thought i could share some advice with you guys as far as insurance companies, in general, work. i have to deal with both the commercial ins on our companies' fleet as well as my private vehicle ins. regardless of the size or name of the company, the relationship with the agent is most important [no i dont sell ins] when you go to a cut rate company, you lose the personal aspects of settling a claim. insurance companies and their underwriters are playing a speculation game with your money. they hope that you will never have a wreck, house fire, etc. if that's the case they make money on your account. when something happens that causes them to have to "cash out", business wise, of course they are going to try to cut their losses. that is where the agent steps in. to the company, you are a number, to your agent, you should be a face and a name. these new ins cos are capitalizing on high and medium risk drivers [as well as good drivers that think they are saving a few bucks] by taking a real agent out of the equation. we pay more for our insurance, but the balance is we know that he will make sure that nothing like you guys are discussing happens. its like the stock market, stick with ibm and forget enron. hope this helps.