Tariffs drive some health plans to hike premiums
Tariffs drive some health plans to hike premiums

Tariffs drive some health plans to hike premiums

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Diverging Reports Breakdown

What’s happening to car insurance premiums?

Price of a policy in January to March 2025 was £589. That’s down 5% from £621 in the final three months of last year. However, premiums are still much more expensive now than a couple of years ago. Record claims costs are blamed for the high price customers are still paying to insure their vehicle. Which? has been actively campaigning for a fairer deal for pay-monthly customers since the beginning of 2024. Our petition to end the insurance ‘rip-off’ has so far been signed by 170,000 people and Which? presented it to the FCA, calling on the regulator to take urgent action. Check Which? insurance ratings and compare deals using the service provided by Confused.com. Get a quote and search for a new car insurance policy using the site now. The average cost of a 12-month policy is now £635, down from £635 in January 2022. The price of insuring your car gradually decreases as you get older and spend more time on the road.

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The average cost of car insurance dropped 7% in the first three months of this year, the latest quotes data from Go Compare shows.

It follows quarterly figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) which revealed the price of a policy in January to March 2025 was £589. That’s down 5% from £621 in the final three months of last year.

Read on to find out more about the current cost of car insurance and for tips on how to pay less.

Compare car insurance deals Check Which? insurance ratings and compare deals using the service provided by Confused.com Get a quote

What’s happening to car insurance prices?

The ABI’s latest figures show the average car insurance premium was £589 in the first three months of 2025. That’s down 5% from £621 in the previous quarter and 7% cheaper than at the beginning of last year, when the average cost of a 12-month policy hit £635.

However, premiums are still much more expensive now than a couple of years ago. The average cost of an annual policy was £478 in January to March 2023. That’s 23% less than the first quarter of 2025.

Published every three months, the ABI’s data gives the most accurate picture of the market as it’s based on actual prices paid by drivers (as opposed to quotes), and covers both new customers and those renewing existing policies.

The chart shows how the average cost of a car insurance premium has changed since January 2022:

Source: Association of British Insurers (ABI)

Comparison sites also publish data, but their figures only reflect quotes given to customers searching for car insurance.

The latest figures from Go Compare show the average premium fell between the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first three months of this year – down 7% from £450 to £418. This is the lowest quoted price recorded by the comparison site since early 2023.

New analysis by Consumer Intelligence also shows a fall in quoted car insurance premiums. The price index found prices dropped 1.3% in the first three months of 2025 and are now 10.8% less than a year ago.

Find out more: best car insurance companies

Some drivers pay well above the average

Customers who choose to pay monthly are likely to be paying even higher prices, thanks to the sky-high interest rates charged by insurers. Which? has been actively campaigning for a fairer deal for pay-monthly customers since the beginning of 2024.

Last year we ran three surveys of insurance firms to learn about their charges for paying monthly. These have revealed annual percentage rates (APRs), which we think are unjustifiably high – and which effectively penalise customers who can’t afford to pay for their insurance in one go – potentially to the tune of hundreds of pounds.

The Financial Conduct Authority has previously voiced misgivings about whether premium finance, which is necessary to many customers, is offering policyholders ‘good outcomes’. In October 2024, it launched a study to investigate competition in the market.

Our petition to end the insurance ‘rip-off’ has so far been signed by 170,000 people and Which? presented it to the FCA, calling on the regulator to take urgent action. You can find out all about it and sign our petition yourself on our campaign page.

Why is the cost of car insurance still so high?

Record claims costs are blamed for the high price customers are still paying to insure their vehicle.

The ABI’s latest figures show insurers paid out £3.2bn in motor insurance claims in the first three months of 2025. That’s the highest quarterly payout since records began in 2013.

An increase in repair costs is putting particular pressure on providers. That figure rose from 1.9bn in the final quarter of last year to £2.1bn at the beginning of 2025. Pricier replacement parts, higher labour costs, inflation, and a shortage of skilled technicians all contributed to making the job of fixing a car more expensive.

Theft also played a role, as the average claim for theft of and from a vehicle stood at £11,300.

Check you’re getting a great deal and search for a new car insurance policy using the service provided by Confused.com. Get a quote now

What impacts premium prices?

Age and driving experience all have an impact on premium prices.

