The Clark Howard Podcast – January 9, 2026

Episode Theme: Clark Answers His Critics on “Clark Stinks” & The Future of Auto Insurance

Episode Overview

In this episode, consumer finance expert Clark Howard responds to listener feedback in his signature "Clark Stinks" segment, addressing critiques and clarifying or expanding on his previous advice regarding scams, CDs, car rentals, travel strategies, car maintenance, and more. The second half explores positive developments emerging in the auto insurance market—including price moderation after years of steep increases—and how technological advancements like self-driving vehicles are beginning to impact risk and premiums. Clark also fields questions on the pros and cons of usage trackers for insurance, family liability when insuring young drivers, and the tough choices facing self-employed families around health insurance costs.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. AI Deepfakes and Consumer Scams

• Clark discusses a recent deepfake video circulating on Facebook (00:50–03:39) that appears to show him endorsing an auto insurance comparison website—a video he says is completely fake.
  • Quote:
    “If you watch our YouTube show, it looks like our full podcast YouTube show set. And it’s me...doing a pitch for this thing that just isn’t true…And anytime you see anything pretending to be me doing an endorsement, you know it’s phony and I’m a little annoyed. Right, because for you to be misled and think I'm the one misleading you. Wow, that stinks.” —Clark Howard (02:39)

2. “Clark Stinks”: Critiques and Clarifications

a) Language Around Scams

• Listener (Michaela, NY) objects to Clark’s use of “scamsters” instead of “scammers.” (04:20–05:53)
  • Clark’s rationale: He combined “gangster” and “scammer” to accentuate the seriousness; shares his late mother's experience with scams.

b) Buying CDs Through Banks vs Brokerages

• Listener (Scott, FL) challenges Clark’s assertion against buying CDs from banks. (05:53–07:30)
  • Clark clarifies that online banks can sometimes have better rates and his main point is that brokerages usually offer the best rates, but not always. Savers should compare both sources.

c) Wording: ‘Home’ vs ‘House’

• Listener (Ron, TN) notes difference between buying a “house” and a “home.” (07:30–07:54)
  • Clark attributes his use of “home” to his Habitat for Humanity involvement.

d) Card Fees on Debit Transactions

• Listener (Patrick, NC) says merchants can't charge fees on debit cards run as credit. (07:54–09:23)
  • Clark responds that regulations are complex and will investigate further, noting higher bank fees when running debit as credit.

e) Car Rental vs. Owning for Long Trips

• Two listeners (Dennis, OR; Rosario, NC) question Clark’s assertion that renting can be cheaper for long trips. (09:23–12:20)

  • Clark stresses the long-term savings of minimizing mileage/depreciation on your own car, even if renting isn’t common, and notes costs per mile are rising.

  • Quote:
    "If you’re putting a large number of miles on a vehicle in a short period ...it’s a lot cheaper to put that on the rental car company’s vehicle than to put it on your own.” —Clark Howard (11:13)

  • Quote:
    “The goal is to keep a vehicle, if it works in your life, 10 years or longer.” —Clark Howard (12:02)

  • Trends: Car rentals are getting cheaper; Clark shares a recent deal at $24/day (12:22–13:12).

f) Affordable Primary Rental Car Insurance

• Rick (PA) points out Amex Premium Rental Car Insurance as a cheap alternative. (13:12–14:20)
  • Clark agrees, noting it’s popular for international rentals.

g) Car Wheel Alignments

• Matt (TX) criticizes Clark’s stance that wheel alignments are oversold. (14:20–15:17)
  • Clark admits correction: consistent alignment can prevent expensive tire wear.

h) Passport Size for Frequent Travelers

• Jules (GA) informs Clark about larger passport option. (15:17–16:03)
  • Clark explains his smaller passport was a result of COVID-era restrictions.

i) Travel: Deal-Driven Philosophy

• Clark and Krista recount decades of booking international staff trips based purely on great airfare deals. (16:09–17:51)
  • Quote:
    “I always let the deal drive the trip.” —Clark Howard (16:23)
  • January is highlighted as a top month for cruise and international travel deals (17:52–18:40).

