Total Loss Claims Reach Record Levels as Rising Repair Costs Change the Auto Insurance Industry

smiling man in a white shirt sits in a car looking at his smartphone

The auto insurance industry is facing a major shift as total loss claims reach record levels. According to CCC Intelligent Solutions’ Crash Course reporting, total loss frequency climbed to 23.1 percent of all claims in…

8 Car System Updates That Removed a Function Owners Paid For

modern car infotainment touchscreen displaying software update and history menu options

Modern cars are no longer static machines. They are rolling computers that manufacturers can rewrite after the sale. That power cuts both ways. Automakers use over-the-air updates to fix bugs and add new capability. But…

8 Cars With Engines Mounted Backwards for a Reason

A sleek white vintage coupe parked on a paved driveway beside green grass and trees

Automotive engineering has always been about solving problems through creative design. While most vehicles follow familiar formulas, some manufacturers have challenged convention by turning engines around, reversing drivetrain layouts, or placing powerplants in unusual locations.…

8 States That Charge an Annual Property Tax Just for Owning a Car

Two dark hatchback cars parked side-by-side in an outdoor parking lot with a building and hill backdrop

Buying a car already feels like a financial marathon: the sticker price, the loan, the insurance, the gas. But in eight states, the bill doesn’t stop once you drive off the lot. Every single year,…

8 Maintenance Jobs You Can Do Without Losing Warranty Coverage

A pair of hands holds a dirty car cabin air filter inside a vehicle

Keeping your vehicle maintained does not automatically mean losing warranty protection. Many owners worry that routine services must be completed only at a dealership, yet federal rules provide important protections for consumers. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty…

What Your Car’s System Tells the Dealer Every Time You Get It Serviced?

Technician uses a diagnostic tablet computer mounted on a car steering wheel

Modern vehicles collect and share information every time they are driven, serviced, or connected to a manufacturer network. OEM telematics systems allow car companies and dealerships to access important vehicle data, helping technicians understand maintenance…

8 Repairs Dealers Quote High That Independents Do for Half

A mechanic works under a car elevated on a hydraulic lift in a repair shop

Car repairs can create unexpected financial pressure, especially when a dealership provides an estimate that feels far higher than expected. Many vehicle owners assume dealerships are always the safest option because they specialize in specific…

8 Safety Features Standard in Europe but Missing Here

A driver's view from inside a Mercedes showing a digital dashboard and advanced driver assistance systems

Vehicle safety standards differ significantly across regions because governments follow different testing systems, regulations, and priorities. European markets often use UNECE regulations, while the United States follows FMVSS rules established by federal authorities. These differences…

What Registration Data Says About Truck Ownership in Texas

Two pickup trucks parked in front of a background featuring the word Texas

Texas and trucks go together like barbecue and brisket, but the actual registration numbers tell a story that’s more interesting than the stereotype. Data compiled by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation using figures from S&P…