The younger you are, the higher the cost of insuring a vehicle. That’s because drivers who haven’t been on the road for long are considered more likely to be involved in an accident, so providers up their premiums to account for that increased risk.

The price of insuring your car gradually decreases as you get older and spend more time of the road.

You’d expect to see cover jump again once you reach retirement age and insurers take into account increased age-related risks. But when we looked at GoCompare data from the first three months of 2025, we found premiums don’t increase dramatically until a driver is well into their 80s.

Go Compare’s latest report shows that mileage impacts the cost of insurance too. Those driving up to 6,000 miles pay an average of £444 for their premiums compared to £488 paid by those driving up to 10,000 miles.

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How much could you save by switching?

You can potentially make big savings by shopping around for a better deal.

A good place to start is by checking out price comparison sites, which allow you to view multiple car insurance quotes at a glance. The main ones for insurance are Compare the Market, Confused.com, GoCompare and MoneySuperMarket.

But remember, not all insurers are on price comparison websites: Which? Recommended motor insurance providers Direct Line and NFU Mutual are examples of this.

Other ways to keep costs down

Here are a few simple ways you can reduce the cost of car insurance:

Go annual Paying for a whole year in one go instead of monthly could save you hundreds of pounds.

Paying for a whole year in one go instead of monthly could save you hundreds of pounds. Renew early You’ll often get a cheaper price if you renew your cover a few weeks (rather than a few days) in advance of the policy’s end date.

You’ll often get a cheaper price if you renew your cover a few weeks (rather than a few days) in advance of the policy’s end date. Keep mileage down Try to limit the miles you clock up over the year to avoid being hit with a higher premium.

Try to limit the miles you clock up over the year to avoid being hit with a higher premium. Tweak your job title Your occupation can also impact your premium. One trick to get around this – without lying – is to try and tweak your job title. For example, instead of ‘barber’, try saying ‘hairdresser’ or ‘hair stylist’.

Your occupation can also impact your premium. One trick to get around this – without lying – is to try and tweak your job title. For example, instead of ‘barber’, try saying ‘hairdresser’ or ‘hair stylist’. Haggle If you don’t want to switch to another insurer, you might be able to get the price down by haggling.

Find out more: how to find cheap car insurance

This story is regularly updated with the latest figures from ABI and comparison sites, including Confused and Compare the Market.

Source: Which.co.uk | View original article

Trump tariffs live updates: Trump leaves G7 with UK trade deal in hand, stalled EU talks, and ‘tough’ Japan

President Trump left the G7 after firming up a trade deal with the United Kingdom. But he hinted at roadblocks on other fronts, saying Japan was being “tough” in trade talks. Trump also said Japan would soon receive a letter he has threatened to send to US trading partners. Two family-owned businesses have filed a challenge to Trump’s most sweeping tariffs with the Supreme Court, expediting the process for a potential definitive ruling should the court take the case, Bloomberg reported.

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President Trump left the G7 after firming up a trade deal with the United Kingdom. But he hinted at roadblocks on other fronts, saying Tuesday that Japan was being “tough” in trade talks and the European Union has failed to offer a fair deal.

“We’re talking, but I don’t feel that they’re offering a fair deal yet,” Trump said of the EU, after leaving the summit early to return to Washington, in a move he said was to focus on the Israel-Iran conflict. “They’re either going to make a good deal or they’ll just pay whatever we say they have to pay.”

Trump also said Japan would soon receive a letter he has threatened to send to US trading partners who do not reach a deal, saying, “They’re tough, the Japanese are tough.”

He also noted that pharmaceutical tariffs will be “coming very soon.”

The US Commerce department has also been investigating certain sectors deemed vital for national security, such as semiconductors and pharmaceuticals and critical minerals, which could result in tariffs on some foreign-made goods entering the US.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that two family-owned businesses have filed a challenge to Trump’s most sweeping tariffs with the Supreme Court, expediting the process for a potential definitive ruling should the court take the case.

In other trade agreement news, Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed the trade deal they agreed to last month. “We signed it and it’s done,” Trump said as he stood next to Starmer.

The furious push follows Trump’s warning last week that he would soon send letters setting unilateral tariff rates, raising questions about the status of negotiations and a return to his “Liberation Day” tariffs that roiled markets. Trump instituted a pause on his most punishing duties that expires July 9.

