How does your insurance bill compare?

Find out how your insurance premiums compare on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Web site, NAIC.org. The NAIC assists state insurance regulators, whose "primary responsibility is to protect the interests of insurance consumers," the site says.

To find out if what you are paying is high, low or average, first select your home state from this NAIC map.

When you get to your state's insurance regulation page, look for something along the lines of a 'premium comparison survey.' Many states have some kind of rate survey that provides information to consumers.

For Californians, you can find the survey here.

Personal finance guru Laura Rowley, who told me about this nifty info on NAIC, suggests that after you study your state's survey of rates, go back to your agent and ask if you are getting all the discounts you are eligible for.

There are all sorts of discounts available, including if your teenager has good grades, if you are a AAA member, if your home has appreciated significantly since you bought it, or if a minor driver on the policy lives more than 100 miles away. Some companies will give you a discount if you have a good credit score.

"You want to make sure your broker is shopping for your strengths," Laura said. Call yearly and ask your broker to find discounts for you. A 30-minute call may save you hundreds!