In the past month, policymakers have sharpened their stance on auto trade, and analysts widely expect sticker prices—and the total cost of ownership—to move higher into the fall. Here’s what’s changing, why it matters for your wallet, and practical ways the Fasten Rewards™ Visa Card can help offset some of the hit.

What’s Changing Now

• Tariffs are widening and getting stickier. Over the last two weeks, reporting has detailed how the U.S. is tightening its approach to auto trade with Europe and other partners, keeping higher duties on the table and linking future tariff relief to concessions abroad.[1]

• Automakers are already absorbing real costs. Recent coverage tallies roughly $12 billion in tariff-related hits across global automakers—one of the steepest industry-wide impacts since the pandemic—while some U.S. brands are bracing for multi-billion-dollar 2025 headwinds.[2],[3]

• Price pressure won’t stop at the showroom. Analysts warn the higher cost of imported parts will ripple into repairs and insurance. One projection shows most states could see 6%–8% higher auto insurance rates by year-end if reciprocal tariffs take hold—nearly 10% in Florida.[4][5]

• Even “domestic” models won’t be immune. Modern vehicles rely on global parts networks; as input costs rise, price increases can hit U.S.-built models too.[6]

How to Soften the Impact with Fasten

You can’t control trade policy, but you can stack savings on the parts of car ownership you already pay every month. The Fasten Rewards™ Visa Card is designed to return value on the very categories tariffs are likely to affect:

• Auto loan or lease payments: 2× points on monthly car payments (with a monthly spending requirement and cap), letting you earn rewards on what is often your largest auto expense.[7]

• Auto insurance, maintenance & parts, fuel/EV charging, parking and more: 2× points on broader automotive spend categories—from oil changes and tires to premiums and charging—areas where parts and service inflation can show up first.[8]

• At participating dealers and brands: 3× points at Fasten Partners on eligible purchases of goods and services—helpful if dealer service rates nudge up with parts costs.[7]

• Everywhere else: 1× points on other purchases, so you continue earning even when you’re not spending on the car. Points can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, and more, with no annual fee for the card.9

Bottom line

The past month’s policy moves indicate higher underlying costs for vehicles, parts, and likely insurance as tariffs filter through supply chains. Shoppers should comparison-shop aggressively, watch incentives, and use rewards strategically. By directing your largest car expenses through a card purpose-built for auto ownership, you can recapture value month after month, no matter which way the tariff winds blow.