Definitely shop around, but getting people you can work with when you really need them is worth money. I prefer a company where you have an agent you work with as a personal representative of the company.
I started with State Farm because I inherited a policy with a accident free discount. I chose my agent because his office was around the corner from where I lived at the time. In the subsequent 8 years, I have moved 3 times, bought 3 cars, bought a house and I have never had to do more that stop in and and he takes care of everything while we talk. My sister had a policy with him several years back, and he still asks me how she is doing. My claims were handled flawlessly. My agent adds value to my insurance coverage. You should demand a company and an agent that is good enough to refer to others.
I have never beat their prices either in any quotes I have requested online, though I would gladly pay more for the service I have. With discounts, I am just under $100 a month.
Price is FAR from everything.
