# Auto insurance rates are skyrocketing in part because repair costs are surging, because there aren’t enough mechanics **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [January 19, 2026, 9:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870 "2026-01-19T21:51:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2026, 3:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870/85 "2026-02-28T03:19:06Z")
> [@bing](#): > > Instead of $500 for dent repair, add $20,000 for sensor replacement plus wait for stock outs. Collision mitigation sensors on all sides, keyless entry transmitters that are difficult to manage… Some forum members of the past believe modern vehicles are over-loaded with features or “gimmicks”, the reason some people prefer older cars. Those people were criticized for their outdated views. ---
**Author:** ![wolyrobb](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/wolyrobb/32/45497_2.png) [@wolyrobb](https://community.cartalk.com/u/wolyrobb)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2026, 8:07am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870/86 "2026-02-28T08:07:09Z")
Rear quarter panel replacement in a Rivian R1T was quoted to an owner at $41,000 with all the labor. For a dent. PDR specialist agreed to try and appears to have fixed it. Then you have $3,000 radar sensors on the friar of Hondas that get stolen ir damaged in minor accidents. [![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/b/e/be84d027503ddf56aee22c2c42bb4ca77ebd048e.jpeg "$41,000 To Fix This Dent？! ｜ #bodyrepair #paintlessdentrepair #rivian") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M90L9FAQOr0) ---
**Author:** ![RandomTroll](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/randomtroll/32/12184_2.png) [@RandomTroll](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RandomTroll)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2026, 3:32am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870/87 "2026-03-11T03:32:16Z")
That’s a more-complicated car, with a more-sophisticated problem. I have a simple car that had a simple problem: one circuit drew more current than its fuse, even with everything off. Being a cheapie who has nothing better to do I tested every wire, which required cutting each one because it was a 15-amp fuse on a 12-volt system, and I didn’t have an ohmmeter that would read that low accurately. The extra burner is that it was the last one I tested. What would a professional have done? ---
**Author:** ![old\_mopar\_guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/6bbea6/32.png) [@old\_mopar\_guy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/old_mopar_guy)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2026, 7:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870/88 "2026-03-11T19:52:36Z")
NJM is a mutual company? I didn’t know that. ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2026, 8:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870/89 "2026-03-11T20:33:18Z")
Yes, it is a mutual insurance company. In addition to very competitive rates and excellent customer service, I get a dividend (rebate) from them most years, for 10% of the annual premium. I’ve been with them for ~20 years, and I have no complaints whatsoever. I use them to insure my home, as well as my vehicle, and I also have an Umbrella Liability policy with them. At one time, they only wrote policies in NJ, but now anyone with a good driving record in NJ/PA/CT/MD/OH can be insured by them. As you may know, even with their limited footprint, they are consistently rated as one of the top 3 car insurance companies in the entire US. ---
**Author:** ![TwinTurbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8baadc/32.png) [@TwinTurbo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TwinTurbo)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2026, 12:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870/90 "2026-03-12T12:07:12Z")
> [@RandomTroll](#): > > Being a cheapie who has nothing better to do I tested every wire, which required cutting each one because it was a 15-amp fuse on a 12-volt system, and I didn’t have an ohmmeter that would read that low accurately. The extra burner is that it was the last one I tested. What would a professional have done? I’m no professional mechanic but do have an electrical engineering background and do my own work like this. I had a similar problem and although I could have brought home an expensive differential ohmmeter, I chose to tackle it with simpler means. First, I installed a resettable .circuit breaker in place of the fuse. They sell them in the same form factor as the fuses but they are wider so I just tacked it onto the back of a normal fuse and inserted it. This allows repeated faults to happen without wasting a dozen fuses. Then I used a clamp on ammeter with my DVM to measure current without cutting wires. Then it’s just a matter of following the branches to find the fault. > [@RandomTroll](#): > > The extra burner is that it was the last one I tested Isn’t that almost always the way it goes? but this reminded me of the exchange; where did you find your keys? They were in the last place I looked. Naturally, you wouldn’t keep looking once you found them 😉 ---
**Author:** ![LoudThunder](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/loudthunder/32/27769_2.png) [@LoudThunder](https://community.cartalk.com/u/LoudThunder)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2026, 2:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870/91 "2026-03-12T14:19:28Z")
> [@TwinTurbo](#): > > They were in the last place I looked. Naturally, you wouldn’t keep looking once you found them 😉 When I misplace my keys, I always start my search in the room with the best lighting… 😂🤣😁 ---
**Author:** ![TwinTurbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8baadc/32.png) [@TwinTurbo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TwinTurbo)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2026, 4:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870/92 "2026-03-12T16:47:18Z")
I tried going to the last place first but the universe decided to mess with those plans. Maybe I’ll try your approach next time! ---
**Author:** ![asemaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@asemaster](https://community.cartalk.com/u/asemaster)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2026, 5:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870/93 "2026-03-12T17:40:41Z")
> [@RandomTroll](#): > > The extra burner is that it was the last one I tested. That’s better than getting to the last one and not finding anything wrong. ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2026, 9:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870/94 "2026-03-12T21:08:49Z")
