Table of contents for November/December 2023 in Consumer Reports

THE INTERNET has made holiday shopping more convenient for many of us. Last year, over 87 million Americans went online to shop on Black Friday. But that convenience comes at a steep price—the incessant chipping away at both our online security and our personal privacy. Nearly every time we buy something online (or merely do some browsing!), companies are tracking our shopping habits and collecting our personal information. What they learn about us often gets shared and sold to third parties, who target us with yet more marketing offers. And while a flood of, say, lawn chair ads can be annoying, our personal info may also be shared in inappropriate ways that expose us to online scams, or unfairly influence whether we get a loan or a job. Losing control…

Chromebooks WE TESTED: 52 models WE TEST FOR: The quality of a Chromebook’s display, as well as its overall performance, ergonomics, battery life, storage, and more. ABOUT THE SCORES: Median: 66 Range: 51-88 THIN & LIGHT 14-INCH DISPLAY Chromebook Vero 514 CBV514-1H-55VP $600 84 OVERALL SCORE LARGE 16-INCH DISPLAY Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Gaming Chromebook 16 $640 80 OVERALL SCORE 14-INCH TOUCHSCREEN WITH LONG BATTERY LIFE Lenovo Slim 3 Chromebook 14 $320 76 OVERALL SCORE HVAC Air Filters WE TESTED: 58 models WE TEST FOR: How well a filter cleared the air of dust, pollen, and smoke; how freely air passed through the unit; and more. ABOUT THE SCORES: Median: 31 Range: 11-75 BEST 4-INCH-THICK FILTER Aprilaire Healthy Home 213 MERV 13 $41 75 OVERALL SCORE BEST 5-INCH-THICK FILTER Lennox Healthy…

Stick With Me 6 pc Bonbon Box $28 Open up this “book” and you’ll find six glossy chocolates almost too pretty to eat, but we did anyway. They come in a mix of 24 possible flavors, and our tasters loved them all—especially the wild strawberry and pecan praline. Brooklyn Candle Studio Sweet Fig Minimalist $28 This 100 percent soy wax candle offers a sweetly calming fragrance that mixes fig with rosewood and patchouli. And it comes in an elegant glass jar with a brushed gold lid. Warrior 64118 Cordless Drill $30 This 18-volt model—good for general use—is easy to handle and quiet, and has a built-in LED light for when you’re working in low light. It also has a longer-than-average battery run time compared with other models we’ve tested. JBL…

Once you’ve settled on a camera type, you’ll need to decide on a specific model. There are two major factors to consider: the key features you may want and how comfortable a particular camera is to hold and use. Any highly rated camera will work well for most people, and in almost any situation. But some types of photography call for specific features. If you plan to shoot sports, wildlife, or kids who are often in motion, choose a camera with a fast maximum shutter speed (1/8000 of a second can freeze the action). Also look for models with a high rating for image stabilization, to help you produce blur-free pictures. If you’ll be shooting a lot indoors, and especially if you’re interested in portrait photography, look for a bigger…

Get Close to Your Subject Moving in really close gives you two advantages. For one, you gain a unique perspective that will feel fresh and intriguing. And because you’re filling the frame, you don’t have to worry about distractions in the background. When shooting from close up, use the wide-angle setting on your zoom lens. Experiment With Manual Settings Understanding exposure can help you capture the evocative lighting you see in your mind’s eye. To develop this skill, you could take a photography course. Or you could just play with your camera. Here’s how to get started: Most cameras have an “exposure compensation” dial or button. Take a shot with a normal automatic exposure. Then take shots at +1 and +2, and see how the image brightens. (Eventually, it will…

We Love … Handy Kitchen Helpers Drip Coffee Makers 87 TOP DRIP MODEL Calphalon 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker $110 Easy to set up, simple to program, and mess-free, this model makes a satisfying pot every time. For more versatility, the Ninja (far right) has drip, K-Cup, and over-ice functions. 83 BUDGETFRIENDLY BREWER Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Programmable 49465R $40 76 FLEXIBLE CHOICE Ninja DualBrew Pro 12-Cup CFP301 Coffee Maker $200 Dutch Ovens 87 ALL-AROUND WINNER Spice by Tia Mowry Savory Saffron Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven $80 From simmering rich sauces to baking up bread with a crispy crust, this colorful pot wowed our testers at every turn. Plus, it heats up quickly and wipes clean with ease. 80 AN EVEN NICER PRICE Ayesha Curry Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven $57 83 LIGHTER…

