i've been calling around & getting online quotes from major insurance carriers, and it seems like for every company the online instant quotes are always higher than local sales offices. why is this?

 

Usually the online instant quotes don't run your credit score, while about 50% of agents do. Most of the time allowing an agent to run your credit score will result in a lower premium. I'll clarify this; it's called an "insurance score" and it is based off of your credit. However, running this "insurance score" does not affect your credit rating like running a credit report would. In addition agents make commision; they are going to do whatever possible to earn your business.