[Villages Kahuna]

When we bought our home in The Villages in June, 2006 I shopped around for homeowner's insurance. None of the companies with which I had done business in the past would even consider writing a policy in Florida. I was directed to The Villages Insurance Agency. I was hesitant to use them as my agent, knowing that they were a "captive" agency. But at the time, they offered a policy with coverages/deductibles/premiums substantially better than any other quote I got for myself.

This year, when my policy renewed, I also experienced a premium increase. Mine wasn't anywhere near as dramatic as yours (a little less than half the percentage increase as you experienced), but enough to get my attention and get me thinking about "insurance shopping" again. I did shop, using the internet, and was able to identify at least two insurers who would issue policies with the same coverages as I currently have at a premium only slightly more than I paid last year, but not as high as the renewal rate offered by my current insurer.

I then called The Villages Insurance Agency to give them "last look". They spent several hours negotiating in my behalf. The bottom line is that they were able to get a policy renewal with the same insurer that I have now, including increased coverage for the birdcage attached to our home, for only about $100 more than the premium I paid last year. I couldn't be happier with The Villages Insurance Agency.

By the way, my house is insured for substantially more than yours with $500 deductibles for hurricane and other losses, and my 2007-08 premium is about $300 less than you were quoted. It might be time for some insurance shopping.