A different type of shock has hit American car buyers like Darin Davis.
When renewing the insurance on his 2024 Cadillac XT4 in January, the rate nearly doubled for the 56-year-old Dallas real estate agent who had purchased the car just a few months earlier.
“Paying so much money takes away the enjoyment of owning a new car,” said Davis, expressing regret that he might have chosen a less expensive model had he known about the significant increase beforehand. Unfortunately, it was too late by then.
In a surprising turn of events in an economy dealing with inflation, car prices are decreasing after skyrocketing during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the rise in auto insurance rates is consuming a significant portion of these savings for consumers, with some models seeing insurance costs accounting for more than a quarter of the total cost of owning a vehicle.
Factors such as repair costs for complex vehicles and increased storm damage due to climate change are contributing to the rise in insurance rates, alongside the easing of car prices as supply chain issues from the pandemic are resolved.
Not only car buyers are affected by the inflation in insurance. Federal Reserve policymakers aiming to combat inflation overall are also facing challenges due to unexpected setbacks like rising insurance rates.
Impact on Affordability
According to the Labor Department, the Consumer Price Index increased by 3.5% from a year ago, while auto insurance costs saw a significant 22.2% rise, the largest increase since the 1970s.
New vehicle prices have started to decline, with dealers offering more incentives to buyers. However, insurance rates are becoming a more significant factor in purchasing decisions, particularly for consumers with limited budgets.
Sean Tucker, a senior editor at Kelley Blue Book, mentioned that many shoppers are refraining from purchasing or returning vehicles due to concerns about insurance costs.
Insurance rates vary across regions, influenced by factors such as repair costs and natural disasters. The average cost for full auto coverage in the U.S. rose by 24% last year to over $182 a month, with predictions of a further 7% rise in 2024.
The share of insurance in the total cost of owning a vehicle is expected to increase, taking into account maintenance, taxes, depreciation, fuel, and insurance. Insurify forecasts a growth in insurance costs for compact cars and SUVs by 2024, reflecting the broader trend.
Various factors, including increased car total loss cases, production disruptions impacting quality, and a shortage of mechanics, are contributing to the current rise in insurance rates. The advancement in vehicle technology, like sensors and electronics, is also increasing repair costs.
Changes in car production methods are also affecting insurance costs, such as Tesla’s gigacasting process that can make repairs more expensive. Other automakers are adopting similar approaches, like Cadillac with its gigacastings.
In response to the insurance increase, Davis opted to bundle his car and homeowners insurance and raise his deductible, finding a more affordable option.
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