By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton is criticizing California’s new replacement-tire efficiency standards, arguing they will limit consumer choice and increase costs for drivers. 

Gov. Gavin Newsom, however, says the regulations will save consumers money.

Hilton protested the standards Aug. 20 outside the California Energy Commission in Sacramento, where he and supporters chanted, “Hands off our tires.” The commission unanimously approved the regulations Aug. 17, making California the first state to adopt energy-efficiency standards for replacement tires.

“We are done with these bureaucrats and these politicians in our state, making everything so insanely expensive,” Hilton said at the protest.

Hilton said that, if elected governor, he would eliminate or defund the Energy Commission. His opposition to the tire standards is part of his broader criticism of California’s high cost of living.

Newsom defended the regulations Aug. 19, citing the commission’s projected savings for consumers.

“I think it was a good choice,” said Newsom. “Save a billion dollars a year in fuel. Talk about an affordability agenda, that makes sense to me.”

The Replacement Tire Efficiency Program sets limits on rolling resistance, which measures how much energy a tire requires to move along a road. Tires with lower rolling resistance can improve a gasoline-powered vehicle’s fuel economy or extend an electric vehicle’s driving range.

The first phase will take effect in 2029, setting a maximum rolling resistance of 9.1 newtons per kilonewton. A stricter limit of 7.2 newtons per kilonewton will take effect in 2033.

The Energy Commission says the standards will ensure that replacement tires are, on average, at least as energy efficient as those installed on new vehicles. The agency estimates the regulations will save Californians nearly $1 billion annually in gasoline and electricity costs while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by two million metric tons a year.

Some tire manufacturers, however, have raised concerns about the effect on prices and product availability. Goodyear estimates that about 70% of replacement tires currently sold in California would not meet the 2033 standard and argues that the regulations could increase costs for consumers.

The Energy Commission estimates the standards will add about $1.50 to the cost of each tire during the first phase and $6.50 per tire beginning in 2033. The commission projects that a driver with a gasoline-powered vehicle could save about $179 in fuel costs over the life of a set of tires meeting the 2033 standard.

The regulations exempt several specialty products, including competition, winter, used, retreaded, motorcycle and certain off-road tires.

By April D. Lee

Rising car insurance rates are forcing households to reconsider how much they drive, what coverage they carry, and which expenses can wait. Drivers can ease the pressure by comparing policies, reviewing deductibles, and removing unnecessary costs without giving up essential financial protection.

A routine renewal notice can now disrupt an entire household budget. The national combined average premium per insured vehicle reached $1,438 in 2023, representing a 14.42% increase from 2022, according to data cited by MarketWatch.

Higher premiums arrive as families already manage rising food, housing, utility, and transportation costs. Many households have little to no room to absorb another monthly increase. A much higher insurance bill may force drivers to delay repairs, reduce savings, use credit, or cut spending in other very important areas.

Canceling coverage may appear to offer immediate relief. However, driving without adequate insurance can expose a household to severe financial losses after a crash. A very careful policy review offers a safer way to control costs while protecting income, savings, and essential transportation.

Why Did My Car Insurance Go Up When Nothing Changed?

A clean driving record does not guarantee a stable premium. Insurance companies consider personal driving history, but they also examine broader risks affecting an entire area or group of policyholders.

Repair expenses remain one major factor. Modern vehicles often contain:

• Cameras
• Sensors
• Computers
• Electronic safety systems

A minor collision can damage equipment that requires specialized parts and trained technicians. Insurers may also adjust premiums because of:

• Higher medical expenses
• More expensive replacement parts
• Vehicle theft trends
• Severe weather losses
• Local crash frequency
• Uninsured motorists
• State insurance regulations

The 2026 insurance forecast from Inszone Insurance Services indicates that personal auto premiums may continue rising, although the pace of growth may slow. Claim expenses, labor costs, replacement parts, and legal settlements remain elevated.

