The cost of driving changes every year. Vehicle prices shift, fuel costs fluctuate, insurance rates evolve, and maintenance expenses continue to change with the market.

That's why we're excited to share that Cardata's 2026 U.S. vehicle profiles are now available. These updated profiles include the latest 2026 vehicle MSRP and invoice data, along with refreshed fixed and variable cost assumptions that reflect current fuel, insurance, maintenance, and ownership costs.

For organizations using Fixed and Variable Rate (FAVR) reimbursement programs, updating vehicle profiles helps ensure reimbursements remain fair, accurate, and aligned with today's market conditions.

What Changed?

Cardata has updated its U.S. vehicle profile database for 2026.

The new profiles include:

• Updated vehicle MSRP and invoice pricing
• Refreshed fuel cost assumptions
• Updated insurance cost data
• Revised maintenance and operating cost assumptions
• Updated fixed and variable reimbursement calculations

These updates are reflected across the vehicle profiles used to support FAVR reimbursement calculations.

If your organization uses vehicle profiles as part of your reimbursement program, your Customer Success Manager can help you review available options and determine whether updates are appropriate for your program.

Why Does It Matter?

Vehicle profiles play an important role in how FAVR reimbursements are calculated.

A vehicle profile, sometimes referred to as a program standard vehicle, is a hypothetical vehicle used to represent the typical cost of owning and operating a vehicle for work. 

Rather than basing reimbursement rates on each employee's personal vehicle, FAVR uses a standardized vehicle profile to create fair and consistent reimbursement calculations.

These profiles incorporate factors such as:

• Vehicle cost
• Depreciation
• Fuel efficiency
• Insurance expenses
• Maintenance costs
• Expected ownership costs over time

As market conditions change, those costs change as well.

Keeping vehicle profiles up to date helps ensure reimbursement rates continue to reflect the real, business-required cost of owning and operating a personal vehicle for work. Updated profiles also support program accuracy by ensuring reimbursement calculations are based on current vehicle and operating cost data rather than outdated assumptions.

How Does This Help You Do Your Job?

Managing a reimbursement program is easier when you can be confident that the assumptions behind your rates are current.

Updated vehicle profiles help ensure your reimbursement program remains aligned with today's vehicle market and operating costs.

For administrators and program owners, that means:

• Greater confidence in reimbursement calculations
• More accurate fixed and variable reimbursement rates
• Better alignment between reimbursement payments and real-world vehicle costs
• Continued support for FAVR program requirements and compliance considerations

Vehicle profiles also play an important role in vehicle eligibility reviews. A driver's personal vehicle is compared against the program standard vehicle to help determine vehicle age and vehicle cost compliance requirements.

By keeping profiles current, organizations can maintain confidence that both reimbursement calculations and compliance assessments are based on the most up-to-date information available.

Keeping Your Program Up To Date

A well-managed reimbursement program doesn't stand still. As vehicle costs change, reimbursement assumptions need to evolve alongside them. The release of the 2026 U.S. vehicle profiles helps ensure FAVR programs continue to reflect current vehicle ownership and operating costs while supporting fair and accurate reimbursements for employees who drive for work.

If you'd like to review the new rates or discuss updating your vehicle profiles, your Cardata Customer Success Manager is here to help.

Here's to a successful 2026 and a reimbursement program that's ready for the year ahead.