DRINK FEWER DAYS A WEEK If you currently have a drink every day of the week, pick one—or more—days when you don’t. And even if you drink only two or three times a week, consider adding another day to your nonalcohol days. HAVE ONE INSTEAD OF TWO On the days you do drink, have a single beer, cocktail, or glass of wine, not two. OPT FOR BEVERAGES WITH LOWER AMOUNTS OF ALCOHOL The alcohol by volume (ABV) can vary widely not just among beer, wine, and spirits but also among alcoholic beverages in the same category. For example, an India pale ale (IPA) beer may have 4.5 percent ABV—or 9 percent. Sweet wines such as Moscato D’Asti tend to have a lower ABV (around 5 percent) than, say, a California…

• HOW TO SHOP: Choose from gas or electric models. Generally, it’s easiest and cheapest to stick with the heat source you have. Gas models (which have gas-fueled stovetops and ovens, though dual-fuel options have electric ovens) provide the visual feedback of a flame but emit greenhouse gases and nitrogen dioxide, which has been linked to respiratory issues in children and others with underlying breathing problems. Electrics are emissions-free and span a larger range of prices: Old-timey electric-coil ranges are often the cheapest, while induction ranges are usually costliest. Smoothtops fall in between. Induction ranges tend to heat faster and simmer better than both gas and other electric ranges Slide-ins (front-mounted controls, no back panel) look more modern but can cost more. Some controls are digital push buttons; others are…

• HOW TO SHOP: Countertop microwaves are the biggest part of the market by far, with 59 percent of people currently owning or planning to buy one within the year, according to market research firm Mintel. Only 24 percent own or plan to purchase built-in varieties, which include over-the-range models, Mintel says. Drawer-style microwave ovens represent a small part of the market. Countertop models come in a wide range of sizes. We categorize those we test as small, midsized, and large—and you’ll find the best and worst of them below and on the following pages. (You can view our ratings for over-the-range microwave ovens on our website, at CR.org.) Both countertop and built-in microwaves might offer extra features beyond the typical heat and defrost. Built-ins tend to have more features…

• HOW TO SHOP: Two- or four-slice toasters are sufficient for couples or smaller families. (For larger households whose members don’t want to wait for breakfast, you’ll need to consider a toaster oven; some can make 14 slices at once.) Prices for CR’s recommended toasters range from as little as $25 to as much as $350. A toast-color dial, removable crumb tray, and “cancel” option are standard, and some pricier models offer digital displays, as well as settings for frozen bagels. Keep in mind: A toaster with an array of features isn’t necessarily great at its key function—toasting—so check our ratings. • WHAT TO AVOID: A toaster with slots less than 1½ inches wide might not be able to toast a bagel half or a thick slice of bread. Digital…

Increase your deductible HOW MUCH YOU CAN SAVE: $400 to $500 a year This timeless insurance advice saves you money because you’re increasing your potential out-of-pocket cost for repairs after a crash. Loretta Worters, vice president of media relations for the Insurance Information Institute, says that increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can bring your annual premium down by 20 to 25 percent, on average. “Just make sure you can afford to pay cash for repairs if you need to,” Bell says. “The average motorist doesn’t file a claim more than about once every couple of decades, so your likelihood of having to shell out for crash damage is actually pretty low.” Drop collision and comprehensive insurance HOW MUCH YOU CAN SAVE: About $1,000 a year Collision insurance covers…

Moving to a new area Insurance rates are highly dependent upon where you live. According to quotes from USAA, a move from suburban Scottsdale, Ariz., to urban Phoenix would raise your annual premiums by about $240. Your premium could drop if you move from a city to a more sparsely populated area. And if you move to an area with a high probability of severe weather events (hurricanes or floods), you’re also likely to see your premiums rise. Adding a teen driver Drivers between the ages of 16 and 17 are more likely to be involved in a crash than any other group. Adding a teen driver to your insurance policy can increase it a staggering $1,000 to $2,000 a year or more.…