Location can influence premiums as much as individual behavior. Dense traffic, regional weather patterns, repair prices, and local theft rates can cause car insurance increases at renewal.

Expired discounts may also raise the bill. A mileage change, new household driver, replacement vehicle, address change, or credit-based insurance adjustment may affect the insurer’s calculations.

Drivers should request a written explanation when a premium changes. An incorrect mileage estimate, missing discount, or outdated vehicle classification could increase the cost unnecessarily.

How Can I Lower My Car Insurance Rates Without Losing Coverage?

Start by requesting a new car insurance price quote from several carriers before the existing policy renews. Insurance companies use different formulas to measure risk. Two companies may offer very different prices for nearly identical protection.

Compare quotes using the same:

• Liability limits
• Deductibles
• Vehicle information
• Driver information
• Optional benefits
• Coverage periods

A lower quote may provide less protection. Review every limit and exclusion before changing carriers.

Drivers may also reduce premiums by increasing a deductible. However, the deductible must remain affordable. A $2,000 deductible offers little help when a household cannot produce $2,000 after a crash.

Usage-based insurance may benefit people who drive carefully or travel fewer miles. Telematics programs may track speed, braking, mileage, and driving times.

Higher Premiums Are Reshaping Household Decisions

Vehicle ownership now consumes a significant share of household income. LendingTree estimates that Americans with active auto loans spend $12,841 each year on vehicle ownership. The amount equals about 15% of the median household income.

Insurance accounts for an average of $2,277 per year within those ownership expenses, according to the same LendingTree study. Average insurance spending has increased 37.5% since 2021.

A premium increase can affect more than transportation. Families may reduce grocery spending, emergency savings, retirement contributions, debt payments, or medical care to keep a vehicle insured.

Repair Costs and Vehicle Choices Keep Rates Elevated

Parts, labor, medical treatment, and legal settlements continue to increase claim expenses. Weather losses and theft add pressure in many markets. Vehicle selection can also affect insurance expenses before a buyer signs a loan.

Certain vehicles cost more to repair or replace. Powerful engines, luxury parts, theft risk, and advanced technology can increase premiums.

Ways to Protect Coverage While Cutting Costs

A focused insurance review can produce meaningful savings without leaving the household exposed. Drivers can take several practical steps:

• Compare equal limits across at least three insurers.
• Ask which discounts are active or expiring.
• Remove duplicate roadside assistance benefits.
• Review rental reimbursement limits.
• Update annual mileage accurately.
• Check insurance costs before buying another vehicle.
• Save the full deductible before increasing it.
• Keep liability limits strong enough to protect household assets.

Liability coverage deserves special attention. A serious collision can create expenses that exceed a basic policy’s limits.

Guidance from a Phoenix car accident lawyer may become relevant when injuries, disputed fault, or an uninsured driver complicate a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Insurers Raise Rates Even When a Driver Has No Accidents?

Yes. A renewal premium can change because of:

• Statewide rate filings
• Regional claims
• Repair inflation
• Vehicle theft
• Severe weather
• Medical expenses
• A new insurer pricing model

A driver’s personal history remains important, but premiums also reflect losses within a wider insurance pool. Drivers should request an explanation and verify every detail on the policy. An incorrect address, annual mileage estimate, vehicle classification, or missing discount can affect the premium.

Is Dropping Full Coverage a Good Way to Save Money?

Dropping collision or comprehensive coverage may make sense for some older vehicles. Drivers should first consider whether they could replace the vehicle after:

• Theft
• Flooding
• Vandalism
• An at-fault crash

Lenders often require physical damage coverage on financed vehicles. Liability-only insurance does not pay to repair or replace the policyholder’s car. Compare the yearly savings with the financial loss the household could absorb.

What Role Can Regulators Play in Insurance Affordability?

