How to Compare the Cost of Insurance For Specific Cars

Selecting a vehicle with lower insurance premiums can help save you a lot of money.

Insurance prices vary depending on the type of car. Although insurance agencies consider a driver's record and location when factoring insurance premiums, car selection also plays a part. There are a variety of reasons behind insurance costs for different cars. Comparing specific cars and their correlating insurance costs can help save you a chunk of money.

Instructions

1. Consider the type of car. Sports cars and high-end cars have a higher likelihood of being involved in an accident and an increased chance of being stolen. Ford Mustangs, for example, generally have higher insurance costs than Honda Civics, because Mustang drivers as a group are more likely to test the Mustang's speed, resulting in a higher chance of being involved in a crash. Thieves also target sports cars and high-end cars more often than others. These cars also cost more to repair, because the parts and exterior are more expensive than for other cars.

2. Check whether the vehicle is four-wheel drive. Vehicles equipped with 4WD add to an insurance premium because the parts involved cost more to repair.

3. Look at the potential cost of repairs. Hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius, generally cost more to insure than a typical 4-door sedan, because the complex and intricate parts that make up most hybrids cost more to replace than traditional parts.

4. Consider the size of the vehicle. SUVs, such as the Ford Explorer, carry a higher liability cost. Liability premiums cover the cost of damage to other vehicles, and SUVs cause more damage in an accident than do small or mid-size sedans.

5. Check to see if the vehicle is diesel powered. Diesel-powered vehicles add to an insurance premium because the parts are more expensive to repair.

Tips & Warnings

• Insurance rates will increase noticeably if the car is driven by a young driver. This holds even more true for a sports car being driven by a young driver.

References

• Automotive: Why Some Cars are More Expensive to Insure than Others
• Bankrate: 10 Cars More and Least Expensive to Insure