3. The Auto Insurance Market: Stabilization and Technology

Clark transitions to “The Future Of Auto Insurance.” (18:40–25:24)

a) Premium Stabilization and Drops

• After years of punishing rate increases, car insurance rates are stabilizing and even dropping in some markets:
  • “We’re in a time right now that…has basically exhausted itself and insurers are looking more and more…at actually lowering rates.” (18:40–19:10)
• Causes: Previous rate hikes due to soaring used car, parts, and repair costs; insurers now catching up and moderating pricing.

b) Importance of Shopping Around

• Not all insurers reduce rates; inertia can cost loyal customers. Shop for better deals regularly.

c) Self-Driving Cars & Risk Reduction

• Automation (Waymo, Tesla's FSD): Data shows 90% drop in accident rates vs. human drivers. (20:20–21:28)

  • Quote:
    “There’s enough millions of miles of data on Waymos and FSD Teslas…the accident rate drops by 90%.” —Clark Howard (20:09)

• Insurance implications:

  • Lemonade and Tesla are experimenting with mileage-based pricing, offering drastically lower rates when vehicles operate in self-driving mode; pilot programs active in states like AZ, CA, and OR.
    • “The insurance will be a little bit more than nominally free...because the risk to them drops 90%.” (22:42–22:48)

• Personal anecdote:

  • Clark credits FSD for avoiding an accident he would have caused while driving manually (23:20–23:45).

d) Usage-Based Insurance Tracking

• Listener Steve (SC): Should you install a tracker for premium reduction? (25:37–28:01)
  • Clark explains: Trackers help careful drivers but could penalize aggressive ones. Use premium hikes as a cue to shop around; be mindful insurers may use “loyalty scores” to set prices.
  • Quote:
    “You have to know yourself and what kind of driver you are. If you are...cautious, careful...these trackers...will benefit you. If you know...you’re a pretty aggressive driver, you don’t want one of these.” —Clark Howard (27:32)

e) Insurance for Children/College Drivers

• Listener Mike (MT): Should college students register and insure their cars separately? (28:01–29:35)
  • Not a shield from parental liability as long as the child is a dependent; regulations differ state by state, but generally, liability risk remains.

4. Health Insurance Dilemma for the Self-Employed

Listener Christina (UT) faces a >50% premium jump on ACA coverage. (29:42–30:59)

• Family of six, $2,900/month premium (2026), rising deductibles — can afford but questions value vs. Health Share options.
  • Clark explores risks: Health Shares can be cost-effective, but not actuarially underwritten—big risk if major illnesses/accidents occur, as coverage isn’t guaranteed or regulated.
  • Quote:
    “You got to think about the risk to the assets you’ve built up over the years if there was a tragic event that required real medical spending this year. And I can’t make that call for you.” —Clark Howard (30:59)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Deepfake Scam Warning:
  “Anytime you see anything pretending to be me doing an endorsement, you know it’s phony and I’m a little annoyed.” —Clark Howard (02:39)

• Philosophy on Car Rental vs. Ownership:
  “The goal is to keep a vehicle, if it works in your life, 10 years or longer.” —Clark Howard (12:02)

• Travel Strategy:
  “I always let the deal drive the trip.” —Clark Howard (16:23)

• Self-Driving Insurance Shift:
  “The accident rate drops by 90%…The insurance will be a little bit more than nominally free.” —Clark Howard (20:09; 22:42)

• Insurance Data Sharing:
  “If you are somebody who’s extra, extra cautious…then these trackers will benefit you. If…a pretty aggressive driver, you don’t want one.” —Clark Howard (27:32)

• On Healthcare Costs:
  “You got to think about the risk…if there was a tragic event…And I can’t make that call for you.” —Clark Howard (30:59)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:50 — Clark addresses AI deepfake scam using his likeness
• 04:20 — Start of “Clark Stinks” feedback segment
• 05:53 — Bank vs brokerage CDs
• 12:20 — Car rental costs dropping, Clark’s rental habits
• 14:20 — Tire alignment debate
• 16:09 — Clark’s travel deal philosophy and staff trips
• 18:40 — Auto insurance rate stabilization and advice
• 20:09 — Self-driving cars reduce accident risk 90%
• 22:42 — Lemonade & Tesla’s per-mile FSD insurance experiment
• 25:37 — Should you use insurance trackers for a lower rate?
• 28:01 — Registering/insuring a college driver’s car
• 29:42 — Health insurance cost dilemma for self-employed family

Episode Tone

• Informative yet conversational; a blend of Clark’s “everyman” financial pragmatism and Krista’s light, friendly co-hosting.
• Empathetic with listeners’ concerns; direct when clarifying financial facts.
• Steadfast in encouraging consumer empowerment: “Save more, spend less, and avoid getting ripped off.”

This summary provides an in-depth look at the episode, capturing all essential topics, advice, and listener interactions for those who haven’t listened.