Last week, the US made key progress with China, as the nations agreed to a framework and implementation plan to ease tariff and trade tensions.

Trump and other US officials indicated the deal should resolve issues between the two countries on rare earth mineral exports. Trump said the US would impose a total of 55% tariffs on various Chinese goods.

Read more: What Trump’s tariffs mean for the economy and your wallet

Here are the latest updates as the policy reverberates around the world.

LIVE

1210 updates

Source: Uk.finance.yahoo.com | View original article

Walmart says it plans to raise prices despite lower U.S. tariffs

World’s largest retailer says President Trump’s wide-ranging levies on trade partners are impeding its ability to keep prices low for its customers. Walmart joins other larger retailers in warning that they are likely to raise prices as tariffs drive up their costs. The Trump administration on Monday said that, starting May 14, it is lowering the tariff rate on Chinese imports from 145% to 30% for 90 days. Walmart earned $4.4 billion in the quarter ended April 30, down from $5.1 billion the year-ago period, but revenue rose 2.5% to $165.6 billion. The company also pulled its quarterly profit outlook amid global economic uncertainty, as Mr. Trump vows to strike favorable trade deals.

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Walmart on Thursday warned that even softer tariffs on China could soon force the company to raise prices on certain items.

The world’s largest retailer said President Trump’s wide-ranging levies on U.S. trade partners are impeding its ability to keep prices low for its customers.

“We can control what we can control,” Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said on the company’s first quarter earnings call Thursday. “Even at the reduced levels, the higher tariffs will result in higher prices,” he added.

The price hikes will go into effect later this month. Walmart, a bellwether for consumer spending, joins other larger retailers in warning that they are likely to raise prices as tariffs drive up their costs.

Rising cost pressures for retailers

The Trump administration on Monday said that, starting May 14, it is lowering the tariff rate on Chinese imports from 145% to 30% for 90 days. As part of that agreement, China will reduce its 125% tariff on American goods to 10%. The sides are expected to continue negotiations, although ongoing uncertainty over trade policy is weighing on companies.

“The merchandise that we import comes from all over the world from dozens of countries,” McMillon said. “Other than the U.S., the other large markets are China, Mexico, Vietnam, India and Canada. China, in particular, represents a lot of volume in certain categories like electronics and toys. All of the tariffs create cost pressure for us, but the larger tariffs on China have the biggest impact. The cost pressure from all the tariff impacted markets started in late April, and it accelerated in May.”

Still, the Walmart executive emphasized that the retailer will do what it can to avoid passing the import taxes onto customers.

“We’ll do our best on what we can control in order to keep food prices as low as possible,” McMillon said. “In some cases we are holding retail prices where they are despite the tariffs cost pressures.”

Grocery prices dropped slightly last month, declining 0.1% from March, according to government data. However, many household costs remain elevated, the CBS News price tracker shows.

Walmart also pulled its quarterly profit outlook amid global economic uncertainty, as Mr. Trump vows to strike favorable trade deals with countries that are subject to steep levies on imports.

Walmart earned $4.4 billion in the quarter ended April 30, down from $5.1 billion in the year-ago period. Revenue rose 2.5% to $165.6 billion, just short of analyst estimates.

Tariff hit on consumer spending

Walmart Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey said in the earnings call that the company expects the U.S. to strike more agreements with its trade partners, and that tariff rates could drop.

“However, if we see a restoration of dramatically higher tariff levels, the impact on our financials could be significant and even jeopardize our ability to grow earnings year-over-year,” he added.

Tuan Nguyen, U.S. economist at consulting firm RSM US, said the latest retail data shows consumers are reducing their spending at stores and restaurants.

“We are now witnessing the first-order effects of tariffs on the economy — through reduced spending. The second-order impact — on prices — will likely emerge in the coming months, putting additional pressure on demand,” he said in an email.

contributed to this report.

