How often should I review my bundle?
Annual reviews are recommended to ensure your home and auto bundle reflects life changes, new risks, and potential savings, especially in Colorado and Utah's dynamic insurance markets.
Your trusted Colorado and Utah insurance partner, providing peace of mind through expert guidance.
Complete Guide to Reviewing Your Home + Auto Bundle
Why This Question Matters for Colorado and Utah Residents
Insurance isn't a one-and-done decision—especially in Colorado and Utah, where weather, regulations, and the cost of living are always shifting. Reviewing your home and auto bundle regularly is essential because:
- Rising Regional Risks: Colorado leads the nation in hail claims, and Utah faces harsh winter storm losses. New risks and changing deductible structures appear in policies year to year.
- Significant Financial Impact: The average CO/UT resident saves 11–26%, or about $600 annually, by bundling. Regular check-ins ensure you’re still maximizing discounts and getting fair terms.
- Compliance & Coverage Gaps: Regulatory changes (like Colorado's C.R.S. § 10-4-110.5) and shifts toward percentage-based deductibles mean your coverage can change without notice. Reviews help you avoid nasty surprises—like a $3,500 hail deductible or an ACV-only roof claim when you expect replacement cost.
What Most People Get Wrong
Many homeowners assume their bundle will automatically keep pace with their life. In reality, set-and-forget coverage often leads to out-of-date policies that don’t match current assets or exposures—especially after home improvements or adding vehicles/drivers.
Another misconception: people think new discounts or coverage options will be automatically applied. In truth, these often require a direct conversation or review with your agent, especially as insurers adjust to market consolidation and claims trends in the region.
The Complete Picture
Reviewing your insurance bundle annually (or after major life changes) is the smartest move you can make. This isn’t just about saving money—though that matters. It’s about making sure your coverage matches the real value of your home and auto, keeps up with shifting hail or wildfire risks, and leverages every available discount. In Colorado, for example, a surge in population and record losses have led to stricter deductibles and changing roof claim rules—many policies now pay out based on depreciated value (ACV), not full replacement. A simple review can prevent a denied claim or unexpected large out-of-pocket cost. Stay proactive, stay protected.
Making the Right Decision for Colorado and Utah Residents
Question 1: Have there been any major life or property changes this year?
Think about the past 12 months—did you remodel your home, buy a new vehicle, add a young driver, change jobs, or start working remotely more often? If so:
- Update your agent on any renovations, new valuables, or car purchases.
- Report changes to household drivers or commuting patterns.
Question 2: Are your deductibles and coverage limits still right for your needs?
Check your policy for hail/wind percentage-based deductibles common in CO, or specific snowstorm risks in UT. Example: If your $350,000 home in Larimer County now carries a 1% wind/hail deductible, you’d pay $3,500 before coverage kicks in. Make sure limits and deductible types fit your current financial situation.
Question 3: Am I missing out on new discounts or better options?
Insurers in both states frequently update multi-policy, safe driver, and smart-home incentives. A quick review ensures you’re not leaving money or coverage enhancements on the table—especially as market leaders like State Farm or USAA adjust programs in response to record claims and regulatory shifts.
Trusted by Your Neighbors
Local knowledge, industry-leading protection
4.9/5 Stars
Google Reviews from real customers
97% Retention Rate
Fort Collins families and businesses protected
Independent
We work for you, not insurance companies
Local
Fort Collins owned & operated since 1992
Real World Examples
Lisa's Fort Collins Tech Upgrade
Background: Lisa moved to a Fort Collins neighborhood, started working from home, and invested $6,000 in a home office. Her last review was two years ago.
Coverage: $350,000 home with a $1,500 deductible (wind/hail: 1%), $35,000 SUV with $500 comp/collision deductible, $100,000 personal property, liability $300,000. Monthly premium: $265/month ($3,180/year).
Monthly Premium: $265/month ($3,180/year)
The Incident: A June hailstorm damaged her roof and broke windows in her home office. At the same time, her SUV suffered $4,100 in damage while parked outside.
Total Claim Cost: $15,000 (roof/windows: $10,900; auto: $4,100)
Lisa's Cost: $2,000 (combined $1,500 wind/hail deductible, $500 auto deductible—her bundle included a single deductible feature)
"I didn’t realize my home office wasn’t fully covered until my agent reviewed my policy. The annual review made all the difference when hail hit—one call took care of both claims, and the savings really added up!"
