insurers, including smaller regional ones that may offer better coverage for your specific situation. For example, a direct underwriter might not bundle your home as flexibly as an agent who works with multiple carriers.
To understand the differences, read What Is a Direct Auto Insurance Company and Should You Buy from One?. And if you want to go the direct route efficiently, our guide on How to Get a Direct Auto Insurance Quote: Save Time and Money Today walks you through the process step by step.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping for Quotes
Even experienced buyers stumble here. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Not checking coverage limits: Minimum liability might be cheap, but if you cause a serious accident, it won’t cover the costs. Aim for at least 100/300/100 bodily injury and property damage.
- Forgetting to ask about discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for paperless billing, safe driving apps, or being a member of certain organizations. Always ask “What discounts apply?”
- Only checking major carriers: Smaller regional insurers often have competitive rates for bundles. Don’t assume the big names are cheapest.
- Letting your credit slide: In most states, a lower credit score can increase your home and auto premiums by 30% or more. Pay bills on time and keep credit utilization low.
Tips to Lower Your Home and Auto Insurance Premiums
Once you have your quotes, you can still tweak things to drop the price. Here are proven strategies:
Raise Your Deductibles
Increasing your car insurance deductible from $500 to $1,000 typically cuts your premium by 10%–20%. For home insurance, moving from $1,000 to $2,500 saves about 12% on average. Just make sure you have that extra money set aside in case you need to file a claim.
Improve Home Safety
Installing a monitored alarm system can earn you a 5%–10% discount on homeowners insurance. Adding smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and impact-resistant roofing also helps.
Drive Less
If you work from home or use public transit, many insurers offer low-mileage discounts. Dropping your annual miles from 15,000 to 7,500 can save up to 15% on car insurance.
Don’t Overlook Credit-Based Insurance Scores
Your credit history plays a huge role in both home and auto rates. Paying down credit cards and correcting errors on your credit report can lead to significantly lower quotes. For more money-saving tactics, explore How to Find Affordable Automobile Insurance Without Sacrificing Coverage—the same principles apply to homeowners policies.
When to Shop Around Again
Insurance rates change, and so does your life. Set a reminder to re-quote your home and car insurance every 12 to 18 months, or after major events like moving, adding a teen driver, renovating your home, or paying off a car lease. Even a single speeding ticket can shift your rates, and new carriers may offer better deals. Many drivers save $200 to $500 a year simply by switching—so invest an hour online and see what the market offers.