Most filters last between three and 12 months. Life span varies by model, but in general, the thicker the disposable filter, the less often it needs changing. But the filter thickness you use is dictated by the type of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system you have. The 5-inch-thick Lennox (above) lasts about 12 months; the 1-inch Filtrete (also above) needs replacing every three months or so. You can also find washable filters, which last longer (some are claimed to last several years), but they need to be cleaned every month—and none of the ones we’ve tested earned a CR recommendation. Before you replace a disposable filter, check its condition. If it looks clean, it can be used a bit longer. But if it’s visibly dirty, it’s time to replace…

THESE MOPS clean your floors without the mess and hassle of using an ordinary squeeze mop. You press a button to heat water from a refillable tank to create steam and move the mop pad over your floor. The steam evaporates quickly, leaving you with streak-free, dry floors. Steam mops cost more than a typical mop and bucket—from $60 to $350—and some do a much better job than others. The models shown here were tops in tests where they had to clean up ceramic floors covered in dried ketchup, mustard, and jam. We especially liked the models with special features, such as a detachable handheld cleaner on the mop’s base—offered on the Bissell and PurSteam models at right. Tineco Floor One S5 $350 (at right) 90 OVERALL SCORE PurSteam 10-1 Therma…

WHEN SHOPPING for a mattress, most people don’t negotiate the sticker price they see in stores or online. But speaking up pays off: Our latest survey of CR members found that 63 percent of mattress shoppers who said they negotiated to get a lower price were successful, saving a median of $258. “Haggling works,” says Martin Lachter, who oversees CR mattress surveys. “Even a customer who does nothing other than ask for a break on the price will, more often than not, be successful.” In fact, our survey of 6,139 CR members showed that 61 percent of those who asked a seller (online or in store) for a lower price got one. But that’s not the only way to score a deal. Here, other smart tactics our members have used.…

TO STAY INFORMED ABOUT RECALLS FOR YOUR VEHICLES, READERS WITH MEMBERSHIP CAN USE OUR FREE CAR RECALL TRACKER AT CR.ORG/MORE. TOYOTA TUNDRA PICKUP TRUCKS Toyota is recalling 168,179 2022-2023 Tundra and Tundra Hybrid pickup trucks because a plastic fuel line may start to leak and cause a fire. During regular driving, the plastic tube might rub against the brake line, which could wear out the plastic and cause a fuel leak. If this happens, owners may notice the smell of gas or leaking fuel. What to do: Owners of recalled vehicles will be notified to take their vehicles to a Toyota dealer. The dealers will replace the fuel tube at no charge. Toyota is currently preparing the remedy parts for this recall, but in the meantime, the dealers will install…

As you become a more accomplished photographer, you may find that the zoom lens that came with your mirrorless camera, versatile as it is, can’t do everything you’d like. You’re probably familiar with telephoto lenses that let you zoom in on distant action. But wide angle and macro lenses can be equally important for certain subjects. The first step is to think about the kind of photography you want to do. Then decide on whether to buy an additional lens and which one to select. You can also rent a lens for a special occasion, such as a wildlife safari. Wildlife and Action Shots For taking pictures of birds and other animals, a really long zoom telephoto lens—over 200 mm, or even bigger than 500 mm—lets you fill the frame…

Digital and All Access members can find the latest, complete ratings at CR.org/cameras. HOW WE TEST: Overall Score combines test results with data from the 2020, 2021, and 2022 Spring Quarterly Surveys of CR members. Predicted reliability, based on survey data, indicates the likelihood that new models from the brand will develop problems within the four years. Owner satisfaction, also survey-based, reflects the proportion of CR members who are extremely likely to recommend the camera they bought. A gray dash (–) indicates insufficient data for a brand-level rating. Image quality combines several tests, including regular, low-light, and flash photos; color tests; and more. Ease of use covers the camera’s controls, manual, response time, and focusing. Video quality covers both regular and low light; audio is also considered. Flash photos captures…

We Love … Great Gadgets TVs 87 EXCEPTIONAL 65-INCH MODEL LG OLED65G3PUA $3,300 This top-rated LG 4K smart TV really has no weaknesses. The picture quality is excellent and it’s among the brightest OLED TVs we’ve tested, with vibrant, colorful images. Sound is above average, too. 74 IMPRESSIVE 43-INCH OPTION Samsung QN43QN90C $1,200 65 BUDGET 65-INCH PICK Roku 65R6A5R $600 Smartwatches 90 WINNING WATCH Apple Watch Ultra GPS + Cellular (49mm) $795 The Apple Watch Ultra is built with durability in mind, with a rugged titanium case and an extra-long battery life. And the big, bright display makes it easy to read on the go. 87 ANDROIDCOMPATIBLE CHOICE Google Pixel Watch LTE $400 87 GREAT FEATURES FOR LESS Samsung Galaxy Watch5 LTE (40mm) $330 Smartphones 86 MOST ADVANCED FUNCTIONS Apple…

