Great comments here.
The insurance market is definitely "harder" this year. It's been pretty soft for the past few years, and this is pretty much cyclical.
I just completed the insurance renewal at our company. The increases were very tough to stomach - so much so that the agent came back and told me he did not appreciate the "tone" of my emails to him. I had put statistical information in response to his proposal to substantiate my thoughts that due to our very low loss history, an increase was not in order.
We still had to accept a 62% increase in one area of coverage where we have had zero loss history since the inception of our company 12 years ago!
Experience tells me, when looking at the overall coverage that the quote was reasonable from the insurance company's perspective. I also know that the market will soften at some point and the rates will decrease. Experience also tells me that the relationship I have with my insurance agent warrants an understanding because I know that my agent has the best interests of my company in mind. I know that that agent is looking to get the best rates possible to retain my business. Know that CIS does the same.
Thanks,