Category: Homeowners Insurance

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One of the simplest and most effective ways to save on insurance in Naples is to bundle your home and auto policies with the same carrier. Multi-policy bundling is offered by virtually every major insurance company, and the discounts can be significant. But bundling isn’t always the best move, and knowing when it works in your favor versus when separate policies save more is the key to maximizing your savings.

At Bassine Insurance Agency, we compare bundled and unbundled options for Naples clients so the final recommendation is based on total coverage and total premium, not only the advertised discount. Here’s how bundling works and when it makes sense.

How Multi-Policy Bundling Works

When you bundle your home insurance and auto insurance with the same carrier, the company applies a multi-policy discount to both policies. This discount exists because you’re a more profitable customer for the insurer: you’re paying two premiums instead of one, and bundled customers tend to stay longer.

• Most carriers offer a 5% to 15% discount on each policy when you bundle home and auto.
• Some carriers offer up to 20% to 25% when you add additional policies like umbrella, boat, or life insurance.
• Bundling simplifies your insurance with one bill, one renewal date, and one agent handling everything.
• Some carriers also make account service simpler for multi-policy customers, with one agent helping coordinate policy questions and renewal details.

The discount is applied automatically at quote time. Your agent simply runs both policies through the same carrier and the bundled price reflects the savings.

How Much Can Naples Homeowners Save by Bundling?

The dollar savings depend on your current premiums and which carrier you bundle with. Here’s a realistic example for a Naples homeowner.

• Home insurance premium: $4,500 per year. With a 10% bundle discount, that drops to $4,050, saving $450.
• Auto insurance premium: $2,500 per year. With a 10% bundle discount, that drops to $2,250, saving $250.
• Combined annual savings: $700. Over five years, that’s $3,500 back in your pocket.

For Naples homeowners with higher premiums, the savings can be even larger. And if you add additional policies to the bundle, each one typically earns an additional discount.

When Bundling Might Not Be the Best Option

While bundling saves most people money, there are situations where separate policies from different carriers actually cost less.

• If one carrier is significantly cheaper for home insurance but expensive for auto, or vice versa, the bundle discount may not offset the price difference.
• If you have a complex risk profile, like a high-value waterfront home but a clean driving record, specialized carriers for each policy type might offer better rates.
• If your current carrier has raised your rates significantly and you’re shopping around, you might find better standalone prices elsewhere.

That’s why we always compare both bundled and unbundled options. We run quotes through multiple carriers for both your home and auto and calculate the total cost each way. Sometimes the bundle wins, and sometimes separate policies save more.

What Other Policies Can You Bundle?

Home and auto are the most common bundle, but many carriers extend discounts to additional policy types.

• Umbrella insurance adds a layer of liability protection above your home and auto policies. Bundling it with your home and auto is standard practice.
• Boat or watercraft insurance from the same carrier can earn an additional multi-policy credit.
• Life insurance bundled with your home and auto can qualify for a small additional discount.
• Rental property or landlord insurance for Naples homeowners who own investment properties.

Each additional policy you add to the bundle can increase your overall discount. For Naples homeowners with multiple vehicles, a boat, and an investment property, the combined savings from bundling everything can be substantial.

How to Get the Best Bundle Rate

To get the best possible bundled rate for your Naples home and auto insurance, follow these steps.

• Work with an independent agent who can compare quotes from multiple carriers. We’re not tied to one company, so we can find the best combination for your situation.
• Review your coverage levels before bundling. There’s no point in saving on premium if your coverage is too low to protect you properly.
• Ask about additional discounts that stack with the bundle. Wind mitigation, claims-free, security system, and paperless billing discounts can all compound with your multi-policy savings.
• Review your bundle annually. The best carrier for your bundle can change from year to year as companies adjust their pricing.

For more information, you may find these resources helpful: Insurance Information Institute homeowners data and FEMA flood insurance information.

What to Review Before You Choose the Bundle

A bundle quote should still be checked policy by policy. Look at the home deductible, hurricane or wind deductible, auto liability limits, uninsured motorist coverage, replacement cost details, and any endorsements that affect a Naples property. A lower combined premium is helpful only when the coverage still matches the household’s real exposure.

It is also worth comparing service details. Some carriers make billing and renewal timing simpler when policies are together, while others may be stronger for one line of coverage than another. An independent agency can line up the bundled option beside separate home and auto policies so the decision is based on total annual cost, coverage quality, and carrier fit.

For homeowners who have recently moved, renovated, added a vehicle, changed drivers, bought a boat, or updated a roof, the bundle conversation should happen after those details are current. That gives the quote a cleaner starting point and reduces the chance of comparing numbers that do not reflect the home or household accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all insurance companies offer bundle discounts?

Most major carriers offer multi-policy discounts, but the percentage and eligibility rules vary. Some carriers are more aggressive with bundle pricing than others. We compare options to find the biggest discount.