Source: Cbsnews.com | View original article

Why Is My Car Insurance So High? (5 Reasons)

In May, the cost of car insurance was 7% higher compared to a year ago. Many factors influence the price you pay for auto insurance. These are the five most likely reasons your car insurance rate might be high right now. See what you could save on car insurance. Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you. Get My Rates: See how much you can save by changing your ZIP code. Get my rates: Get My rates: How much can you save by switching your Zip code? See what can you do to lower your bill: How can I get my car insurance for less? Get my rate: Click here to get your rates for less. Get your rate: Get your rates: See what your rate can be for less by clicking here. Click here for more car insurance news. Back to the page you came from. READ: Car insurance rates are on the rise, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The rates below are for 35-year-old drivers with good credit and full-coverage insurance.

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Car insurance rates are on the rise. In May, the cost of car insurance was 7% higher compared to a year ago, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics [0] View all sources U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . Databases, Tables & Calculators by Subject . Accessed Jun 11, 2025. recent NerdWallet survey. If you’re like them, you’re probably wondering: “Why is my car insurance so high?”

Unfortunately, there’s no single answer. Many factors influence the price you pay for auto insurance. Some might seem obvious, like having a recent speeding ticket on record. But others may be less apparent, like your marital status or ZIP code.

Here’s how different traffic violations can impact rates. The rates below are for 35-year-old drivers with good credit and full-coverage insurance.

Average car insurance rates

Driver profile Full coverage Minimum coverage Clean driving record, good credit $2,290 $623 One speeding ticket, good credit $2,909 $792 One at-fault crash, good credit $3,400 $917 One DUI, good credit $4,272 $1,180 Clean driving record, poor credit $3,792 $989

There are five main reasons your car insurance might be expensive:

» Skip ahead: How to save on car insurance

See what you could save on car insurance Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you. Zip code Get My Rates

Why your car insurance is so high

These are the five most likely reasons your car insurance rate might be high right now, along with some tips on what you can do to lower your bill. (Some states ban the use of one or more of these factors in insurance pricing, so they may not all apply where you live.)

1. Your personal characteristics

Age

Young, inexperienced drivers are more likely than older drivers to get in a fatal accident. As a result, insurance companies generally charge higher rates for drivers in their 20s, according to NerdWallet’s most recent rate analysis.

Below are the average annual full-coverage and minimum coverage rates for drivers of different ages with a good driving record and good credit.

Average car insurance rates by age

Gender

In most states, insurers can charge different rates for male and female drivers. This often means young men are charged higher rates than young women. The price gap between men and women decreases dramatically by age 30, although it never disappears entirely. A handful of states — including California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina and Pennsylvania — don’t allow insurers to differentiate by gender.

A note on the term “gender” In this article, NerdWallet uses the term “gender.” We recognize that this is different than sex. Gender is how you identify within society, while sex refers to certain biological attributes. Some insurers don’t recognize this distinction and use the terms interchangeably. This means when applying for car insurance, they may ask for your gender, when they really mean sex. They may also ask for identification that doesn’t reflect your gender accurately. For instance, a company may want the “gender” you list on your insurance application to match the sex listed on your driver’s license.

Marital status

Most large auto insurance companies have lower rates for married drivers than for those who are single, separated, divorced or widowed.

Education

Drivers with college degrees generally pay less for car insurance. Insurers say highly educated people tend to file fewer claims. However, using education levels in setting prices has come under fire in recent years, and some states are moving away from allowing this practice.

Address

Location is one of the primary factors affecting your car insurance rates. Average premiums vary dramatically by state because each state has different regulations. Rates also vary significantly by ZIP code and neighborhood. For instance, rural drivers pay less than those in cities, where vandalism, theft and crashes are more common.

Occupation

Drivers with certain occupations pay higher rates because they’re more likely than others to file insurance claims, according to some insurers. But consumer advocates have challenged the use of occupation in setting car insurance rates. Some states have banned it or are considering a ban.

Credit history

In many states, insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores, which are different from your regular credit score, to set prices. Your credit score is typically a good indicator of your credit-based insurance score.

On average, a 35-year-old good driver with poor credit pays 66% more for full coverage car insurance than an equivalent driver with good credit, a NerdWallet analysis found. Critics have questioned the validity of using credit history to determine a driver’s car insurance rate.

California, Hawaii and Massachusetts don’t allow insurers to use credit when determining car insurance rates.

Home ownership

Some companies give homeowners a price break on car insurance, even if they don’t buy homeowners coverage through the same insurer. Many offer discounts if you bundle multiple policies, such as homeowners and auto insurance, with the same company.