For the best results when dealing with customer service, you want to get the rep to see your point of view. “The approach should be that the representative is your partner in crime, and you’re trying to collaborate with that person,” says Andres Lares, managing partner at the Shapiro Negotiations Institute in Baltimore. “You’re not negotiating against them, you’re negotiating with them.” At right are phrases he suggests you use. “Have you ever been able to help another customer who had the same problem? Can you tell me more about that and what you were able to do?” This phrasing gives the customer service representative a chance to consider a solution that may have worked for other customers in the past. Their answer might prompt you to share additional details…

WHEN YOU MAKE A COCKTAIL or grab a bottle of beer, are you having just one drink? Maybe not. Researchers typically define “one standard drink” as a beverage that contains about ½ ounce (1.2 tablespoons) of pure alcohol. But depending on the strength of the booze—measured by the percentage of alcohol by volume, or ABV—as well as how much you pour, what you’d consider one drink could actually be one-and-a-half or even two drinks. Here’s what counts as one drink of various types of alcohol, based on ABV and the size of the drink. If the ABV or amount you serve yourself is higher than what’s listed here, you’re consuming more than one drink. WINE 5 ounces about 12 percent ABV Check the ABV on bottles. It can vary. HARD…

DIMMING THE DISPLAY You can dim the brightness with a slider tool. If you select the dark display, the background shifts from white to black. Scroll to Auto-Lock (Apple) or Screen Timeout (Samsung) to make the screen turn off after 30 seconds of inactivity. REDUCING APP REFRESHES In the background activity settings, you can choose which apps get refreshed with new data when you’re not using them. (Or you can stop background refreshes on all of them.) For iPhone apps, it’s a simple thumbs-up or thumbs-down decision. On a Samsung phone, you can assign apps to three buckets: Sleeping, Deep Sleeping, or Never Sleeping. Deep Sleeping apps never refresh in the background, and Sleeping apps refresh “only occasionally.”…

• HOW TO SHOP: As with ranges, you can choose between gas and electric, then consider the features that make the most sense to you. Beyond that, evaluate the cooktop’s sizing. Most are 30 or 36 inches wide, and that’s what we test. If you entertain frequently, a larger size enables you to work on as many as six burners at once. But most people will be well-served by a 30-inch model with four or five burners, sometimes costing a few hundred dollars less. While you can shop at big-box stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s), you’ll often find more selection at dedicated appliance retailers (AJ Madison, Appliances Connection) and showrooms (like those in local design centers or at Ferguson, a national chain). • WHAT TO AVOID: Don’t feel compelled to match…

• HOW TO SHOP: Consider how many people you’ll typically feed. One- to three-person households can usually get by with a smaller-capacity fryer of 4 quarts or less. But families of four or more should opt for larger capacities of 5 quarts and up, while also being realistic about countertop space. If you plan to use your air fryer for day-to-day meal prep, look for a model with preprogrammed cook settings and the ability to bake, broil, and reheat. These features can be found in inexpensive models as well as pricier ones. Air fryers that come with a single basket are still the most popular, but you can now also find models that offer trays or two baskets. • WHAT TO AVOID: Steer clear of air fryers that feature large…

AHEAD OF THE CURVE Digital Car Keys Get Smarter A growing number of automakers are allowing drivers to use a smartphone app as a fully functioning car key, including BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, and Tesla. Unlike earlier car key apps that only let you remotely start, cool/warm, or lock/unlock a vehicle, these new ones let you drive without a key fob. Some may even allow you to share a temporary key with another driver through Apple or Google Wallet. But check the fine print: Some smartphone “app keys” work only with certain phones. Of course, these functions depend on the phone being on and charged. TIP FROM THE TEST TRACK Stay Safe When Driving With Pillows, Seat Belt Handles, and Other Add-Ons Need to feel more comfortable behind the wheel?…

