Exploring the reasons behind expensive car ownership with high prices, insurance rates, and car payments. Discussing factors like distracted driving, advanced tech features, and unethical practices in the auto lending industry. Touching on coping strategies for reducing insurance costs and the financial strain of high car loan interest rates.
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Quick takeaways
Car ownership costs surged due to pricey new cars and high insurance rates.
Rising car insurance costs stem from inflation, risky driving behaviors, and increased accidents.
Deep dives
Increasing Costs of Car Ownership
Car ownership has become extremely expensive due to the rising prices of new cars, averaging around $48,000, with manufacturers focusing more on luxury vehicles. The costs associated with owning a car, including insurance, gasoline, and repairs, have seen significant increases. For instance, car insurance rates have jumped by 22.2% over the past year, marking the highest increase since 1976.
Rising Insurance Rates and Risky Driving Behavior
Insurance rates have surged, with Americans paying 38% more for car insurance since January 2020. The spike is attributed to inflation and increased risky driving behaviors, such as speeding and distracted driving, during the pandemic. The prevalence of such behaviors has led to a rise in accidents and fatalities, contributing to higher insurance claim costs.
Scams in Auto Lending Industry
The auto lending industry has been criticized for engaging in scammy practices, targeting vulnerable individuals with poor credit or lower incomes. Participants, particularly women, have shared instances of excessively high car loan payments, highlighting predatory tactics by lenders who offer loans likely to result in defaults. Efforts, such as the FTC's CARS rule, aim to curb deceptive practices and provide transparency to protect consumers from being scammed.
Drivers are increasingly paying sticker price or more for a new car. Then there are sky-high insurance rates and mortgage-level car payments. Vox’s Marin Cogan explains how we got here.
This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Noel King.