Switching auto insurance: How often is too often?

I recently switched auto insurance companies to get a better rate. Now, after one cycle (6 months), the company has increased my rate by 14%! I have had no accidents of any kind whatsoever, and have never filed a claim. Is this a normal rate increase, and should I threaten to leave this company if they don’t knock a few $ off of this recent augmentation?

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March 16th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Switching often makes no difference but when you switch, make sure you are switching to a reputable company. Many companies will throw you a good rate to get you hooked and then raise the h*** out of their rates when they have you. I like to stick with the large companies who have a local office and an agent who I can speak with face to face. Those large companies didn’t get large because they raise rates often and give poor service.
March 16th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Ask your agent what is going on. I live in Florida and there is no rhyme or reason to car rates here.
Sometimes I think they just pull a number out of their @ss and demand that.
If you use an independent agent, they will find the best rate for you and can tell you if everyone’s rates went up and why.
March 16th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
There’s no harm in contacting your current carrier and let them know you’re shopping around. They will only be able to see if there are any new discounts for your state because credit scores can only be run by each carrier once per year. Ask them for an explanation also. If you have any new violations/tickets that will cause an increase – not just claims. As long as you have continuous insurance, you won’t be penalized for changing carriers if you decide to. Get a few quotes online too for comparison. Hope this helps.