56 - A Crash Course on Auto Insurance

February 8, 2024

56 – A Crash Course on Auto Insurance

Host: Herb Weisbaum

Kevin Brasler - Checkbook's Executive Editor

Most drivers find a policy, pay the premium, and never think about it again. Big mistake! Checkbook shoppers find huge price differences from company to company. Most drivers will save $500 to $1,000 a year by shopping around and switching if they find a better deal.

In this episode: Which insurance companies have the best prices? Which ones provide the best customer service? Do price comparison websites work? Plus, why do many insurance companies use credit scores to set their rates?

⁠Read Checkbook’s full report on auto insurance.⁠

Support our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/consumerpedia/support

auto, insurance

Related Episodes

March 12, 2026

104 – Tips for Buying a New or Used Car

Host: Herb Weisbaum

Jon Linkov – Deputy Content Editor, Consumer Reports Autos; Keith Barry – Senior Autos Editor, Consumer Reports; Stef Schrader – Autos Reporter, Consumer Reports

If you haven’t purchased a car in a few years, expect to find a market dominated by SUVs. And be prepared for sticker shock: The average price for a new vehicle is at an all-time high, around $50,000! Unfortunately, used cars aren’t the bargain they used to be.

In this episode, we talk with the editors at Consumer Reports about their Top Picks for 2026—these cars, trucks, and SUVs are the cream of the crop. Also, how to choose a vehicle you really like, and what to consider before buying a used car or truck.

Related Consumerpedia Episodes:
#56 – A Crash Course on Auto Insurance
#21 – Auto Glass Class: How to Get Repairs and Replacements

Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

auto

January 15, 2026

100 – Checkbook’s College of Consumer Knowledge #2

Host: Herb Weisbaum

Lisa Dent - Afternoon Host, WGN Radio; Steve Bertrand - News Anchor (retired), WGN Radio

To celebrate our 100th episode, we’ve asked two veteran Chicago broadcasters to take Checkbook’s College of Consumer Knowledge quiz. Lisa Dent is the popular afternoon host at WGN Radio. Steve Bertrand, her longtime news anchor, came out of retirement to challenge her. Play along with our celebrity contestants to test your consumer IQ. The questions are difficult!

You might also want to play the online version of Checkbook’s College of Knowledge. Topics include auto, food, and your money.

Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

auto, college of knowledge, finance, food, money

April 3, 2025

83 – Tips for Buying a New, Used, or Electric Car

Host: Herb Weisbaum

Mike Quincy - Consumer Reports Autos; Ivan Drury - Director of Insights at Edmunds

Whether you’re planning to buy a new or used vehicle, be prepared for sticker shock. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average new car sold for $48,600 in February. The average used car buyer paid $25,100. With so much money on the line, you really need to do your homework before driving off with a new set of wheels.

In this episode: The 10 top picks and the latest reliability ratings from Consumer Reports, advice for anyone considering an electric vehicle, and why used cars are going to cost more this year.

Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠.

auto, electric vehicles, saving energy

May 30, 2024

64 – EV Update 2024

Host: Herb Weisbaum

Alex Knizek, Manager of Auto Testing and Insights at Consumer Reports; Steven Elek, Senior Automotive Data Analyst at Consumer Reports

Americans bought a record 1.2 million electric vehicles last year, and EV sales continued to grow in the first quarter of 2024, although at a slightly slower pace than anticipated.

Buyers have more choices than ever: More than 40 electric cars, trucks, and SUVs from both U.S. and foreign manufacturers. Battery range has improved, and some lower-priced models are now available.

In this episode, how to decide which non-conventional vehicle might be right for you. Do EVs live up to their range promises? Consumer Reports creates a special test to find out. Plus, why are electric vehicles less reliable than conventional cars?

Additional Resources:

From Checkbook:

Consumerpedia Episode 63: The Car Show 2024

Car Buying Strategies

Crash Course on Auto Insurance

From Consumer Reports:

CR’s Real-World EV Range Tests Show Which Models Beat EPA Estimates

Electric Vehicles Are Less Reliable Than Conventional Cars

Best Electric Cars

Hybrid & EV Buying Guide

Support our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/consumerpedia/support

auto, electric vehicles, saving energy

May 16, 2024

63 – The Car Show 2024

Host: Herb Weisbaum

Mike Quincy - Consumer Reports auto tester and writer; Keith Barry - Consumer Reports veteran auto reporter

The car market has nearly recovered from the pandemic. Dealers have good supply of both new and used vehicles, and that’s pushing down prices: The average new-car buyer paid $47,000 in March, according to Kelley Blue Book. That’s a two-year low, but still nearly 16% higher than in March 2021. With more cars on the lot, some dealers and manufacturers are offering bigger incentives.

In this episode, the latest new-vehicle reliability ratings from Consumer Reports, the right way to take a test drive, and how to get the best deal on that new car. Plus, should you use a buying service to simplify the process?

Additional Resources:

From Checkbook:

Car Buying Strategies

Crash Course on Auto Insurance

From Consumer Reports:

CR’s Best Cars of the Year: 10 Top Picks of 2024

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

Four of the Five Least Expensive Car Brands to Maintain Are American

7 Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Car

Support our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/consumerpedia/support

auto

June 29, 2023

42 – An Electric Vehicle Update

Host: Herb Weisbaum

Paul Eisenstein - Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, The DetroitBureau.com; Alex Knizek - Manager, Auto Testing & Insights, Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center; Ronald Montoya - Senior Consumer Advice Editor, Edmunds

In the last year or so, we’re finally beginning to see a robust market for electric vehicles. More manufacturers are now in the game, which provides buyers with more choices. So, should you go electric now, or wait, or maybe split the difference and go hybrid?

In this episode, find out about the latest EV options, how federal tax credits might help lower prices, and why leasing may be a smart move right now. Also, how reliable are the new EVs, and what’s happening to increase the number of charging stations?

Support our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/consumerpedia/support

auto, electric vehicles, saving energy