INSURANCE COMPANIES OFFER several types of coverage to protect you financially when you’re involved in a crash. But the most important is liability coverage, which pays for costs related to the injury or death of passengers in another car as well as any damage to other vehicles and property if it's determined that you were at fault in a crash. (Liability coverage also covers passengers in your car.) Almost every state requires liability coverage. In Virginia, for example, the minimum coverage required by law is $30,000 per person and $60,000 per incident for bodily injury or death of two or more people, and $20,000 for property damage. (This is usually stated on an insurance policy as $30,000/$60,000/$20,000 or simply 30/60/20.) Experts say most state minimum coverage requirements are woefully inadequate.…

CAR INSURANCE PREMIUMS tend to decrease as you age. But that can change once you reach your 70s, which is when crash rates begin to slowly tick up, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Based on average annual insurance costs from Bankrate, a consumer financial services company, premiums for 70-year-old drivers are about 8 percent higher than for drivers who are 60 years old. “If you’re an older driver who hasn’t been in a crash and your rates go up sharply, consider changing insurers,” says Chuck Bell, CR's programs director for advocacy. “You can ask your existing company to provide a more competitive quote, but be prepared to vote with your feet if you don’t like their answer.” Bell says that some insurers, including Geico and The…

MOST PEOPLE GIVE little thought to their car’s shifter. According to a recent CR survey, more than 99 percent of CR members report driving newer cars with automatic transmissions, which require you to just pop it into Drive or Reverse to go, set it to Neutral at the car wash, and put it into Park at the end of a trip. But a lot of automatic transmissions have shifters with settings that can make driving more fun, reduce brake wear and tear, and give you an edge in certain driving situations. “For decades, most new cars have come equipped with transmission features that can help you drive your car more safely, and maybe even give you a little more enjoyment,” says John Ibbotson, chief mechanic at CR’s Auto Test Center.…

SMALL HATCHBACKS Chevrolet Trax Feature-Packed but Short on Comfort 58 OVERALL SCORE ROAD-TEST SCORE 64 HIGHS Responsive acceleration, good fuel economy, roomy interior for its size, nice features for the price LOWS Noisy cabin, low-end interior, no all-wheel-drive option POWERTRAIN 137-hp, 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine; 6-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive FUEL 31 mpg on regular PRICE $20,400-$23,900 base price + $1,095 destination charge Total MSRP as tested $24,680 THE REDESIGNED TRAX is a slam dunk when it comes to value: heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a wireless charger, all for under $25,000 as tested. But an uneven power delivery, pronounced cabin noise, and barely tolerable front seats resulted in a mediocre road-test score. DRIVING EXPERIENCE The Trax’s turbocharged three-cylinder feels energetic…

1936 In our first ever issue, we test women’s stockings for durability and comfort. Siren stockings are top-rated and a great deal at just 25 cents a stocking. 1947 This Sunbeam Mixmaster is tops in our tests of six electric food mixers. It excels at blending batter and juicing, and is easy to clean. 1958 A top product of the year, this RCA vacuum impresses CR with its superior cleaning and a special new feature: an electric rotating brush in the nozzle. 1965 Our testers rave about new and convenient “boil-in-the-bag” vegetables. There’s “no sauce to make, no saucepan to wash,” we say, and give high ratings to Flav-R-Pac and Seabrook Farms. 1974 We love the Arrow Getaway oxford shirt, $8 to $12, which passes our durability test and can…

CAN YOU TRUST the miles per gallon number listed on a new car’s window sticker? According to CR’s tests, not always. That window sticker displays Environmental Protection Agency fuel-economy ratings, which are derived from tests done in labs—not from driving on roads. CR has found that these estimates can be optimistic. For our fuel-economy tests, we precisely measure fuel consumption while driving on CR’s track as well as on public highways to get real city, highway, and overall mileage. Not surprisingly, hybrids do best in our tests. (In fact, the Nissan Kicks is the only nonhybrid that makes this list.) That’s because hybrid powertrains cleverly combine a small gas engine augmented by an electric motor and a battery pack to optimize fuel economy. Hybrids are also able to recapture energy…

MIRRORLESS Nikon Z 50 $1,000 83 OVERALL SCORE POINT-AND-SHOOT Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10 $450 81 OVERALL SCORE HAS THIS EVER happened to you? You’re walking through the park, and you spot a colorful bird perched in a tree, pull out your phone, and take a picture. But the image is so blurry and poorly lit that you delete it. If you’ve been disappointed by your cell phone’s ability to capture a gorgeous sunset or a fastmoving soccer game, it might be time to consider getting a stand-alone camera. While today’s smartphones have capable cameras, their tiny lenses do limit image quality. A dedicated camera—like the one you probably had once upon a time—can give you truly excellent images. Like the film cameras of decades ago, modern digital models can take sharp…

