Insurance costs have been steadily rising in the U.S., leaving many consumers frustrated and seeking explanations from their agents. However, insurance agents are not responsible for these increases, which are influenced by a mix of factors such as the growing frequency of natural disasters, rising litigation costs, and economic inflation. The complexity of these issues means that blaming agents overlooks the broader, systemic issues affecting the insurance market. Consumers can mitigate their premiums by working with independent agents, increasing deductibles, bundling policies, and taking advantage of available discounts.