Article · Car insurance
Are Car Insurance Rates Going Down? What Federal Data Shows
The federal price index for car insurance fell 5.1% in the 12 months to August 2026. Here is what that does and does not tell you.
Key takeaways
- The federal Consumer Price Index for motor vehicle insurance was down 5.1% over the 12 months ending August 2026.
- Over the same period, vehicle maintenance and repair prices rose 5.2%, and all items rose 3.4%.
- This is a national average. It does not predict your rate, which depends on your state, insurer, vehicle and record.
- BLS reports price changes but does not say why they happened.
What is confirmed
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index measures the average change in prices that urban consumers pay. For motor vehicle insurance, the index was down 5.1% over the 12 months ending August 2026.
- Over the same 12 months, motor vehicle maintenance and repair prices rose 5.2%, and the index for all items rose 3.4%.
- BLS published the August data on September 11, 2026.
The numbers
| Category | 12-month change to August 2026 |
|---|---|
| Motor vehicle insurance | -5.1% |
| Motor vehicle maintenance and repair | +5.2% |
| New vehicles | +0.6% |
| Used cars and trucks | -2.3% |
| All items | +3.4% |
What this does not tell you
- It is a national average for urban consumers, not your rate.
- Your premium depends on your state, insurer, vehicle, driving record, coverage and where you live.
- Some states have raised their minimum limits recently, which can raise premiums for drivers who carry the minimum.
- BLS reports what happened to prices. It does not say why, and we do not guess.
What it may mean (our analysis)
A falling national index can sit alongside a higher renewal for an individual driver. So do not assume your own rate is falling or rising. Compare.
What to do
- Get quotes with the same limits and deductibles from more than one insurer.
- If your renewal went up, ask your insurer what changed.
- Review your coverage. Our guide to full coverage explains what to compare.
- Look at your state insurance department's consumer pages for rules on rate changes.
How we keep this page current
BLS publishes new price data every month. We update this page when a new release changes the picture, and the update log below shows what changed and when.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a national figure applies to you.
- Staying with an insurer without comparing, because the news says rates are falling.
- Comparing quotes with different limits.
General information only. It is not insurance, legal or financial advice. Rules and dates change and differ by state and plan, so confirm details with the official source, your insurer or your state agency.
Questions
Are car insurance rates going down?
Nationally, the BLS price index for motor vehicle insurance was down 5.1% in the 12 months to August 2026. That is an average, so your own rate can still rise.
Why is my renewal higher if rates are falling?
Your premium depends on your state, insurer, vehicle, record and coverage, and on changes such as higher minimum limits in your state. Ask your insurer what changed, and compare quotes.
Does this show rates in my state?
No. The figure is a national average. For your state, see its car insurance page and its insurance department.
Sources
- BLS: Consumer Price Index news releasebls.gov
- BLS: 12-month percentage change, Consumer Price Index, selected categoriesbls.gov
Update log
- : Published with BLS data through August 2026, released September 11, 2026.
Informational only. Rules and policy terms change and differ by state and insurer. Confirm details with your policy, your insurer or your state insurance department.
Keep exploring
- Rules differ by state: see car insurance requirements by state.
- Unfamiliar words? Check the insurance glossary.
- Browse every article by topic.
- See how we check what we publish on How we verify.
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