The S3 is a performance sports sedan based on Audi’s luxurious entry level vehicle, the A3. Like most other Audi vehicles, the S3 comes packed with a number of safety and driver assistance features to make for a safer and more enjoyable driving experience. These features could also help to reduce your auto insurance rates.
According to our estimates, auto insurance for an Audi S3 costs about $132 a month, or $1,584 per year, roughly $250 more than the national average of $1,318. However, your actual cost may differ, as there are a number of factors that influence the price of car insurance. Your driving history, build options on your vehicle and location are just a few of the many variables. For example, living in California could have you paying closer to its average of $1,962, whereas residents of Idaho might pay a more manageable $1,053. This is why it’s always important to compare your options before deciding on a policy and provider. Filter car insurance companies by your state to get a quote.
A 2017 Audi S3 starts at a base price of $42,900. With the average insurance rate at $1,584 per year, the annual insurance cost–to–base car price ratio is 3.7%.
Model
Monthly insurance rate
Base car price
A3
$191.00
$31,200
A4
$191.00
$34,900
A4 ALL ROAD
$132.00
$44,000
A5
$127.00
$41,200
A6
$136.00
$47,600
A7
$124.00
$68,800
A8
$191.00
$82,500
Q3
$191.00
$31,800
Q5
$138.00
$40,900
Q7
$197.00
$49,000
R8
$197.00
$162,900
RS7
$191
$110,700
S3
$132
$42,900
S5
$98
$53,100
S6
$132
$70,900
S7
$191
$79,900
S8
$191.00
$115,900
SQ5
$132.00
$53,300
TT
$128.00
$43,500
TTS
$125.00
$52,500
To determine our estimated cost, we aggregated quotes from insurance companies using this profile:
2017 Audi S3
10,001–15,000 miles driven yearly
No accidents in the past five years
Anti-theft device on vehicle
Driver located in New York
Good credit
Our estimated price is for basic coverage, which we define as two times the state required minimum and the addition of bodily injury, property damage, uninsured motorist, bodily injury and personal injury protection.
Other factors that can affect your auto insurance rate
Audi S3 model year
Vehicle’s trim
Amount of coverage you need
Estimated miles you drive in a year
Vehicle’s safety and anti-theft features
Driver’s credit score and location
Driver’s age, marital status and gender
Driving history in the past five years
Whether the driver rents, leases or owns the vehicle
The S3 is a performance sedan designed for commuting, errands and any other form of daily driving. Its luxurious design comes standard with an array of safety and driver assistance features, meaning you should have no trouble finding coverage. However, like many other types of insurance, shopping for auto insurance coverage can be frustrating. Knowing exactly what you’re looking for can help you compare your options to find the best auto insurance for your Audi S3. The most efficient way to do this is to create a sample policy with all of the options you desire and using that template to get quotes from different providers. Here’s what you need to know.
Price. Price is an important consideration but it’s not always the most accurate. Coverage can vary between providers, even when policies seem similar. The best way to compare prices is to use your sample policy to get multiple quotes. This method will allow you to accurately compare similar coverage.
Deductible. Your deductible amount can directly affect the cost of insurance. A higher deductible may be more expensive when you file a claim, but will likely come with lower premiums. On the contrary, a lower deductible may cost less out of pocket after an incident, but will contribute to higher monthly premiums.
Minimum coverage. Most states have mandatory minimum coverage requirements. Above all else, make sure your state’s minimums are met before purchasing a policy.
Additional coverage. If you require additional coverage like personal injury protection or medical payments coverage, be sure to work them into your sample policy to get a more accurate quote.
Extras. Some providers offer policy extras like accident forgiveness or roadside assistance. If they aren’t included free, consider whether its worth adding them to your policy.
Restrictions. Some providers may have coverage restrictions that could limit your coverage on or off the road. Find out if any apply to your policy to avoid denied claims or gaps in coverage.
Manufacturer offer or loyalty discount. Check with your dealer to find out if you’re eligible for any special offers or loyalty programs through partnerships with insurance providers.
Warranty. Find out what’s covered by your manufacturer or extended warranty to avoid paying for overlapping coverage.
What factors affect car insurance rates for Audi S3?
