Can I have different renewal dates for bundled policies?

Complete Guide to Bundled Policy Renewal Dates

Why This Question Matters for Colorado and Utah Residents

Understanding how renewal dates work for bundled home and auto policies is especially important in Colorado and Utah, where weather risks, market consolidation, and regulatory changes have shifted how carriers manage discounts and renewals. Knowing your renewal schedule helps you maximize savings and avoid lapses or surprise costs.

• Simplifies Management: One renewal date means fewer deadlines to track—critical for busy households facing major hail, wildfire, or seasonal claim spikes.
• Protects Discounts: In Colorado and Utah, 95% of bundled policyholders keep their discounts by maintaining aligned renewal dates.
• Prevents Coverage Gaps: Carriers may drop bundle discounts or coverage if policies are de-synced, especially during periods of frequent claim activity (like spring hail season).

What Most People Get Wrong

Many believe they can easily stagger renewal dates, thinking it offers more flexibility or can spread payments out. But in practice, most carriers require home and auto bundle policies to share a single renewal date to keep administrative processes smooth and to ensure eligibility for bundle discounts.

Another misconception: “If I change providers partway through the policy year, it won’t affect my bundle.” In reality, changing one policy mid-year often forces realignment of both policies, or you could lose the discount until the next renewal cycle.

The Complete Picture

Most Colorado and Utah insurers synchronize home and auto policy renewals in a bundle. This process streamlines billing, claims, and eligibility for your 11–26% average bundle discount. Technically, some smaller or independent carriers may permit different dates, but this often comes with exclusions, loss of discounts, or more manual work for you as the policyholder. Insurers prefer synchronization because it reduces administrative costs and ensures you don’t accidentally let a policy lapse—crucial in high-risk zones where carriers are reducing exposure after major weather events.

In our region, shifting renewal dates might also impact how percentage-based deductibles are applied for seasonal weather claims. If your home renews outside hail season but auto renews just before, you could face different deductible resets, complicating claims management. Most experts—including FoCoIns—recommend asking your agent to align renewal dates during your initial bundle or at your next review to optimize both savings and peace of mind.

Making the Right Decision for Colorado and Utah Residents

Question 1: Will differing renewal dates impact my eligibility for discounts or bundled coverage?

Key Considerations:

• Most carriers require one renewal date to process your bundle discount. If dates are misaligned, you could lose up to 26% in annual savings.
• Changing only one policy, such as switching auto providers mid-cycle, might force you to wait until both policies align or to temporarily pay higher separate rates.

Question 2: How does local risk—like Colorado hail or Utah wildfires—factor into my renewal strategy?

In high-risk seasons, like Colorado’s May–July hailstorm period or Utah’s wildfire season, renewal misalignment can result in deductible resets or loss of weather-related endorsements. Bundling renewals ensures all your protections are updated and coordinated before risk season peaks.

Question 3: Am I prepared for life changes between renewal dates?

Plan ahead if you anticipate moving, adding a new teen driver, or renovating your home. These events often require mid-term endorsements or coverage changes, and misaligned renewals can delay or complicate these updates. In Colorado and Utah, an annual review tied to your renewal is the best time to assess all life changes and adjust coverage efficiently.