NOTHING COSTS MORE THAN IT USED TO:

Auto insurance rates stable for many (Christine Dugas, 12/05/06, USA TODAY)

Auto policies are basically flat or falling for many Americans.

This year, the cost of auto insurance on average will rise only 0.5% — the smallest increase in six years, according to an estimate of the Insurance Information Institute out Monday.

It predicts a 0.5% decline for auto rates next year, the first drop since 1999.