See what you could save on car insurance Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you. Zip code Get My Rates

2. How you drive

Driving record

If you’ve had at-fault accidents, traffic tickets or violations like a DUI, you’ll pay more for car insurance than a driver with a clean record. For example, a 35-year-old driver with good credit and a DUI on their record will pay 89% more than a similar driver with a clean record pays for minimum coverage, NerdWallet’s analysis found. In some cases, you might need a company that specializes in insuring high-risk drivers.

Mileage

Low-mileage drivers often get cheaper car insurance, because less time on the road means fewer opportunities for an accident. Low-mileage drivers may also save by choosing pay-per-mile insurance, which tracks how many miles they drive to set premiums.

Car storage

Keeping your car in a garage is less risky than parking it on the street, and your insurance rates may reflect this.

Years of driving experience

If you started driving at 23, you’ll probably pay more for car insurance at 25 than someone your age who’s been driving since 16. Your rates are likely to decline as you get more experience behind the wheel.

3. Your vehicle

Car make and model

Your rates are based in part on the claims your insurer has seen from other people who drive the same model as the car you’re insuring. Sports cars often have high insurance rates, for example, in part because insurers are more likely to pay out large claims from speeding drivers.

Insurance companies also consider factors like how much a vehicle will cost to repair, how popular it is with car thieves and how likely it is to damage another car in an accident. For example, insurance for electric cars tends to cost more due to their higher price tags and specialized parts.

Trim level

Vehicles with extra features like lane sensors, backup cameras and high-end audio can cost more to repair — and therefore more to insure — than base models of the same vehicle. Moving to a higher trim level typically raises not just the price of the car but also the insurance premium.

Safety features

Vehicles with a strong safety record and good safety equipment often qualify for discounts. On the other hand, some safety features can lead to higher premiums, because high-tech safety equipment can be expensive to repair or replace after an accident.

See what you could save on car insurance Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you. Zip code Get My Rates

4. Your car insurance choices

Insurance company

If you’re looking at your declaration page and wondering why your car insurance rate is so high, a big reason might be the insurance company you chose. You could potentially save hundreds if not thousands per year on full coverage by switching from the state’s most expensive insurers to the cheapest, according to our analysis.

And just because a company is cheapest in one state doesn’t mean it’s the cheapest across the country. That’s why it’s important to shop around and compare car insurance quotes to find the best car insurance rates for you.

🤓 Nerdy Tip Don’t choose an insurer based on rate information alone. Consider the company’s customer service, financial strength and complaint information as well. Read NerdWallet’s auto insurance reviews to learn more.

Insurance lapses

Failing to pay your car insurance bill or canceling your policy because you’re between vehicles can cost you. Coverage gaps can make you seem like a higher risk in the eyes of insurance companies, and they’ll often raise your rates in response — or even deny you coverage altogether. To avoid this, consider pausing or reducing your coverage if you can’t afford your current premium.

Coverage selected

It’s no surprise that the more coverage you get, the more it will cost. We found that full coverage auto insurance costs $2,290 on average, compared to $623 for minimum coverage. A full-coverage policy includes collision and comprehensive coverage, which pay to fix or replace your car after a variety of mishaps, like if you collide with other vehicles or animals, or if it’s stolen.

Add-ons like new car replacement coverage can boost the price, but the benefits may be worth it to you. That’s why it’s important to compare policies with the same coverage limits when you shop around.

Deductible amount

Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket when your insurer pays for a claim. For example, if your insurance company approves $3,000 worth of repairs and your deductible is $500, your insurer will pay $2,500. Your insurance premiums will be lower if you choose a higher deductible, like $1,000, but the payout will be lower if you have an accident.

Loyalty

You might expect your car insurance company to reward your years of loyalty with discounts, and some do. But some insurers try to predict which customers are the least likely to switch insurers and squeeze more profit from them through rate increases. Some states have banned this practice, called price optimization. It’s a good idea to compare car insurance rates to make sure your loyalty isn’t costing you.

Discounts

Don’t assume your insurance company automatically applies all the discounts for which you’re eligible. For example, your insurer won’t know your teen is getting good grades unless you provide proof and ask for a good student discount. Insurance companies have tons of discounts, and you may save money by reviewing them with your agent on a regular basis.