Michael Adds a Teen Driver in Salt Lake City
Background: Michael’s son Ethan earned his license at 16. Their family hadn’t reviewed their bundle in four years.
Coverage: $425,000 home near Sugar House, $40,000 family minivan, $13,000 liability per accident with $750 deductible, annual premium $305/month ($3,660/year).
Monthly Premium: $305/month ($3,660/year)
The Incident: Within months, Ethan was in a minor accident on I-15. The repair cost was $3,500, and the family was unaware that not updating their policy with the new driver could result in the claim denial or surcharges.
Total Claim Cost: $3,500 (vehicle repairs)
Michael's Cost: $1,000 (policy’s $750 deductible, plus a $250 surcharge due to late notification of a new driver)
"After the incident, our FoCoIns advisor walked us through a full review. We added Ethan officially to our policy, unlocked a teen driver discount, and actually lowered our future rate—all because we learned the value of proactive, annual check-ins!"
Susan's Remodel in Boulder Pays Off
Background: Susan renovated her Boulder home with a $100,000 kitchen upgrade and didn’t notify her insurance agent.
Coverage: Original dwelling coverage was set for $475,000, not reflecting the remodel; $60,000 SUV with $500 collision deductible. Monthly premium: $320/month ($3,840/year).
Monthly Premium: $320/month ($3,840/year)
The Incident: Six months later, a small fire damaged the new kitchen. The original claim exceeded the home’s coverage limits by $33,000 because the remodel hadn't been added to the policy—her review uncovered this before a second, larger claim occurred.
Total Claim Cost: $58,000 (kitchen and smoke damage repairs)
Susan's Cost: $1,500 (fire deductible—but nearly lost $33,000, which her updated coverage secured after the review)
"If I hadn't scheduled an annual review, I could’ve been out tens of thousands! My advisor not only fixed my limits, but also found a loyalty discount. Everything was covered when it mattered most."
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Mistake #1: Not Adjusting Coverage After Major Life or Home Changes
What People Do: Homeowners add valuable assets (like renovations, home offices, or new drivers) but forget to update bundle coverage.
Why It Seems Logical: It’s easy to assume your policy updates automatically with your lifestyle, especially if you’re paying premiums on autopilot.
The Real Cost: Unreported upgrades (like a $50,000 remodel or new drivers) can leave you thousands short on claims or facing denied payouts. In Colorado, 42% of new residents underestimate hail deductibles; in Utah, unlisted drivers can mean surcharges or denied claims.
Smart Alternative: Schedule an annual review (or every time you make a big change) with FoCoIns. Our advisors make sure every new asset and risk is fully protected, and all discounts are applied—no unpleasant surprises!
Mistake #2: Focusing Only On Premium, Not Deductible or Coverage Changes
What People Do: Choosing a bundle based solely on the lowest quoted premium, without checking for percentage-based wind/hail deductibles or actual cash value roof limitations.
Why It Seems Logical: The perceived savings at sign-up can seem like the best deal, especially as regional rates rise.
The Real Cost: Many CO/UT policies now carry a 1–2% wind/hail deductible—$3,500+ out of pocket on a $350,000 home—and actual cash value roof payouts that may be half of replacement cost. These can wipe out years of savings from bundling if not reviewed annually.
Smart Alternative: During your review, request a detailed explanation of all deductibles and coverage limits. FoCoIns will clarify these, compare replacement cost versus ACV, and help you find policies that fit your budget and risk profile.
Mistake #3: Assuming Discounts and Features Are Automatic or Forever
What People Do: Believing that bundled discounts, new claim-forgiveness programs, or single deductible features will always apply—without annual confirmation.
Why It Seems Logical: Marketing suggests bundles always deliver optimal savings and protections, no matter what.
The Real Cost: Insurer programs and state regulations change often. Insurers may update eligibility, remove claim options, or adjust bundle rules—sometimes without advance notice. You might be missing out on new discounts or lose valuable features if you don’t review and ask.
Smart Alternative: Ask FoCoIns for an annual, proactive review. We’ll scan for new programs, regulatory changes, loyalty benefits, or bundled service updates—so you maximize both protection and value, every year.
FAQs On The Same Topic
Find answers to your most pressing insurance questions right here.