I have the same problem with insurance brokers in the UK. I have tried using a broker a couple of times instead of going direct. The same thing happened both times:

- first year, got a good quote from the broker (but then only a few pounds better than my renewal from previous insurer)
- renewal notice comes through in the second year, 10-15% higher than the year before
- I get pissed and contact a few insurers direct, get a better quote than last year's broker's permium
- because I'm pissed at the broker screwing me over I don't contact him and just take the lower direct quote
- broker phones me later and asks why I didn't renew with him
- I say "Because you were too expensive" and say how much I paid direct
- broker says "Well, we could have beaten that if you had told us"
- I say "Well why didn't you quote me a lower figure in the first place"

As far as I can see insurance brokers are useless.