Name:   GoneFishin - Subject:   Gulf coast insurance companies Date:   8/14/2016 7:19:12 PM

With lower gas prices, people are driving more and therefore more claims. Rates are rising no matter how well you drive As to past history, having insurance for years with a carrier does not really help your renewal rate. Auto and homeowners is just a one year conract. You pay an annual premium for one year of coverage and rates can increase next year and you are free to leave next year.

I carry a $1,000 deductible on my auto and homeowner policies. Submitting claims with a smaller deductible just raises your rates on renewal. If you don't plan to submit a small claim, raise your deductible and save the money toward a future claim.

Another suggestion, depending on the state if you get a speeding ticket check about taking an online course which for me avoided points on my license a few years ago. You pay the ticket and tell them you plan on taking the course. Once you submit evidence you passed, they will not assign points.