Something is rotten in Denmark, methinks...

[bodine]

I had a local insurance agent for years, who got out of the business a couple of years ago because he wasn't making enough money. His book, and our policies, were transferred to a big agency in Irving. Our policies renew in September, and the last two years our car rates have gone up despite the fact that my two kids are growing older, no claims, and no moving violations.

My daughter is now on her own; she doesn't need our insurance. I asked for a quote to remove her from our policy. My son turned 25, which I thought was the magic age. I am reducing coverage on two vehicles, as well.

The savings? $20 a month.

I have contacted a local independent agent to see if they can do better.

[Sangersteve]

The best move we ever made was The Hartford, with the AARP discount. I know AARP is not popular, but the discount was outstanding.

Car rates dropped dramatically, so we checked with them through a local independent about home owners. Wow, doubled the coverage and cut the rate.

[GFB]

Car insurance, homeowner’s insurance and earthquake insurance..all with AAA.

It’s worked out well.

[John in Plano]

I've used an independent agent for about 20 years. I changed after being sold to a new agent and they processed a claim against me then my son that wasn't ours with in 3 months.
I shop every year with them and others.

[RedEye]

I went through Costco this time and was really pleased, saved quite a nice sum.

[bodine]

Agent actually shopped the rate; going to be saving $2,000 a year....

[glenn/dallas]

Besides having teenagers on your policy which jacks up your premium, dont forget the other factors. What coverage have you picked, 500k or 100k ? Which limit you choose matters. Also do you have a low deductable, say $500, or a high one of $2500 or so.How about uninsured motorist protection, this is a must here in Texas. There are other factors also like your insureds driving records, ie number on moving violations, accidents or DWI's. Dont forget too, if you live in a big city, population wise or in a rural farming community with a very low population, this makes the premium high or lower. Lastly, do you wrire a check in full every renewal preiod of do you pay in monthly installments which always has a surcharge for this option.

Remember what you learned in a economics class way back when....insurance IS a necessary evil you hope never having to use. (or something like that)

[bodine]

I dropped my 22 year old daughter from policy entirely; my son turned 25, and lowered coverage on two cars; and Safeco increased my premium 80 a month.
Explanation, Safeco is raising rates in Texas. Well, Safeco is also losing customers in Texas.

[jellowrestling]

Agent actually shopped the rate; going to be saving $2,000 a year....

Nice!