How a car's make and model can impact insurance rates

Did you know the make and model of your car is an important factor in what you'll pay for auto insurance? While many factors go into determining your car insurance rate, we'll explain some of the details of how the make and model of your car can impact insurance costs.

Make and model as risk indicators

While auto insurers consider many factors when deciding auto insurance rates, it's a car's make and model that can impact premiums the most.

Some vehicles have a reputation for being in more accidents or targeted by thieves, which increases the insurance company's risk. Sports cars and luxury vehicles tend to fall into this higher risk category.

According to The Zebra¹ the 10 most expensive car make and models to insure are

1. Maserati Quattroporte
2. Audi R8
3. BMW i8
4. Mercedes-AMG GT
5. Nissan GT-R
6. Maserati Ghibli
7. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
8. Porsche 911
9. Tesla Model S
10. BMW 7 Series

The top 10 least expensive car models to insure according to The Zebra as of 2022, include²

1. Mazda CX-3
2. Toyota C-HR LE
3. Ford Transit Connect XL
4. Fiat 500X Pop
5. Honda CR-V
6. Subaru Crosstrek
7. Dodge Ram Promaster City
8. Jeep Compass Altitude
9. Ford F-150 XL
10. GMC Savana G2500

Remember, even if 2 drivers have the same make and model of a vehicle, they could still pay different rates for insurance, even if they both have good driving records. Why? Because there are additional factors that may influence what you'll pay for auto insurance, like

• Your driving record
• How much you drive
• Your age and the age of your car
• Where you live
• Your gender
• Your marital status
• Discounts
• Your credit score

The main factors associated with a vehicle's make and model, insurance companies consider for auto insurance rates include

Vehicle size: In general, the larger the car, the higher the premium (think SUVs, multi-passenger cargo vans, etc.). However, smaller vehicles are stolen more often and are more likely to become badly damaged or even totaled in an accident, which can make some small cars more costly to insure than larger ones.

Engine size: Owners of high-powered vehicles with higher horsepower are more likely to engage in riskier driving (speeding, racing, tricky driving maneuvers, etc.). As a result, cars with larger engines can have higher premiums.

Chance of theft. Certain makes and models are more likely to become targets for thieves. As a result, insurers may charge more for cars that are stolen more than others.

Repair costs: Vehicles with special or custom features, as well as certain foreign cars tend to be more expensive to repair and therefore, insurance companies may charge more to insure them.

Safety features and rating: Although newer cars tend to cost more to insure, newer models are often equipped with more safety features than older models and may help to reduce what you pay for car insurance. Cars with a favorable safety rating may cost less to insure than those without a high rating.

What about the color of a car?

Contrary to popular belief, the color of your car will generally not impact your auto insurance rates. This myth stems from the belief that red cars are bigger targets for tickets and other traffic violations simply because they're more noticeable. No conclusive evidence exists to back up that claim, so if you want a red car, go for it!

Remember, because rates can vary widely based on car make and model, safety features, location, and individual policies, it's important to compare rates based on your specific vehicle.

At Liberty Mutual, we can help you understand car insurance costs and help you find a policy that works for you, so you only pay for what you need.

Get a car insurance quote in less than 10 minutes.