[Buckeye Bob]

My homeowners insurance was up for renewal and the premium went up over 25%; I've had no claims. When I asked the agent why, I was given the standard response that the state had approved a rate increase.
I called the insurance commissioners office and learned that insurance companies can apply for a rate increase but don't have to say how much; they just have to justify they need a rate increase. After they get the approval, (which sounds like a rubber stamp to me) they are free to increase their rates by whatever they want-in my case over 25%.
When I shopped around, I found premiums higher for all the insurance companies; I certainly wouldn't want to suggest "price-fixing".