5. Economic factors

Rising costs

Rising costs from inflation don’t just impact people — they impact insurance companies, too. And the multi-year spike in car prices and repair costs means many insurers must increase rates to keep up with more expensive payouts.

Increase in claims

On top of having to pay more for an insurance claim, insurance companies are also receiving a greater number of claims. The recent uptick in traffic fatalities and financial losses from extreme weather events have caused many insurers to raise rates to cover costs.

The cost of car insurance keeps going up

The below chart shows the change in car insurance prices over time, based on consumer price index data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics [0] View all sources Bureau of Labor Statistics . Motor vehicle insurance in U.S. city average . Accessed Jul 12, 2024.

While insurance companies base rates on a medley of personal and economic factors, this steep rise is largely a reflection of the increase in car insurance claims, bad accidents and vehicle costs insurers have had to contend with in recent years.

How to save on car insurance

If you’re wondering how to get cheap car insurance, here are six things you can try: Compare quotes from multiple insurers. Use NerdWallet’s car insurance comparison tool to easily shop for cheap auto insurance online. You may find that you already have the best car insurance deal, but prices can change, so check roughly once a year. Ask for discounts. You could save money from car insurance discounts you’re not taking advantage of. For example, maybe you work from home and don’t drive much. Mention that and you might get a low-mileage discount. Other common discounts are given for bundling car insurance with homeowners insurance, insuring multiple cars on the same policy and being a student. Cash in on major life changes. Certain life events could translate to cheaper car insurance, so shop for quotes whenever something major changes in your life. For instance, many companies offer a lower rate for married couples or domestic partners. Or perhaps you moved to a suburb with lower accident and crime rates. Even if you moved to a more expensive area for car insurance, shopping around can help you get cheaper coverage. Raise your deductible. The higher your car insurance deductible, the more you pay out of pocket before insurance pays for a covered claim. The upside is that by raising your deductible, you’ll usually be able to lower your premium. Just make sure you have enough money set aside to cover the higher deductible if you ever get in an accident. Revisit quotes after your driving record improves. Shop for cheap auto insurance quotes online three to five years after any accidents, tickets or moving violations. They may have dropped off your driving record. Reconsider the car you drive. The type of car you drive affects how much you pay for auto insurance. For example, new and expensive cars tend to cost more to insure than older or less expensive cars, among other factors. Check out NerdWallet’s analysis of the cheapest cars to insure to see if your vehicle made the list. » MORE: 8 ways to get the cheapest car insurance rates possible

Source: Nerdwallet.com | View original article

Tariffs threaten to push auto insurance rates even higher

Tariffs threaten to push auto insurance rates even higher. President Trump has floated the idea of a temporary pause on the 25% tax on imported cars. But even if he goes ahead with that idea, tariffs will still affect the auto industry. And deciding not to purchase a new car won’t fully insulate drivers from price changes, either.”These tariffs are going to affect everybody who owns and operates a car,” says Jessica Caldwell, the head of insights at the automotive data company Edmunds. “Delays and uncertainty … throw a monkey wrench into everything,” says Shannon Martin, an insurance expert at Bankrate. “You have property damage coverage on your policy that pays for someone else’s vehicle … that is now going to cost more to fix,” she says. “I’m just kind of stockpiling on nearly everything that I will need in the future,” says Laurent Spence, a NAPA auto parts shop owner in Desert Hot Springs, Calif. “It’s kind of a scary time,” Caldwell says.

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Tariffs threaten to push auto insurance rates even higher

toggle caption Scott Olson/Getty Images

A slew of new tariffs, including some specific to vehicles, have many Americans reassessing their plans to buy a car — moving them up to take advantage of today’s tariff-free pricing , or reevaluating whether they want a new car at all, given the economic uncertainty.

President Trump has recently floated the idea of a temporary pause on the 25% tax on imported cars, as a reprieve for automakers.

But even if he goes ahead with that idea, tariffs will still affect the auto industry. And deciding not to purchase a new car won’t fully insulate drivers from price changes, either.

Sponsor Message

That’s because tariffs are pushing up the prices of parts — so the cost of maintenance and repairs are also poised to rise. And when repairing cars gets more expensive, so does something else: auto insurance.

