AmurMedia, March 21

Russians ditch paid car services as ownership costs surge

Rising car ownership costs are forcing Russians to look for ways to cut expenses. A joint study by Rosgosstrakh and Auto.ru (16+) found that two-thirds of car owners are reducing spending by forgoing some paid services and adopting a more careful approach to everyday expenses. Meanwhile, 39% of respondents have started handling repairs and maintenance themselves.

Beyond fuel and parking, Russians cite mandatory third-party liability insurance (OSAGO) (56%), routine maintenance (52%), and seasonal tire changes and purchases (40%) as their biggest expenses. For one in three families, unplanned repairs and comprehensive car care (32%) remain significant costs. Survey participants also noted high spending on comprehensive auto insurance (CASCO) (24%), as well as taxes and fees (20%).

Most car owners reported a noticeable increase in these costs over the past year. Nearly a third of respondents (32%) said their expenses had risen by 15–29%, while another 27% saw an increase of 10–14%. For 17% of drivers, costs surged by more than 30%, and 16% experienced a 5–9% rise. Only 7% said their expenses had stayed the same, and just 1% managed to reduce them.

To cut costs, car owners are taking on basic maintenance, replacing consumables, and performing minor repairs themselves—39% of respondents now do so. Over a third (37%) postpone non-urgent repairs, 31% use their cars less often, 29% switch to cheaper parts and supplies, 28% extend maintenance intervals, and 22% seek discounts and special offers on services, parts, and related expenses.

The growing interest in DIY car care is also reflected in user activity on Auto.ru: in 2025, the share of posts and comments on repair, maintenance, and advice-seeking topics surged from 19% to 45% of all discussions. At the same time, most drivers continue to rely on insurance: 26% always purchase CASCO, 20% do so if the car is new, 10% take advantage of favorable offers, and a smaller group only insures their vehicle at the start of ownership or when financing through a loan or lease.