
Consumers have seen premiums for homeowners and auto insurance rise sharply in recent years. What’s behind the increases? There are several factors. Prior to 2022, the insurance market went through a phase of lower-than-normal hurricane activity. But hurricane activity really spiked in 2022 and 2023, which coincided with inflationary increases in a lot of different sectors that affected the homeowners insurance industry. If you look at the consumer price index of all consumer goods, prices increased by about 20% overall between 2020 and 2024. But the construction industry was hit much harder—35% to 40% for trade services, lumber, concrete, asphalt and other things that are required to replace and repair homes. In other words, the inflationary impact of goods and services affecting the insurance industry has increased at roughly twice the pace relative to other industries. As a result, we have found that these costs have been passed along to customers.
Dit verhaal komt uit de March 2025 editie van Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Al abonnee ? Inloggen
Dit verhaal komt uit de March 2025 editie van Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Al abonnee? Inloggen

INTERVIEW: PLANNING SUMMER TRAVEL? YOU'LL HAVE LOTS OF COMPANY
To save money, book your tickets well ahead of time, use technology and avoid popular destinations.

Retirees Are Less Satisfied
RECENTLY, I wrote about the results of the Retirement Confidence Survey, conducted annually by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (see \"Living in Retirement,\" Dec.). EBRI followed up with a deeper dive into spending trends among retirees with its 2024 Spending in Retirement Survey. I spoke with Bridget Bearden, research and development strategist with EBRI and author of the study, about its conclusions.

A Smart Way to Empower People With Disabilities
An ABLE account can improve your loved one’s quality of life.

WHY YOU MAY NEED A MEDALLION STAMP
Transferring securities from one account to another often requires this extra step.

THE HIGH STAKES OF A TRADE WAR
INFORMATION ABOUT THE MARKETS AND YOUR MONEY

DON'T PAY MORE THAN NECESSARY TO PREPARE YOUR TAX RETURN
Many DIY taxpayers have access to free options, but whether you qualify depends on the fine print.

IS A ROBO ADVISER RIGHT FOR YOU?
Use our guide to assess the growing array of low-cost, computer-driven investment managers.

THE BEST REWARDS CREDIT CARDS
Whether you want simple cash-back rewards or points to put toward travel purchases, we have something for you.

WHAT RETIREES NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TAXES
Take steps to avoid a surprise tax bill and underpayment penalties.

How to Survive Market Mayhem
AMONG my missions is to advise smart readers against doing dumb things out of haste or panic.