State insurance departments review rate filings under rules that differ by state. Consumers can contact regulators when an increase appears incorrect or cannot be explained. Policy discussions also examine:

• Market competition
• Pricing transparency
• Consumer protections
• Regulatory authority

Take Control of Car Insurance Rates Before the Next Renewal

Rising car insurance rates deserve the same attention as a loan payment, utility bill, or housing expense. Drivers should begin shopping before renewal, compare policies with equal coverage, review available discounts, and choose deductibles they can afford.

Explore our other guides and articles for more practical news, consumer information, and financial guidance.

Mural honors Collier Brothers Auto Body’s 80 years of Black business history

Collier Brothers Auto Body reached the milestone its owners hoped to reach.

Five years ago, as the historic Black-owned St. Louis business celebrated its 75th anniversary, co-owner Craig Collier said he hoped to keep the shop going another five years — long enough to reach 80 years.

It did.

Collier Brothers, founded in 1946 and operated by generations of the same family, marked its 80th year before closing its doors June 1.

The family and community celebrated that history Saturday with the Common Ground Community Car Show & Block Party at the shop’s longtime home, 4561 Delmar Blvd. The event included the unveiling of a mural honoring the business.

Brothers Raymond Collier Sr. and Elie “Bud” Collier founded the business in March 1946 after returning from military service. Each contributed $350 in mustering-out pay — money provided to service members leaving the military — to help launch the shop. Raymond had served in the Navy and Elie in the Army.

In segregated St. Louis, the brothers established their business in Mill Creek Valley, the predominantly Black neighborhood that was later demolished as part of the city’s urban renewal program.

Collier Brothers moved five times before settling in 1958 at 4561 Delmar, where it would operate for nearly seven decades.

By the 1970s and ’80s, the shop was thriving.

“I remember my dad coming down here, seeing it really full,” Craig Collier, Elie Collier’s son, told The St. Louis American in 2021. “Back in the ’70s, you know, you couldn’t even walk inside the shop; it was just back-to-back cars.”

Collier had been coming to the shop since he was 3 years old and knew by about age 11 that he liked working with cars.

His cousin Wayne Jackson, Raymond Collier’s grandson, took a different path. Jackson spent 10 years working with computers for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department before joining the family business.

The cousins officially took over the shop in 1996, although the founders remained involved for years afterward.

Raymond Collier continued working well into his 70s before his death in 2014. Elie Collier, who devoted more of his later years to ministry, died in 2015.

As the decades passed, the business changed. Competition increased, and the shop was no longer packed with cars as it had been during its busiest years.

By its 75th anniversary in 2021, Collier and Jackson were considering what would happen when they were ready to step away.

“That’s what we’re kind of in limbo about,” Jackson told The American at the time. “They have a desire, but we haven’t mapped it all out yet. We haven’t decided what we’re doing. We’re trying to work on a succession plan.”

One possibility was Jackson’s daughter, Sydney, who was then finishing college at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. With the COVID-19 pandemic keeping her in St. Louis, she was helping answer phones at the shop and had begun thinking seriously about its future.

“It’s always been a family business,” she said in 2021. “We want to uphold that culture and the legacy that was set there by our forefathers.”

She also acknowledged that taking over an auto body shop had not been part of her original plans.

“I am not a business person,” she said. “But I don’t want to let the legacy go down.”

Craig Collier, meanwhile, was thinking about how much longer he could physically continue working in auto body. He told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 2021 that he hoped the business could make it another five years and reach its 80th anniversary.

Sydney Jackson declined to discuss the circumstances surrounding the shop’s closure on Saturday.

The shop’s history received renewed attention through the Missouri History Museum’s “Mill Creek: A Black Metropolis” exhibit, which included Collier Brothers in its examination of the once-thriving Black neighborhood.

Saturday’s celebration included the unveiling of a mural by artist Jen Everett. The mural was commissioned by Delmar Main Street through a public arts initiative funded by a grant from the City of St. Louis Community Development Administration.

