Auto Insurance Cost Reprieve
2025 brought consumers relief after years of rate hikes, but 2026 could bring renewed policy pain, depending on how U.S. trade policy affects prices.

If U.S. trade tariffs on imports push up the cost of automotive parts, that could in turn drive up the cost of auto insurance claims that insurers could pass on to consumers.
Pexels/Pixabay
Automotive insurance rates fell last year after several years of increases, according to data compiled by insurance comparison shopping website Insurify.
The average 2025 annual insurance cost in the U.S. fell 6% to $2,144 after a more than 40% average annual insurance cost increase from 2022 to 2024.
Insurers, back in profits last year after increasing policy rates since the pandemic, focused on adding customers, pricing policies competitively in many corners of the country, Insurify said.
Some states saw even bigger drops than the national average, including two of the biggest, California and Texas, whose average fell 8%. There were fewer accidents in those two states last year, and Texas also saw fewer vehicle thefts, trends likely helping to tamp down insurance rates for policy holders there.
This year could be a different story across the U.S., though. Insurify projects more than a half percentage point increase in average annual U.S. auto insurance cost, and federal trade policy presents a wild card.
If U.S. trade tariffs on imports push up the cost of automotive parts, that could in turn drive up the cost of auto insurance claims, increased costs insurers could transfer to policy holders in higher rates, the company said.
“If that happens, companies will likely pass those higher expenses on to policyholders — and a 1% increase could turn into 4% in 2026,” said Insurify Senior Economic Analyst Matt Brannon.
More F&I

New Lifetime Battery F&I Product Meant to Drive Dealer Traffic
EFG Cos. offering is intended to create lifetime auto dealer engagement with customers.
Read More →
The Psychology Behind Menus That Increase Add-On Sales
There is a science to crafting a menu that gives customers confidence in the choices presented, and moving the process outside the F&I office can further boost results.
Read More →
Why Your F&I PVR Is Misleading You
Here’s a handy checklist of the numbers to track in 2026 instead.
Read More →
Auto Consumer Anxiety Presents Opportunity
A survey of U.S. drivers found the majority are concerned about finances and the economy, but those fears make many ready to buy vehicle-protection products.
Read More →
Humble and Hungry: 12 Rules for an F&I Life
Dustin Gingerich, with a decade in the F&I business under his belt, shares his thoughts on leadership, building trust with customers, and the importance of learning and innovation.
Read More →
Focus on the Opening
F&I managers must learn as much as possible about their customers, starting before they walk into their offices. The bulk of today’s consumers expect that, and good results will follow.
Read More →
F&I Reaches for the Sky
The increasingly important profit center continued making gains in the first quarter, according to StoneEagle data, ancillary products proving more popular as consumers hold onto their buys longer.
Read More →
What Market Timing Mistakes Mean for Your Reinsurance Program
When volatility hits, dealer-owned reinsurance programs face a familiar temptation: pull back and wait for calmer waters. New data from BOK Financial shows why that instinct can quietly cost you years of surplus growth.
Read More →
The 90/10 Rule
In this video, Ryan Ruff explains the rule that elite sales professionals use to turn ordinary conversations into unforgettable customer experiences.
Read More →
Your Office Is Talking
What’s the atmosphere saying about you to your customers? You can make minor adjustments and additions that transform your space into one that creates trust with the people on the other side of the desk.
Read More →