If we told you that one phone call could save you hundreds of dollars would you make it?

A no brainer. But for some reason few Texans take advantage of the huge savings we're about to tell you about.

You're probably one of them.

Really, is there anyone you want to see less than your insurance agent?

But it's a conversation that's likely to save you some money.

It did for John Gordy of Rowlett.

He was with an insurance company for 20 years.

But when his kids started driving, and his rates went up, he looked for an alternative and found one.

"I went from $1,600 to $1,100," he said.

That's a saving of $500 a year, a number that made it pretty easy to leave his old company.

In the last few years, the legislature's made some major changes in insurance law, essentially opening the state up to more competition.

There are better prices for smart consumers.

That's exciting.

Insurance agents still are not.

Kevin Cosltow is an independent agent.

He offers insurance policies from more than 70 competing companies.

"If you're shopping with a captive company you're only going to get one rate," he said.

Costlow is pretty confident that you're paying too much.

He thinks he could save me $1,000.

And the new policy is actually better than the old one.

But during a much-anticipated visit to the Texas Department of Insurance we learned consumers should proceed with some caution, avoiding a product that's much cheaper than everything else.

"It's true in insurance as it is in anything else. You get what you pay for," said Terry Hagins.

Here are a few things you should keep in mind before you switch:

•Agent's background: Your agent must be licensed with state.

•Company Background: Check on a companies track record with its customers and state regulators.

•Make sure you get "Replacement Cost Coverage." It costs a little more but you'll be reimbursed for the actual value of replacing what you lost.

"Doing a couple of things like that, a consumer can make a sound decision. And it's not like pulling teeth," said Hagins.

It wasn't for Gordy, who spent a little time studying up to get comfortable, and actually ended up with better coverage.

And just think about what a little chat with your insurance agent can save you hundreds and pay for - tickets to Cancun, perhaps?