NU Online News Service, March 18, 3:41 p.m. EDT

The cost of motor vehicle insurance climbed up 4.9 percent compared with a year ago, according to U.S. Department of Labor consumer price index figures for February from Insurance Information Institute.

From a year ago, the overall CPI increased 2.1 percent for February before seasonal adjustment.

Department figures also show February price increases in related vehicle insurance costs from a year ago. The price of bodywork was up 2.3 percent and total medical care prices rose 3.6 percent.

Physicians' services were up 3.5 percent, hospital services prices increased 8.1 percent and legal services were up 3.5 percent.

The CPI for new vehicles was 3.5 percent. The new cars' price segment increased 2.4 percent and new trucks 4.9 percent.

Used cars and trucks showed the highest increase, going up almost 5 percent from 9.2 in January 2009 to 14.1 percent

Tenants' and household insurance CPI for February increased 3.1 percent and the repair of household items increased from a year ago to 4.3 percent

Prices for construction materials and existing family homes median sales prices were not available for the February period.