If you were one of the 3,543,709 consumers who tuned-in to a Boston radio station last week, then chances are you heard at least one commercial from GEICO, Progressive, or Liberty Mutual. That's because insurance is big business in New England.

Each year, Boston area consumers spend $6.9-billion to insure their homes and cars. That's almost $1500 for every area adult.

There is good news and bad news for the 8800 local insurance agents who are competing to earn a substantial share of the home and auto premiums consumers are paying.

According to Nielsen, 236,000 policyholders in the Boston area are planning to switch insurance providers during the next 12 months.