re the rates from agents and insurance companies the same or different? 
Insurance Companies develop rates based upon historical risk research and a number of other factors . These rates for whatever product a company offers in a particular state muct be filed and approved by the state Insurance Department . Agents do not develop rates , but they apply needs based factors that ultimately result in the rate we pay for the insurance product we are purchasing . Rates can vary from company to company but not necessarily from agent to agent who is offering the same coverage from the same company . 