The event comes as the Delmar corridor continues recovering from the May 2025 tornado, which caused extensive damage in North St. Louis and other parts of the city.

Sydney Jackson, who hosted Saturday’s event, said she hoped the car show would help bring people together and support efforts to revitalize the corridor.

“There’s community here, there’s love here, there’s entrepreneurial possibilities here,” she said.

Jackson said Delmar continues to represent two different experiences.

“There’s two different experiences going on on the North and the South side of the street at this point in history,” she said. “I think we need to realize that we both have value.”

Jackson said that means making space for both sides and “encouraging those on the North side to remember that they matter too.”

St. Louis American visual journalist Lawrence Bryant contributed to this report.

See full photo gallery here!

The post Milestone reached, legacy remains appeared first on St. Louis American.

Based on reporting by St. Louis American.

Nearly 92 percent of American households rely on a personal vehicle to manage their daily lives. Consumers shopping for a vehicle in May learned that the average cost of a new car was $49,307, and that used cars averaged $25,918, according to Cox Automotive.

But the high price of vehicles is not the only financial challenge confronting Black and other consumers of color. Discriminatory and predatory practices in the sale and financing of cars, including predatory lending, have pushed millions of buyers into longer and higher priced loans.  

A study by the National Fair Housing Alliance found that non-white test shoppers were given more expensive financing 62.5 percent of the time compared to white testers with equivalent or worse credit. Similarly, another recent independent study by the Century Foundation concluded that Black, Hispanic, and American Indian borrowers are given higher interest rates on auto loans across all credit tiers. Research published by the Federal Reserve found Black borrowers disproportionately pay the highest interest rate mark-up, resulting in more than $3,000 in additional interest over the life of the loan due to predatory lending practices.  

Now a new report released by the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) found that the terms of predatory loans as well as dealers and lenders conniving to drive up costs – not the consumers’ willingness to pay – made delinquency and default more likely. These tactics limit alternatives borrowers can pursue to lower their payments. This conclusion came through a series of consumer focus groups with subprime credit scores, most of whom are Black, reeling from the effects of predatory car loans.

High-pressure tactics, misleading claims about vehicle features or conditions, and aggressive upselling of overpriced add-ons and services together obscured the true cost of the vehicle and prevented consumers from making informed decisions. Beyond auto sale, dealer financing exposes consumers to interest rate markups, hidden fees, and unaffordable loan terms.

Nicole, a Black woman in her early 50s who lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota shared her personal story of urgently needing a vehicle as she went through a separation in which her former spouse kept their car.

A full-time employee at a nonprofit organization focused on ending homelessness, she earns less than $50,000 a year. She took out a loan for $19,000 with an interest rate of 24 percent and a 48-month term. In addition to the inflated sales price of the vehicle, the dealer included a $2,000 warranty and the lender rolled over a previous loan for a repossessed vehicle that significantly increased the total financing for Nicole.

Shortly after the sale, Nicole discovered the car lacked heat and had a failed engine, fuel pump, and water pump — all undisclosed problems requiring costly repairs that were not fully covered by the warranty. She now owes more on her car than it’s worth but still needs a way to get to work. Making payments has been a struggle and on a few occasions, the car has been taken away due to late payments.

“You pay that and nothing, nothing ever changes,” Nicole shared. “And even when it reports on the credit bureau, it says that I’m still past due, like, 31 payments, and they’ve come, they’ve taken the truck. I pay when I’m past due, and they give it back to me. So, it’s a vicious cycle.”

A portion of CRL’s report explains the costly and limited options lenders provide borrowers who fall behind on payments:

“A deferment lets a borrower skip a payment, but the skipped amount is added to the end of the loan along with additional interest. Lenders often describe deferments as just moving a payment to the end and does not disclose the true costs of doing so. However, the accumulating interest means borrowers end up paying more than the deferred payment and may become even more underwater as the car depreciates while the loan balance grows.”

