Man Goes To Toyota Dealership For 4Runner. Then He Calls His Insurance Company To See What His Rate Would Be: 'Don’t Do That'
"Your payment on the 4Runner is gonna be..."
While many have discussed the rising cost of car ownership, it seems few are remarking on just how much it costs to insure a car these days.
Even as new car prices have largely stabilized, the cost of car insurance has increased. According to insurance comparison site The Zebra, the cost of car insurance increased 18 percent from 2024 to 2025, and an additional three percent going into 2026.
Sometimes, insurance rates can be so high that it makes one question their car purchase.
This was the case in a recent video from Atlanta, Georgia, Toyota salesman Francisco Carrizales (@dealwithfranc).
What’s Going On With Car Insurance?
In a video with over 364,000 views, Carrizales recounts how he recently lost a sale. The reason? A high insurance payment.
According to Carrizales, a customer came in seeking a new Toyota 4Runner. Carrizales happily obliged, setting the customer up with a “limited, top-of-the-line” vehicle. The cost of the vehicle was around $70,000.
When it came time to finance, there were a few minor issues.
“I'm out of his budget, just by a little bit. But, I finally get him to agree with me. He meets me in the middle. We're a little bit past his budget, and we're at $1,300 dollars a month,” the TikToker starts.
“He's like, ‘Since we're out of the budget, let me at least call my insurance company and get an idea of what that'll cost,’” Carrizales continues. “In the back of my head, I'm like, ‘don't do that, don't do that, not right now.’ But I'm like, ‘Sure, go for it.’”
The customer then called his insurance. After a conversation that Carrizales claims lasted about 10 minutes, the customer learned how much his insurance payment would be.
“He tells him, ‘Your payment on the 4Runner is gonna be $1,100,’” the TikToker recalls. “For insurance, bro! $1,100!”
Carrizales says he immediately knew the deal was over. The man ended up leaving without buying the car.
"I just lost a deal because of the insurance company," Carrizales says.
Why Are Insurance Payments So High?
While Carrizales does not say the terms of the insurance payment, his delivery implies that the $1,100 would be paid monthly.
Even with the current cost of car insurance, this would be incredibly high. CarEdge estimates that a 25-year-old with poor credit would pay $5,007 annually in insurance for a new Toyota 4Runner, or $417 per month.
One of the highest risk groups on the site, an 18-year-old with a poor credit rating, is still paying less than $1,100 per month. The site puts this driver’s monthly payment at around $924.
So, provided that Carrizales is telling the truth, what could make the car insurance payment so high?
The answer here is likely twofold: the high cost of car insurance generally and the individual engaging in behavior that raises his premiums.
Factors Behind High Insurance Costs
Why car insurance costs are presently so high is a bit complicated. For one, every part of a car has become more expensive both to build and to repair. As noted by NPR, the rise of high-tech, interconnected cars also means that repairs that used to be simple may now be complex. This adds time and effort, which need to be compensated.
Why an individual’s car insurance can go up is a different story. Generally speaking, an insurer will increase the price of one’s insurance if they see them as a high risk. For example, accidents, arrests for reckless driving, and DUIs can all increase insurance premiums.
Other factors, such as your credit score, the amount you drive, the car you drive, and even where you live, can all play a role in your insurance rate and its potential to change.
Drivers Are Divided On Insurance
Some drivers in the comments were shocked by the high rate. Others claimed that such rates were becoming unfortunately common, requiring drivers to shop around to find a reasonable rate.
“I pay $600 for the whole year on my RAV4... his record must be BAD,” wrote a user.
“Insurance is out of control. Homeowner's insurance. Car insurance, health insurance,” countered another.
“Independent insurance brokers!!! I work in car sales and had the same issue,” advised a third. “They were getting quotes for $800+ for full coverage. I got them at $250-400 for full coverage!”
Motor1 reached out to Carrizales via Instagram direct message and comment. We’ll update this if he responds.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Toyota Has Too Many Models. These Ones Need To Go
Jeep's Most Expensive Electric Off-Roader Costs Over $78,000
Man Takes Toyota 4Runner To His Mechanic. Then He Learns What The Previous Shop Ignored: ‘Should Be Done EVERY TIME’
I Tried The Porsche Taycan's Fake Shifting. It's Missing One Thing: Fun
Most American-Made Cars Aren't Actually From American Brands
Man Gets A Loaner At The Dealership. Then He Starts DoorDashing With It
Toyota And Nissan Admit Their American-Made Vehicles Aren't Up To Japanese Standards