Money Smarts Blog
Your Insurance Went Up? You’ve Got Options
Jan 20, 2026 || By Penny Ainslie, Insurance Renewal Specialist
If you’ve opened your insurance renewal lately and thought, “Wait… why did this go up?” you’re not alone. I have that conversation with members every day. And the good news is this: when it comes to insurance, you usually have more options than you think.
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that once you have an insurance policy, you’re stuck with it. You’re not. Especially when you work with an independent insurance agency like ours.
What “Independent” Really Means for You
At IHMVCU Insurance Services, we’re an independent agency. That means we’re not tied to just one insurance company. Instead, we work with multiple carriers, which gives us the flexibility to shop around on your behalf.
Think of it this way: instead of being handed one option and hoping it’s the best fit, we get to compare coverage, pricing, and features across several providers. Our job is to help you find coverage that makes sense for your life and your budget, not push a single company’s policy.
When Should You Call Us?
Honestly? Anytime your insurance doesn’t feel right anymore. But especially if:
- Your premium went up at renewal
- You haven’t reviewed your policy in a few years
- You’ve had a life change such as a new home, new car, growing family
- You’re not sure what your coverage actually includes
Rates change. Carriers change. And your life definitely changes. Shopping your policy doesn’t mean starting from scratch. It just means making sure you’re still getting the best value.
We Shop. You Decide.
When you call us, we’ll take the time to understand what you have now and what you need going forward. Then we’ll shop multiple carriers to see what’s available. Sometimes that means finding a better rate. Other times, it means improving coverage without a big jump in cost. Either way, you get clear options and straight answers.
And if your current policy truly is the best fit? We’ll tell you that, too.
A Real Conversation, Not a Sales Pitch
Because we’re part of IHMVCU, our approach is different. We’re here to help protect what matters to you, your home, your car, your family, not rush you into a decision. We’ll explain your options in plain language and make sure you feel confident in whatever you choose.
If your insurance has gone up or you’re just curious about what else is out there, give us a call. We’re happy to take a look and see if there’s a better fit waiting for you.
