Gas prices have cooled, but Americans still feel they are spending too much on fuel, a recent study said. (iStock)

Americans are spending roughly 3% of their income fueling their cars even as gas price inflation cools, a recent study said.

That expense breaks down to roughly $1,712 annually and is about 37% more than what Americans believe they should be paying for gas, the American Trucks study said. According to the study, gas costs have pushed some Americans to reconsider travel despite the favorable forecast for summer prices. 

The national average price for fuel for most of this summer is forecasted to remain in the mid-$3 per gallon range, with potentially tens of thousands of stations falling below $3 per gallon throughout the next several months, according to a GasBuddy forecast. Notwithstanding the break they are getting at the pump, 23% of Americans still plan to hold back on summer travel and road trips due to gas prices, and millennials are the most likely to curtail their travel plans.

If you are looking to save money on your car costs, you could consider changing your auto insurance provider to get a lower monthly rate. You can visit Credible to shop around and find your personalized premium without affecting your credit score.

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Ways to save on fueling your car

If you plan to hit the road this summer, you can lower what you spend on fueling your car by following these tips:

Shop prices before pumping

Forty-six percent of drivers said high gas costs have impacted their itineraries this year. Drivers could save money by planning on where to buy it, according to the GasBuddy survey. Using an app that displays gas prices can help you save 10 to 50 cents per gallon over just a few blocks.

Avoid filling up at state lines

Drivers could be paying as much as an extra $1 a gallon if they are filling up at stations near certain state lines, according to a GasBuddy report. Gas prices between states vary because of state taxes, proximity to oil refineries and resulting transportation costs. The top five most expensive bordering states to fill up are Arizona/California, Idaho/Washington, Idaho/Oregon, Nevada/California, and Oklahoma/Colorado borders. 

Consider how you pay

Some gas stations offer discounts when customers pay with cash. Drivers could also save money by joining loyalty programs to receive promotional savings.

If you are shopping around for new auto insurance, you can use the Credible marketplace to compare multiple providers and find your personalized rate in minutes.

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Car insurance rates continue to rise

Drivers paid an average of $1,841 to insure a car in 2023, or 5% more than they did the previous year, according to a recent report from the Zebra. That comes after a 15% jump between 2022 and 2023. Unfortunately, 2024 is likely to bring more of the same. 

Where you live can significantly impact how much you pay for insurance. For example, states more affected by climate-related disasters have seen a higher incidence of insurance providers pulling out or writing new policies, leaving buyers with fewer options for insurance shopping. 

The make and model of a vehicle have also greatly impacted car insurance costs. Drivers of Kia and Hyundai cars have had difficulty insuring these vehicles because certain models are more prone to theft.

Florida and Louisiana top the list of states with the highest annual premiums. Drivers here pay an average premium of more than $2,700 per year. That’s 47% more than the national average. Drivers in Vermont and Idaho pay the least, with annual premiums registering 35% below the national average. Drivers in 19 states now spend an average of more than $2,000 a year in auto insurance premiums.

Are you shopping around for new auto insurance? The Credible marketplace can help you compare multiple providers and find your personalized rate in minutes without affecting your credit score.

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