Surging auto insurance rates squeeze drivers, fuel inflation
Auto insurance rates rose 2.6% in March and are up 22% from a year ago. Premium costs have been marching steadily higher since 2022, even as inflation at the consumer level steadily cooled from its 9.1% peak in the middle of that year. Consumers have had some relief as the rate of cost increases for food and energy, two key components of most budgets, has eased greatly.
But auto insurance and car ownership costs have become a sticking point for consumers and the
Typically, individuals would see a noticeable increase in their premiums because of speeding tickets and other moving violations. Adding new drivers or a general increase in claims in the area were other reasons.
But the persistent rise in rates over the last two years has been far more sweeping. New vehicle prices starting spiking during the pandemic, mainly because of a worldwide shortage of computer chips amid production cuts and supply chain bottlenecks. Dealers spent much of 2021 with few or no cars in stock.
Car price increases eased heading into 2024, with the average at
Higher value for cars, along with more advanced technology and intricate parts, has raised the overall cost of repairs. Overall maintenance and repair costs jumped 8.2% in March from a year ago, according to the
“The severity is really the thing that has influenced rates more over the last two years than anything,” said
Higher overall auto prices and auto repair costs prompted insurers to start raising premiums as overall car values jumped. Price increases for insurance rates, like many other increases from food to clothing, have been sticky and are less likely to drop at the same rate as broader inflation, if at all.
That has been beneficial for insurers who have seen profits surge.
“Our sole concentration last year was to get the right rate,” said Progressive CEO
Progressive's profit jumped 50% and its revenue surged nearly 18% to
Allstate reported a modest profit in 2023 after reporting a loss a year earlier.
“Companies are getting a lot closer to rate adequacy now,” Smolan said. “I think you'll see some flattening out of the real large increases.”
The process of obtaining auto insurance can be confusing and overwhelming, considering the differing mix of requirements in each state, extra options and the confusing industry and legal jargon used by insurers. The first step for many should be gaining a better understanding about auto insurance, according to the
Consumers should shop around by getting at least three different quotes and from different types of insurance companies. Also, comparing costs before buying a car could help give consumers a better sense of the true cost of owning a specific car. Premiums are based in part on a car's price, along with prospective repair costs and safety data.
Deductibles could be a major factor in determining monthly premium costs. That's the amount of money that a driver is responsible for paying toward a claim. Higher deductibles usually mean lower premiums.
Bundling multiple policies under one insurer could come with a discount. This is common for homeowners using the same company for their home and auto policies. There may also be discounts for insuring more than one vehicle under the same company.
Defensive driving courses also help give drivers discounts on insurance. The timing and standards vary by state, but courses are usually offered in-person and online. Companies including Progressive and Geico often offer multi-year discounts for taking such a course. They can usually steer policy holders toward reputable companies offering the course and certificate.
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