“Isabelle,” a journalist in Florida using a pseudonym, related her experience with deferment:

“The problem with that is like they charge a daily interest, and you never catch up. Because I did that a couple of times, I was paying my car payment and then the payoff amount would not change at all, because the interest is so high, plus all those daily fees and everything. So, I didn’t have a choice. I had to do it. I do not recommend [it] if you can stretch and maybe borrow some money from family, friends, or whatever, because it’s better than to do that.”

Many auto lenders have also turned to technology that remotely disables vehicles if a borrower falls behind on payments. These “kill switches” can put drivers in physical as well as financial risk.

Monica, another borrower, told of the lender disabling her car while she was driving:

“I forgot that they have the GPS thing installed. My car is jerking and I’m on the side of the road. And so when I called roadside, they were like, we can’t help you. It’s this [start interrupter device] I’m like, you couldn’t send me an email? Like, you see my payment history. What if I was on the freeway, and not only just a regular street?”

CRL urges the Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and states to establish several consumer protections, including limits on how much lenders can charge.

“This report shows how the advantages auto dealers and lenders have over consumers result in exploitation,” noted Lucia Constantine, report co-author and a CRL senior researcher. “Our government must establish guardrails to protect consumers — like it did in the mortgage market.”

Based on reporting by Chicago Crusader.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

California residents purchasing their first zero-emission vehicle will soon be eligible for an instant rebate of up to $3,500 under a new state program aimed at making electric vehicles more affordable.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 168 on July 16, creating the MyFirstEV program as part of California’s 2026-27 state budget. The initiative dedicates $135.5 million in state funding for point-of-sale rebates, which participating automakers will match dollar for dollar. State officials said the combined investment will provide $270 million in savings for first-time electric vehicle buyers.

Beginning later this summer, eligible Californians can receive a $3,500 rebate on new zero-emission vehicles with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of up to $50,000. Buyers purchasing qualifying used electric vehicles priced at up to $25,000 can receive a $1,750 rebate. The rebate will be applied directly at participating dealerships, allowing buyers to receive the discount immediately instead of waiting for reimbursement.

“With our new instant rebate program for electric vehicles, we’re making it easier for families to drive clean, breathe clean, and keep more money in their pockets,” Newsom said in a statement.

The MyFirstEV program is part of a broader $600 million investment in California’s clean transportation economy included in the state budget. The funding package also provides $150 million for the Community Air Protection Program, $19.8 million for the Clean Cars 4 All program for lower-income residents, $35 million for clean off-road equipment through the Air Quality Improvement Program, $135.5 million for the Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project, and $130 million for the Carl Moyer Program to replace older heavy-duty engines with cleaner alternatives.

According to the governor’s office, the transportation investments are funded through Cap-and-Invest revenue and smog-abatement fees while maintaining a balanced state budget.

California continues to expand its zero-emission transportation network. The state surpassed 2.5 million cumulative zero-emission vehicle sales earlier this year, exceeding its original goal of 1.5 million sales by 2025. Officials also reported that California has more than 200,000 public and shared electric vehicle charging plugs statewide, in addition to an estimated 800,000 home charging stations.

The signs it may be time to let go of an old car include rising repair costs, declining reliability, safety concerns, and ownership expenses that no longer match the value the vehicle provides.

Some say a dog is man’s best friend, but anyone who’s owned a trusty vehicle for years might have a different opinion. That aging car has carried you through commutes, road trips, unexpected errands, and countless ordinary days. Even after 200,000+ miles, it keeps showing up, although lately it may be taking a little more effort to get going.

Cars break down, get repaired, and keep moving forward. However, even the most dependable vehicles eventually reach a point where keeping them going requires more effort than they are worth.

Knowing when a vehicle has completed its job is an important bit of car ownership.

Do Rising Repair Costs Signal That a Car May Have Reached Its Limit?

Every car needs repairs at some point. Replacing brakes, changing tires, or fixing a worn-out part are simply part of ownership. The warning sign appears when those repairs stop feeling like routine maintenance and become a constant cycle of expensive fixes.