“These tariffs are going to affect everybody who owns and operates a car,” says Jessica Caldwell, the head of insights at the automotive data company Edmunds.

Repair and maintenance costs will rise

Right now, there’s a 25% tariff on imported new cars . There’s also a plan to impose a 25% tariff on at least some imported car parts, although the details aren’t finalized yet and that is not yet in effect. (Changes to one or both of those tariffs may be what Trump had in mind when he told reporters on April 14 that he was “looking at something to help some of the car companies.”)

But other tariffs are also affecting car parts, including tariffs on steel and aluminum , and a 10% baseline tariff on most imports, as well as a 25% tariff on goods imported from Canada and Mexico that don’t meet the requirements of the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) trade deal.

Laurent Spence works at a NAPA auto parts shop in Desert Hot Springs, Calif., and rattles off some of the high-turnover products that are already being affected by tariffs. Brake pads from Mexico. Brake rotors from China. Suspension parts from Turkey and Thailand. Tools from Taiwan.

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Spence says he used to update about 20 prices a week on the store shelves, many of those markdowns for sales. Now, he says, he’s swapping out prices “every day” — and most of them are trending up.

Seeing the trend, Spence has taken advantage of his employee discount and started to stock up on parts for his own vehicles, which are older and need a lot of work. “Belts, ball joints, control arms,” he says. “I’m just kind of stockpiling on nearly everything that I will need in the future as a just-in-case.” (He bought up coffee beans, too.)

Whether you do your own work or take your car to a shop, when the price of parts goes up, it makes basic maintenance and any needed repairs more expensive .

Magnify this hundreds of thousands of times, and that’s the situation for auto insurers. If every single repair becomes more expensive, so does their overall cost of doing business.

Insurance premiums will eventually be pushed up

If insurers have to pay more for repairs, they’re going to charge more in premiums.

Insurance is, fundamentally, a way of spreading costs out among a big pool of people. As a result, even if you aren’t personally in a crash, your premiums will go up to reflect the higher cost of replacing bumpers and doing bodywork.

That’s true even if you have the bare minimum insurance, says Shannon Martin, an insurance expert at Bankrate.

“If you’re someone with an older car and liability-only coverage, you might think, ‘Well, my rate’s going to stay the same.’ But it won’t,” she says. “You have property damage coverage on your policy that pays for someone else’s vehicle … that is now going to cost more to fix.”

Insurance rates are already painfully high for many customers, averaging more than $2,600 annually for full coverage, according to Bankrate. Rates rose sharply after the pandemic caused supply chain disruptions in vehicle and parts production. Lower supply meant higher prices. After a year or two, insurance premiums soared, with year-over-year increases topping 20%.

Those rate hikes were finally settling down. According to the latest Consumer Price Index data, released last week, insurance prices actually dropped slightly between February and March, and annual increases were back in pre-pandemic territory.

Sponsor Message

But the introduction of tariffs, Martin says, “really kind of throws a monkey wrench into everything.”

Delays and uncertainty — and some evergreen advice

Drivers shouldn’t expect to see their premiums go up overnight. Insurance rates, as a rule, can’t change as quickly as other prices do.

Companies need to assess their higher costs, and then negotiate with the state regulators who try to protect ratepayers from unreasonable hikes. Even after hikes get approved, your current rates are locked in until your policy renews.

And then there’s the caveat that the tariffs keep changing, with new additions and exemptions and reprieves.

That’s complicating one of President Trump’s stated goals for these tariffs, which is encouraging manufacturers to move to the United States. Companies say it’s tricky to make plans for relocations when the rules keep changing.

It also makes it next to impossible to accurately forecast how much something like, say, auto insurance rates, will rise.

“Any numbers that people give you are just guesses that can change at any moment,” says Martin, “because everything’s so unpredictable right now.”

In these unpredictable times, some age-old advice is still reliable.

Spence recommends having a trusted mechanic. Caldwell reminds drivers to shop around for their best rates. And Martin says the uncertainty about insurance rates is yet another good reason to be careful on the road. A good driving record will help keep your insurance rates low. Unlike tariffs, driving cautiously is something you can control.

Source: Npr.org | View original article

Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/06/18/tariffs-health-insurance-premium-hikes

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