With the broader coverage, which typically costs more, independent agents in coastal counties reported pricing is 10 to 20 percent higher than last year.

At the same time, 40 percent of inland agents reported lower pricing and another 25 percent reported pricing unchanged from 2005.

“Given the continued predictions of larger and more frequent storms, along with the increased costs of reinsurance purchased by companies with which independent agencies place business, we are not surprised to see this sort of increase along the coast,” said Mr. Hempkins.

The survey also has found that agencies along the coast including Harris County reported greater difficulty placing business with standard insurance companies in 2006 compared to last year.

Nearly two-thirds report greater difficulty while in all other areas of the state, two-thirds of agencies report having an easier time placing such business.

Forty percent of agencies along the coast and more than 50 percent in Harris County answered “no” when asked if they had access to more standard insurance companies this year compared to last. Throughout the remainder of the state more than 50 percent answered “yes” to that question.

More than two-thirds of agencies surveyed reported premium rates lower than or unchanged from last year for personal auto, again with the exception of coastal regions. Agents responding also said they are able to place less auto business in non-standard insurance companies, where rates are often higher.

“The best way for consumers to take advantage of this competitive insurance market is to shop for the best coverage,” said Mr. Hempkins.

The IIAT calls itself the nation's largest state association of independent insurance agencies, representing nearly 1,800 agencies and more than 15,000 agents and insurance professionals. IIAT member agencies are represented in all but 24 of the state's 254 counties.