You can also plug in a sealed beam in place of the fuse that keeps popping If it’s bright, your short is still there When you start unplugging stuff and the sealed beam extinguisher, you’ve found the problem . . Or at least got very close ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2026, 10:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870/95 "2026-03-12T22:03:26Z")
LoudThunder: When I misplace something, particularly small items like keys, phone, etc, I usually find it in one of my pockets..! ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2026, 11:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870/96 "2026-03-12T23:56:26Z")
I rarely loose or misplace anything but one morning i had a meeting out of town and parked in the ramp. When done I reached for my bill fold to pay the ramp but my pocket was empty. No cash, debit cards, or nothing. Luckily I scraped up $10 from my pocket so I didn’t have to go beg for a loan. When I got home I was relieved to find it still on the dresser. Glad I had a full tank of gas for the 60 miles. ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2026, 12:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870/97 "2026-03-13T00:48:05Z")
> [@bing](#): > > I rarely loose or misplace anything I am the KING of misplacing stuff…! Wallet, keys, TV remotes, anything small-ish especially. Been that way as far back as I can remember. Issues . . . ---
**Author:** ![RandomTroll](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/randomtroll/32/12184_2.png) [@RandomTroll](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RandomTroll)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2026, 2:33am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870/98 "2026-03-31T02:33:07Z")
> [@TwinTurbo](#): > > , I installed a resettable .circuit breaker in place of the fuse. T Yes, That’s better. I didn’t know about it. > [@TwinTurbo](#): > > Isn’t that almost always the way it goes? I mis-stated. It was the very last circuit in the harness, not just the last 1 I tested. > [@asemaster](#): > > That’s better than getting to the last one and not finding anything wrong. Yes. I’ve done that. > [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](#): > > When I misplace something, particularly small items like keys, phone, etc, I usually find it in one of my pockets..! I’ve made a habit of having an official place to put everything so even when I don’t think it’s usually there. > [@bing](#): > > . When done I reached for my bill fold to pay the ramp but my pocket was empty. I have some cash hidden. Probably by the time I need it I’ll have forgotten where I hid it. ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2026, 2:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870/99 "2026-03-31T02:48:34Z")
Wouldn’t have done much good if it was hidden in my billfold. But yeah I used to keep a couple hundred in the car but guess I spent it.. Going through my dad’s billfold after he died, i found a ten dollar bill hidden. I sent my sister five. ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2026, 3:11am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870/100 "2026-03-31T03:11:38Z")
> [@RandomTroll](#): > > I’ve made a habit of having an official place to put everything so even when I don’t think it’s usually there. I have different official places every day… 😆 I could take my car keys out my pocket, put them on a table right in front of me, and be looking all over for them in less than a minute! ---
**Author:** ![TwinTurbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8baadc/32.png) [@TwinTurbo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TwinTurbo)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2026, 2:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870/101 "2026-03-31T14:25:43Z")
Ever heard of the Uncle that died and left equal shares to each of his three nephews he did not like with the stipulation they had to throw it into his casket before he was buried. After the service, they are sitting in a bar and the first nephew says he has a confession to make, he did not throw all the money into the casket. He only threw in 1/2 and kept the other 1/2 for himself. The second nephew then pipes up- as long as we’re being honest, I only threw in 1/3 and kept 2/3 for myself. The last nephew says he is ashamed of them both, he threw in a check for the full amount… 😄 Admirable you split even that small amount! ---
**Author:** ![RandomTroll](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/randomtroll/32/12184_2.png) [@RandomTroll](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RandomTroll)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2026, 1:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870/102 "2026-04-01T13:41:15Z")
> [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](#): > > I have different official places every I’ve been able to habituate myself. I’ve looked for glasses that I was wearing. ---
**Author:** ![LoudThunder](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/loudthunder/32/27769_2.png) [@LoudThunder](https://community.cartalk.com/u/LoudThunder)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2026, 6:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870/103 "2026-04-01T18:43:15Z")
> [@TwinTurbo](#): > > he threw in a check for the full amount… I heard it differently… An older rich gentleman married a much younger wife… He promised her that she would never want for anything while they were married, but in the Pre-nups, he specified that all of his money would be buried with him and she promised that she would make sure his wishes would be met… The young wife fulfilled that promise by tucking a check for the full amount in his vest pocket as he lay in his coffin… ---
**Author:** ![Purebred](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/purebred/32/46796_2.png) [@Purebred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Purebred)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2026, 1:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870/104 "2026-04-02T13:44:28Z")
That particular joke predates when pre-nups became common. I heard it as a Mafia boss and his top Lieutenants. [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-rates-are-skyrocketing-in-part-because-repair-costs-are-surging-because-there-aren-t-enough-mechanics/204870.md?page=4)