Does everyone experience higher rates every year, and what % is normal? How often do you shop around for better rates, if at all?
We've been flat for over a decade with USAA. Part of that is dropping our collision & comprehensive insurance and just carrying liability plus UM/UIM. Another part of that is being retirees at the same address for over 15 years and driving less than 3000 miles/year on a 600-mile-square island.
This year our six-month premium went up 4%-- a huge increase by comparison to the rest of this century.
That's for two drivers and two cars, from a total of $421.69 to $439.08. Oddly enough, most of the boost was for our 12-year-old Prius that we drive less than 1000 miles per year. Our 11-year-old Prius only went up by a few bucks.
A couple weeks ago I spoke with a USAA exec about rising insurance rates. Everything's going up nationwide across the industry this year because gas is cheap (more cars sold, more crowded roads, more miles driven) and distracted driving accident rates are rising. In addition, vehicles are now more expensive than ever to repair yet are much more damaged during collisions (crumple zones, breakaway parts). I hope to do an interview with him next month and get more statistics & details.
I've also heard good things about USAA -- do you have to be a Military Veteran to get their Insurance ??
"All who served honorably, and their families."
If you're in the military (or a veteran with an honorable or general discharge) then you're eligible for membership and vehicle insurance with a Subscriber's Savings Account (an additional rebate on your insurance premium). If you're the child or immediate family member of a USAA member then you can become a USAA member too, but perhaps without a SSA.
https://www.usaa.com/inet/wc/why_choose_usaa_main
If your parents were in the military but they're not currently members of USAA, then they have to sign up for USAA membership (as vets) before you can be eligible for the family affiliation membership.
Everyone (not just military) can sign up for USAA's investments (brokerage account, mutual funds) and life insurance.