How to Save Big on Home and Auto Insurance in Florida
TLDR (Key Takeaways for Florida Homeowners)
Discover insurance money saving tips that actually work in Central Florida.
Learn how Florida home insurance discounts like wind mitigation can save you hundreds.
Understand how to lower insurance premiums with smarter deductibles and upgrades.
Find out how to get affordable home insurance without cutting essential coverage.
Work with a local insurance agent who will guide you through options with expert care.
Stop searching “best home insurance agent near me”: Melanie Garcia at Comparion Insurance has you covered.
If you’ve noticed your home or auto insurance premiums rising in Florida, you’re definitely not imagining things. Between hurricane risks, inflation in construction costs, and fewer insurance carriers willing to take on policies, Florida has earned its reputation as one of the most expensive states for both homeowners and drivers. Central Florida families especially are feeling the pinch.
But here’s the good news: there are real, practical ways to save money on your policies without sacrificing the coverage that keeps you safe. As a local insurance agent here in Orlando, I’ve seen how a few smart choices can make a world of difference for homeowners and drivers. Let’s walk through some of the best insurance money saving tips that work right here in Florida.
Part 1: Saving on Home Insurance in Central Florida
Get a Wind Mitigation Inspection
In Florida, hurricanes are an expectation. Because of that, insurers reward homeowners who take steps to protect their properties. A wind mitigation inspection looks for features like hurricane clips, hip-shaped roofs, and impact-rated windows.
For example, I once worked with a Winter Park homeowner who discovered her roof-to-wall connections already met modern safety codes. With just a quick inspection report, she saved nearly $800 a year on her Florida home insurance premiums. That’s the power of knowing what to ask for.
Not sure where to start? A local inspector can quickly let you know if your home qualifies for these savings.
Update or Replace Your Roof
If your roof is more than 15 years old, many carriers may refuse to insure it altogether. Others will only provide limited coverage. That’s why roof upgrades are one of the smartest long-term insurance money saving tips.
When you do replace your roof, consider impact-resistant shingles and reinforced underlayment. These aren’t just buzzwords; they’re proven features that reduce storm damage. Once the roof work is complete, schedule another wind mitigation inspection so your savings are locked in.
Adjust Your Deductibles Carefully
Raising your deductible can feel intimidating, but if you have an emergency fund set aside, it can be one of the easiest ways to reduce your monthly bill. In Florida, homeowners can adjust their “All Other Perils” deductible or their separate hurricane deductible.
For example, increasing a hurricane deductible from 2% to 5% might lower your premiums significantly. The key is balance: never raise your deductible beyond what you could realistically pay if a storm caused damage.
Install a Security or Fire System
Did you know your smart home alarm system can save you money? Many insurance carriers offer discounts for centrally monitored burglar alarms, fire detection systems, and even modern smart devices that send alerts to your phone.
These systems give you peace of mind and also show insurers that you’re proactively reducing risk, which means lower premiums. It’s a win-win.
Part 2: Saving on Auto Insurance in Florida
Enroll in a Telematics Program
One of the best-kept secrets in the world of auto insurance is telematics. These are usage-based programs that track your driving habits through an app or device. Safe drivers who avoid hard braking, late-night trips, or distracted driving can see significant discounts.
A young family in Orlando I worked with cut nearly 20% off their premium in the first year just by signing up for their carrier’s program. They changed how they drove and let the program confirm their safe habits.
Take Advantage of Discounts You Already Qualify For
From good student discounts for teenagers to safe driving histories for adults, auto policies often come with hidden opportunities. Some of the most common include: multi-vehicle policies, paying premiums in full, or even completing a defensive driving course if you’re 55+.
The trick is asking. Many drivers never think to ask their local insurance agent to review their eligibility. A quick policy check could unlock savings you didn’t even know existed.
Review Your Coverage Needs
If your car is older and its market value is low, you might not need comprehensive and collision coverage anymore. This is a classic example of how to lower insurance premiums without leaving yourself exposed.
On the flip side, I always caution Florida drivers not to skimp on liability or uninsured motorist coverage. Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the nation, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Protecting yourself is worth a few extra dollars.
Maintain a Clean Driving Record
It sounds simple, but traffic violations, DUIs, and at-fault accidents can follow you for years — sometimes up to five. Safe, consistent driving is one of the best long-term strategies for affordable coverage. It also sets you up for discounts like safe driver programs, which many carriers offer.
Improve Your Credit Score
Here’s something not everyone realizes: in Florida, your insurance-based credit score can affect both your auto and home insurance rates. Paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances low, and avoiding too many new accounts can improve your score and your premiums.
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation confirms that this is a legal and common practice across the state. The better your credit, the more likely you are to unlock affordable coverage.
Review Your Policy Every Year
Life changes quickly and so should your policies. From paying off your car loan to simply driving fewer miles each year, small updates can qualify you for big discounts. Don’t wait for your renewal notice to take action. Schedule an annual review with your agent, and ask if your carrier can “re-rate” your policy to reflect your new situation.
Final Thoughts: Be Proactive, Not Pricey
Florida’s insurance market is challenging, but it’s not hopeless. By being proactive and strategic, you can protect your family, your home, and your car without overpaying. The key is working with a local insurance agent who takes the time to explain your options and identify the coverage that fits your life.
You don’t need to spend hours Googling “best home insurance agent near me.” You just need an advocate who knows how to get affordable home insurance while keeping you covered where it matters most.
That’s where I come in. I’m here to help you navigate your options with clarity and compassion.
Work with Melanie Garcia
Ready to explore your options?
Contact Melanie Garcia, independent insurance agent with Comparion Insurance Agency, through the Business Power Partners Members Page.
Together, we’ll find the right home and auto insurance for your needs so you never have to worry about coverage.
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