Bundling

How Home and Auto Insurance Bundling Works in Ontario

Short answer

Bundling means placing your home and auto policies with the same insurer, which applies a multi-line discount to one or both policies. In Ontario the discount is filed by each insurer and typically ranges across a modest percentage of premium. Bundling also simplifies renewals and claims involving both policies, but it is not automatically the lowest total cost.

Written by BrokerUnion Insurance Editorial Team · Reviewed by Muqit Aziz, Principal Broker, BrokerUnion Insurance Inc. (RIBO licensed) · Last reviewed

Key takeaways

  • The discount is applied by the insurer, not by the broker, and each insurer files its own multi-line credit.
  • Bundling compares on total cost of both policies, never on the discount percentage alone.
  • Split placements can still win when one insurer is unusually competitive on a specific home or vehicle.
  • Bundling helps when a single event, such as a hail storm or a garage fire, touches both policies.
  • Policies rarely renew on the same date at first; insurers can align dates over time.

How the discount is actually applied

Insurers file a multi-line or multi-product credit as part of their approved rating rules. When both policies are active with the same company, the credit appears on the property policy, the auto policy, or both. Because the credit is filed, a broker cannot increase it, only place you with the insurer whose filed combination is most favourable.

When bundling is usually worth it

  • You own the home and at least one vehicle, with no unusual risk on either
  • You want one renewal conversation instead of two
  • A claim could realistically involve both policies, such as theft from a vehicle at your home
  • The same insurer is competitive on both lines, not just one

When splitting can be better

  • An older home, a rural water exposure or a past property claim narrows property options
  • A driver with recent convictions or a high-theft vehicle narrows auto options
  • A specialty property such as a rental, seasonal or heritage home
  • One insurer is significantly cheaper on one line even after losing the bundle credit

Bundled vs split placement

Bundled vs split placement
ConsiderationBundled with one insurerSplit across two insurers
Total premiumOften lower thanks to a multi-line creditCan be lower where one line is hard to place
AdministrationOne insurer, one renewal conversationTwo renewals to track
Claim touching both policiesOne insurer, one adjuster relationshipTwo claims, two adjusters
Flexibility to move one policyMoving one may lose the credit on the otherEach policy moves independently
Risk concentrationOne insurer's decisions affect both policiesSpread across two insurers

What to consider

  • Ask for the bundled total and the best split total, then compare the two numbers.
  • If you later move one policy, confirm what happens to the discount on the remaining policy.
  • Discount amounts, eligibility and availability vary by insurer.

Authoritative sources

Where this information comes from

This page is educational and general in nature. Coverage, eligibility and pricing vary by insurer and by policy. The policy wording governs in all cases.

How BrokerUnion helps

  • Your broker quotes the bundle and the best split placement, then shows you both totals.
  • Renewal dates can be aligned over time so both policies are reviewed together.
  • If one line becomes hard to place, alternative markets are available without losing the other policy.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much do you save bundling home and auto in Ontario?

The credit is set by each insurer's filed rating rules and varies, so the only reliable answer is the difference between your bundled total and your best split total. Ask for both.

Can I bundle if my policies renew on different dates?

Yes. Insurers can write the second policy immediately and align renewal dates later, or issue a short-term policy to synchronise them.

Can I bundle a tenant or condo policy with auto?

Generally yes. Most Ontario insurers apply multi-line credits to tenant and condo unit owner policies as well as homeowner policies.

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