12/16/2024
Not sure it ever did, but an Apples to Apples insurance comparison no longer exists. It was never a great analogy with insurance, but there has never been a time in our 54 years of experience where insurance has differed as greatly as it does now. Especially true with property insurance - commercial or personal. If we use the fruit analogy, most comparisons are more accurately described as apples to oranges to bananas.
It is more important than ever to take the time to understand your coverage, especially when comparing a new quote to your existing plan. Pay special attention to deductibles and roof coverage. Many of those "great quotes" offer a high deductible home plan that only pays a portion of your roof damage. You will find companies vary greatly in these two areas. Does the reduced roof coverage start at year 1, year 5, year 10, or does it stay replacement cost? Know that percentage deductibles are based on the value of your home, not the size of the loss. As your home value increases, so does the size of the deductible.
There is nothing wrong with any of these options, but right now companies are all over the board on what they offer for coverage. Is the savings real, or is it simply a result of less coverage? If you make those same adjustments with your current company, is that rate now less?
Did you know that many of the well known online auto carriers don't necessarily offer their own home insurance? Your "bundle" may be with an online home carrier that is completely separate from your auto carrier. Same visit to quote both, but an entirely different experience when you need them for your home loss. Many of these online home companies offer modified contracts with costly restrictions. Will you save a few dollars now, only to potentially pay much more later?
Now, more than ever, you need to be an informed consumer when you are comparing coverage. You need to do your research. Double check that the offered savings is not due to reduced coverage. Make sure that the home and auto bundle isn't just a play on words. Having a quality auto policy with a no name home policy may not be in your best interest.
If in doubt, give us a call for a fair, informed review of your insurance.