A vehicle that once needed occasional attention may suddenly require one repair after another. One month it’s the transmission, the next it’s the suspension, and soon the cost of keeping the car running begins to add up.

There is no exact moment when a car becomes too expensive to keep, but when repair bills continue piling up, and the vehicle spends more time in the shop than on the road, it may be a sign that its best days are behind it.

When Declining Car Reliability Starts Affecting Your Daily Life

A car’s value isn’t only measured by repair bills. It also comes down to the confidence it gives you every time you turn the key.

A vehicle that once gave you freedom can slowly become something you worry about. When you start wondering whether it will make it to work, complete a long drive, or handle an important trip, reliability becomes a much bigger concern.

Small moments often reveal when a car is becoming more of a burden. Maybe you avoid driving certain distances, keep wondering when the next problem will appear, or find yourself planning around the possibility of a breakdown.

A vehicle should make life easier, not add another source of stress to your routine.

Safety Concerns Can Signal It’s Time to Move On

A car can still start every morning and get you from one place to another, but that doesn’t always mean it is providing the protection you need. Vehicle safety standards and technology have changed significantly over the years, and older cars may lack features that have become common in newer models.

Some signs that safety may be becoming a concern:

• Warning lights that indicate unresolved safety or mechanical issues
• Worn tires or braking problems that affect control
• Structural damage from previous accidents
• Outdated safety features compared to newer vehicles
• Limited visibility or outdated driver assistance features

When safety concerns begin affecting your confidence behind the wheel, it may be time to consider whether keeping it is still the right choice.

Declining Fuel Efficiency Can Make an Older Car Harder to Justify

Fuel costs are one of the easiest signs that a vehicle may be losing its value. An older car that once delivered decent mileage may start requiring more frequent trips to the gas station, adding another expense to daily driving.

Changes in fuel efficiency can happen for several reasons, including aging components, worn systems, or simply newer vehicles becoming much more efficient. While a pursuit of better mileage alone isn’t always a reason to replace a car, rising fuel costs can become another factor when deciding whether it still makes sense to keep driving it.

How Does the Cost of Ownership Compare With Upgrading?

Letting go of an old car after years of dependable ownership can feel strange. However, there comes a point when holding onto a vehicle may create more financial pressure than replacing it.

Adding up repair bills, fuel costs, insurance, and the time spent dealing with ongoing issues can reveal the bigger picture. In some cases, putting more money into an aging vehicle only delays an inevitable decision.

When a car has reached that stage, finding a practical way to move on can make sense. Options such as junk car removal for cash in NJ can help you clear out unwanted vehicles while recovering some value from a car that has reached the end of its useful life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should You Sell an Old Car Before It Stops Running?

Selling a vehicle while it is still operational can give you more options than waiting until a major failure occurs. A running car may be easier to sell or trade, while a vehicle with serious mechanical problems may have fewer buyers interested.

Can an Old Vehicle Still Have Value Even If It No Longer Runs?

Yes. A non-running vehicle may still have value through its usable parts, scrap materials, or salvage potential. The condition, make, model, and demand for its components can all influence its worth.

What Should You Do With a Car You No Longer Want?

You have several options, including selling privately, trading it in, donating it, or working with a vehicle removal service. The best choice depends on the car’s condition and how quickly the owner wants to move on.

Why Is It Difficult to Let Go of an Old Car?

Cars often become connected to important memories and life experiences. For many owners, replacing a vehicle is not just a financial decision but also an emotional one.

Know When to Part Ways With an Old Car

Every vehicle has a story, but even the most dependable cars eventually reach a point where moving on makes more sense. Rising repair costs, declining reliability, and changing needs can all signal that it’s time to consider a different path. Letting go of an old car doesn’t erase the memories you’ve created; it simply means recognizing when the next chapter is the better choice.

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