If reserves drop, the market is doing poorly, losses are generally high, they want more profits or an insurer thinks they are over represented in a market they will raise their rates. Very few people switch insurance any given year and that gets actuaried into the decision.

Figure right now inflation sucks. That means losses cost more to cover. Rates and deductibles will adjust to share the risk. If you haven’t seen rates increasing substantially before they simply have to catch up. Safeco might well have been holding out to try and gain market share, too.

Find yourself a local Independent Insurance Agent. They can shop your needs across many different companies with a single application. Most of the “branded” agents are working just with one company.

And remember that commissions are the same for everybody and the same carrier, so you’re buying on service. Find an agent who wants to understand your needs and is good on follow up. Mine has gone to bat for me a few times and rattled cages to get claims resolved faster and more in my favor.

Also, take a closer look at the Mutual insurance companies. They are technically owned by policy holders. They’re kind of like credit unions vs banks.

If reserves drop, the market is doing poorly, losses are generally high, they want more profits or an insurer thinks they are over represented in a market they will raise their rates. Very few people switch insurance any given year and that gets actuaried into the decision.

Find yourself a local Independent Insurance Agent. They can shop your needs across many different companies with a single application. Most of the “branded” agents are working just with one company.

And remember that commissions are the same for everybody and the same carrier, so you’re buying on service. Find an agent who wants to understand your needs and is good on follow up. Mine has gone to bat for me a few times and rattled cages to get claims resolved faster and more in my favor.

Also, take a closer look at the Mutual insurance companies. They are technically owned by policy holders. They’re kind of like credit unions vs banks.