Many of the thousands of products CR tests each year boast an impressive mix of those attributes, and we share them with you in the ratings we include in each issue. But a few products impress our experts so much they deserve special attention. These selections not only sail through our tough tests, they also offer something extra, like a problem-solving design, super-energy-efficient operation, or an unbelievably low price. They’re the very best of the best. Read on to see the Top Picks of 2023—the 101 products that CR’s experts recommend to their families, friends, and now, to you.…

Consumer Reports employs three full-time “secret shoppers” including John (not his real name, of course), who buys most of the products we test, including appliances, tech products, and mattresses. John has been shopping for CR for 30 years. He regularly deals with service reps when there are delivery problems or when products arrive with broken or missing parts. Here are his top tips for getting the best customer service: DO Get prepped Before you contact customer service, gather the necessary paperwork. You’ll probably need your order number, account number, the date the transaction took place, and perhaps the warranty. In the case of appliances, you’ll also need the serial number. DON’T Show up at a store right before closing needing help You’ll typically get the best in-person customer service if…

If you haven’t shopped for new cooking appliances lately, you’re in for a few surprises. “In the last decade or so, we’ve seen an explosion of features on everything from cooktops to microwaves,” says Antonella Pomilla, CR’s senior market analyst who covers major cooking appliances. Think toaster ovens that can also air-fry. Ranges that program themselves to crisp up a perfect pizza. Induction cooktops that turn themselves off when you remove the pan. While some new features may seem unnecessary, others can be genuinely helpful, taking care of mundane tasks so that you can focus on the rest of your life. “Salespeople will try to dazzle shoppers because they know new features help pricier models stand out,” Pomilla says. “The trick is to know what’s out there, think about how…

• HOW TO SHOP: Single wall ovens will suffice for most households. But if you’re a busy baker, particularly around the holidays, a double oven, with two cavities of the same size, can be helpful. The catch? They’re also often double the price of a single wall oven. Another alternative is the combo wall oven, which pairs a built-in microwave over a wall oven. But you’ll pay a premium there, too—single wall ovens start around $1,200, while combos are at least $2,000. Focus on the features you care about. A built-in probe for cooking to an exact internal temperature is great if you often make roasts. Some models even shut off once the desired food temperature is reached. Ovens with air-fry settings have more capacity than a countertop air fryer.…

• HOW TO SHOP: Check out the toaster oven’s dimensions and capacity—and make sure it fits on your kitchen countertop. If space permits, consider buying a large-capacity toaster oven (more than 0.5 cubic foot). These ovens generally cost $200 and up, but they’ll also provide you the space to roast a chicken or bake cookies in a 9x13-inch baking pan. And that versatility will not only allow you to use your main oven less but also provide an extra place to cook up appetizers or sides when you’re entertaining. But if you typically make single portions of food, a smaller model might be a more suitable and cost-effective choice. • WHAT TO AVOID: Most toaster ovens heat to 450° F, with some reaching as high as 500° F. That may…

LIKE MANY AMERICANS, you’ve probably watched your car insurance premiums go up hundreds of dollars over the last two years. Even as inflation has cooled, insurance prices have remained high due to more crashes, increased litigation, and higher repair costs. Nationwide, the average premium increase was nearly 18 percent, according to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. But some states have felt even more pain, with rates up 88 percent in Florida and around 50 percent in Colorado, Nevada, and New York since 2018, according to FINN, a car subscription service company that analyzes market data. How can you lower your premiums? For starters, switch insurance companies. According to CR’s 2022 national survey of 11,509 drivers, consumers who took their business to another company not only saved money on car…

Getting married or divorced Adding a driver to a policy can increase premiums, but if that person has a clean driving record, your rates shouldn’t change much. Adding someone with a history of filing claims or with moving violations on their record, on the other hand, can increase your rate, whereas removing that person can result in significant savings. Changing jobs You could pay a lower premium if your new commuting distance is shorter or if you’re now working from home. You can generally save $100 on premiums if you drive less than 10,000 miles per year.…