Can I bundle with different policies from different carriers?

No, bundle discounts require both policies to be with the same carrier. However, we may find that separate carriers with no bundle discount still cost less overall than a bundled quote from a single carrier.

Will I lose my bundle discount if I cancel one policy?

Yes. If you cancel one of the policies in your bundle, the remaining policy will revert to its non-bundled rate. It’s important to factor this in if you’re considering switching just one of your policies.

Bundling your insurance in Naples can be a practical way to reduce total premium when the coverage still fits your home, vehicles, and household risks. At Bassine Insurance Agency, we make sure you’re getting the best bundle rate available. Call us at (239) 995-0333 or request a free quote to see how much you can save.

Hurricane season starts June 1 and runs through November 30, and for Lehigh Acres homeowners, preparing early can make the difference between a stressful recovery and a manageable one. While most people focus on physical preparations like shutters and supplies, reviewing your homeowners insurance should be at the top of your hurricane preparation checklist.

At Bassine Insurance Agency, we help Lehigh Acres families review their coverage before storm season begins. Here’s what you need to check and why it matters.

Review Your Hurricane Deductible

Florida homeowners policies have a separate hurricane deductible that’s typically much higher than your regular deductible. Understanding this number before a storm hits is critical because it determines how much you’ll pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in.

• Hurricane deductibles are usually set as a percentage of your dwelling coverage, commonly 2%, 5%, or 10%.
• On a home insured for $300,000, a 2% hurricane deductible means you’d pay the first $6,000 of any hurricane damage claim. A 5% deductible means $15,000 out of pocket.
• Lowering your hurricane deductible increases your premium but reduces your out-of-pocket exposure after a storm.

Many Lehigh Acres homeowners chose higher hurricane deductibles to save on premiums without fully understanding the financial impact. We recommend reviewing this number now so you’re not surprised after a claim.

Check Your Dwelling Coverage Amount

Your dwelling coverage should match the current cost to rebuild your home, not what you paid for it or what it would sell for today. Construction costs have risen significantly in recent years, and many homeowners insurance policies haven’t kept pace.

• If your dwelling coverage is too low, you could face a coverage shortfall after a major hurricane that partially or fully destroys your home.
• Factor in the cost of materials, labor, permits, and code upgrades that may be required when rebuilding in Lee County.
• Ask your agent to run a replacement cost estimate to confirm your coverage is adequate.

Rebuilding costs after a hurricane are often higher than normal because demand for contractors, materials, and labor spikes across the region. Making sure your coverage accounts for that is essential.

Understand What Your Policy Does and Does Not Cover

A standard homeowners policy covers wind damage from hurricanes, but there are important exclusions that catch many Lehigh Acres homeowners off guard.

• Flood damage is not covered. Rising water from storm surge, heavy rain, or overflowing waterways requires a separate flood insurance policy.
• Mold damage may be limited or excluded after water intrusion from a hurricane.
• Landscaping and exterior features may have limited coverage under your policy.
• Your policy may not cover water damage from rain entering through a roof damaged by wind unless the wind damage is documented first.

Knowing these exclusions ahead of time helps you plan for additional coverage like flood insurance and gives you realistic expectations about what your policy will and won’t pay.

Get a Wind Mitigation Inspection

If you haven’t had a wind mitigation inspection, scheduling one before hurricane season is a smart move. Beyond the premium savings it provides, the inspection also gives you a clear picture of how well your Lehigh Acres home is prepared to handle high winds.

• The inspector checks your roof shape, roof-to-wall connections, opening protection, and secondary water resistance.
• If your home has weaknesses, you’ll know about them before a storm and can make improvements.
• The report qualifies you for wind mitigation discounts that can significantly reduce your premium.

Document Your Home and Belongings

Before hurricane season, take the time to document your home’s condition and your personal belongings. This makes the claims process faster and smoother if you need to file.

• Take photos and videos of every room, including closets, the garage, and outdoor structures.
• Keep receipts for major purchases like appliances, electronics, and furniture.
• Store your documentation in the cloud or with a trusted family member outside the area so it’s accessible even if your home is damaged.
• Keep a copy of your insurance policy and your agent’s contact information in a safe, accessible location.

For more information, you may find these resources helpful: Insurance Information Institute homeowners data and FEMA flood insurance information.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I review my homeowners insurance for hurricane season?

Review your policy by April or May each year. This gives you time to make changes, add coverage, or shop for better rates before hurricane season begins on June 1.

Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage in Lehigh Acres?

Yes, standard homeowners insurance covers wind damage from hurricanes. However, it does not cover flood damage, which requires a separate policy. Your policy has a separate hurricane deductible that’s typically higher than your standard deductible.

Should I get flood insurance in Lehigh Acres?

