Liz Knueven

2 weeks ago | cnbc.com | Liz Knueven

The ongoing tariff war could cause already elevated car insurance rates to soar even higherThe 25% tariffs on cars and auto parts from Canada and Mexico will increase premiums by an average of 8% by the end of 2025, according to a study from insurance comparison platform Insurify, going from $2,313 a year up to $2,502. That's because the U.S. relies heavily on cars and auto parts made by its neighbors and pricier parts translate into higher premiums to cover repairing or replacing them.

3 weeks ago | cnbc.com | Liz Knueven

All but seven states allow car insurance companies to consider gender when determining premiums and, as recently as 2018, women paid more than men in half of U.S. states. Now, a new report indicates the pendulum has swung in the other direction: According to April 2025 data from insurance comparison site The Zebra, men pay higher average rates for full-coverage car insurance in 38 states.

3 weeks ago | cnbc.com | Liz Knueven

As an insurance reporter, I teach people how to save money on their policies without sacrificing coverage options or customer service. But I'm also a normal American with a car and a mortgage, who herself has to buy insurance. Among my key bits of advice is to always shop around: Some experts recommend switching companies every year to get the most competitive price.

3 weeks ago | cnbc.com | Liz Knueven

Unlike hurricanes, floods, wildfires and other natural disasters, earthquakes don't have an annual season that homeowners can prepare for. But they do hit certain parts of the country more than others. Your homeowners insurance policy typically won't cover earthquakes or landslides, however. To cover your home and your belongings, you'll need earthquake insurance — either a standalone policy or a rider to your existing home policy.

3 weeks ago | cnbc.com | Liz Knueven

Creating a will is an essential part of an estate plan, enabling you to make choices about how your assets are disbursed after you die. While it might seem intimidating to draft a legal document, online will-makers can make it easier. They allow you to work at your own pace, on your own time and without committing a lot of money or resources. They may not be the right option for everyone, though, especially if there are complicated family or financial dynamics.