My auto insurance is set to renew the beginning of March, so I logged on their web site to see how much the premium would (inevitably) increase. Much to my surprise, it had gone up 13% from last year. No tickets, no accidents, no change in credit score, yet a substantial increase over last year.

So I called to ask why the major hike? Needless to say, no one can tell me why or how. Not the parent company, not the agent.

Gee, I'd like to give myself a COLA of 13% JUST BECAUSE! Keep in mind, my health insurance only increased 7% this year (a serendipitous surprise).

Last year, I added $10,000 worth of medical payments insurance, since I had yet to qualify for health insurance at my new job. I've decided to drop this, saving $202 off the premium. Yet when I log on to see the adjusted premium amount, it has only dropped $141. Again, no one can answer why.

I am hoping this will be resolved before the bill is mailed out, otherwise I will get hit with the $4 service charge for the privilege of paying my bill.

Still, my agent assures me he has many customers that would love to have a rate as low as mine. I told him I'm not comparing myself to them. I'm comparing myself to myself-last-year!

Does a 13% increase seem high to you?