We recommend it. While Lehigh Acres isn’t directly on the coast, heavy rain and poor drainage can cause flooding during tropical storms and hurricanes. Flood insurance provides protection that your homeowners policy specifically excludes.

Don’t wait until a storm is in the forecast to check your insurance. At Bassine Insurance Agency, we help Lehigh Acres homeowners prepare for hurricane season with confidence. Call us at (239) 995-0333 or request a free policy review today.

Homeowners insurance in Naples can be expensive. Between hurricane risk, coastal proximity, and rising rebuilding costs, premiums in Collier County are among the highest in Florida. But many Naples homeowners are paying more than they need to because they’re missing out on discounts that could save them hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.

At Bassine Insurance Agency, we review every client’s policy to identify discounts they qualify for. Here are the most common savings opportunities that Naples homeowners overlook.

Wind Mitigation Discounts

A wind mitigation inspection is the single most effective way to lower your homeowners insurance premium in Naples. This inspection evaluates your home’s ability to withstand hurricane-force winds, and carriers offer significant discounts based on the results.

• Hip roof shape can earn a discount because hip roofs are more resistant to uplift than gable roofs.
• Roof-to-wall connections using hurricane clips or straps qualify for one of the largest wind mitigation credits available.
• Secondary water resistance, such as a sealed roof deck, provides substantial premium reductions.
• Impact-resistant windows, shutters, or opening protection earns additional discounts.
• Roof age and material matter. A newer roof built to the Florida Building Code typically qualifies for better rates.

A wind mitigation inspection costs around $75 to $150 and can save you 10% to 40% or more on your annual premium. For most Naples homes, this inspection pays for itself within the first few months.

Multi-Policy Bundling Discounts

One of the easiest ways to save on homeowners insurance is to bundle it with your auto insurance through the same carrier. Most companies offer a multi-policy discount of 5% to 15% when you combine your home and auto policies.

• Some carriers extend the bundling discount to other policies like umbrella, boat, or life insurance.
• Bundling also simplifies your insurance management with a single billing date and one agent handling all your coverage.
• Not all carriers offer the best price on both home and auto, so we compare bundled quotes against separate policies to make sure bundling actually saves you money.

Security and Safety Device Discounts

Installing safety and security devices in your Naples home can earn you additional premium discounts. Carriers recognize that these devices reduce the likelihood of claims, and they pass that savings on to you.

• Monitored burglar alarm systems can earn discounts of 2% to 10% depending on the carrier.
• Smoke detectors and fire alarms that are hardwired or monitored qualify for fire protection credits.
• Water leak detection systems and automatic shutoff valves help prevent water damage claims and earn additional discounts.
• Deadbolt locks on exterior doors may also qualify for a small reduction.

If you’ve installed any of these devices, make sure your agent knows about them. Many homeowners have devices installed but never informed their insurance company, which means they’re missing savings they’ve already earned.

Claims-Free and Loyalty Discounts

Maintaining a clean claims history works in your favor. Many carriers offer discounts for homeowners who haven’t filed claims within a certain timeframe.

• Claims-free discounts of 5% to 20% are common for homeowners with no claims in the past three to five years.
• Some carriers offer loyalty discounts for staying with the same company for multiple years.
• New home purchase discounts may apply if you’ve recently bought your Naples property.

If you’ve been with the same carrier for years without filing a claim, ask about loyalty credits. And if your carrier doesn’t reward your clean history, it may be time to shop around.

Age of Home and Construction Discounts

Newer homes built to current Florida Building Code standards typically qualify for lower premiums. If your Naples home was built or substantially renovated recently, you may be eligible for construction-related discounts.

• Homes built after 2002 are often eligible for newer construction credits because they were built to stricter wind and flood standards.
• Concrete block construction with a concrete tile or metal roof earns better rates than wood frame with asphalt shingles.
• Homes with a four-point inspection showing updated electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and roofing systems may qualify for additional credits.

For more information, you may find these resources helpful: Insurance Information Institute homeowners data and FEMA flood insurance information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I save with a wind mitigation inspection in Naples?

Savings vary by carrier and your home’s specific features, but discounts of 10% to 40% of your annual premium are common. On a $5,000 policy, that could be $500 to $2,000 per year in savings for a one-time inspection cost of $75 to $150.

Does bundling always save money on homeowners insurance?

Usually, but not always. If one carrier is significantly cheaper for auto but expensive for home, separate policies might save more overall. We compare both approaches to find the best combination for each client.

What discounts am I missing on my current policy?

The best way to find out is to schedule a policy review with our team. We compare your current coverage against available discounts and alternative carriers to identify savings. Many Naples homeowners find savings they didn’t know existed.

Stop overpaying for homeowners insurance in Naples. Call Bassine Insurance Agency at (239) 995-0333 or request a free policy review to discover the discounts you’ve been missing.