The Audi S3 packs almost 300 horsepower into its compact body, making for an exciting trip to and from the office, or anywhere else you take it for that matter. While it’s no Audi R8, this vehicle’s powerful engine and sporty design could make it more expensive to insure. However, it also comes standard with great safety features that could help you save. Between performance, theft rates, repair costs, safety features and many other factors, there are a number of variables that providers take into account when determining your premiums. Here’s how the Audi S3’s characteristics might influence the price you pay for car insurance.
Body type. The S3 is a four-door sedan that is designed for daily driving and other casual use. This might help you save on insurance.
Type of car. The S3 is considered a luxury performance vehicle, which could pose a higher risk of collisions or cost more to repair, potentially increasing insurance premiums.
Theft. Sedans are the most frequently stolen type of vehicle, which means you might end up paying a bit more for insurance.
Repairs. Parts and service for the S3 should be easy to find, but the luxurious styling on the interior and body could cost more to repair.
Safety ratings. The S3 has great safety ratings and features that could reduce the risk of harm or damage in the event of a collision. This may translate to lower premiums.
How do trim packages and extra build options affect insurance cost?
Auto insurance providers calculate your premiums to reflect the chances of you filing claims and the cost of paying them out. This is why there are so many factors that can affect the price you pay for coverage. Between your driving history, location and vehicle, there are a number of variables that might affect your chances of getting into an accident. Performance, safety features, theft rates and cost of repairs vary from vehicle to vehicle, which is why providers put a lot of emphasis on your car’s model when determining your rates. Beyond the model you drive, even the trim and packages on your vehicle can influence the price you pay for auto insurance. Based on the standard 2018 Audi S3 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus, here’s how build options might affect the cost of insurance.
Trim
2.0 TFSI Prestige. For an extra $5,000, the Prestige trim adds the Audi virtual cockpit, navigation system, adaptive cruise control and more. These features might decrease the risk of collisions, which could reduce your premiums.
Packages and options
Technology package. Available on the Premium Plus trim, this package adds a virtual cockpit and navigation system, among other features. The improvement in driver awareness could get you better rates.
Wheel locks. Adding wheel locks can reduce the chances of wheel theft and may be rewarded with auto insurance discounts.
Rear-passenger side airbags. Upgrading your safety features could reduce harm and damage in the event of an accident. This feature could help you save on auto insurance.
Audi S3 money-saving safety features
You could save money on car insurance for your Audi S3 if it comes equipped with these safety features.
Airbags
Daytime running lights
Anti-lock brakes
Anti-theft device
Surround camera system
Parking sensors
Rear back-up sensors
LED fog lights
Electronic stability control
Seatbelt pretensioners
Does the Audi S3 qualify for auto insurance discounts?
Your vehicle may be eligible for various auto insurance discounts depending on which provider you choose. However, the exact discounts you receive may vary depending on location, provider, options, and other factors. Here are a few that should apply to the Audi S3:
Unfortunately, there isn’t much information about the S3’s reliability. However, this vehicle is based on Audi’s entry level sedan, the A3, in which information is widely available. According to U.S. News and J.D. Power, the 2018 A3 received a 2.5/5 star reliability rating, slightly below average for other cars in its class. Owners on Audi enthusiast forums are satisfied with their vehicles, but mention that excessive oil consumption and minor coolant leaks are not uncommon.
The S3 itself only has one major recall on the 2017 model for air bags not deploying properly in the event of a low-speed collision. However, the A3, which the S3 is based on, has quite a few.
2018: A limited number of A3 vehicles were recalled for an issue that caused the engine control unit to improperly adjust the air/fuel mixture at startup, potentially causing the engine to stall.
2017: Some 2017 A3 vehicles were also affected by the 2017 S3 airbag issue and 2018 engine control unit problem.
2016: A number of 2016 A3 vehicles were recalled due to malfunctioning exterior lighting and an issue with the fuel system that could cause leaks and increase risk of a fire.
2015: Some 2015 models were also affected by the fuel system and engine control unit issues.
Despite the Audi A3 being a newer vehicle, owners have experienced a handful of issues. Common problems include rust on roof rails & door trims, electric window issues, failure of mass air flow sensors, lack of power and more. Repair costs may vary depending on the severity of the issue, mileage when issue becomes apparent and other factors.
Audi S3 maintenance
Audi vehicles are generally designed for comfort and convenience, and the S3 is no different. While it comes standard with a powerful engine and sport tuning, this vehicle was made to be driven frequently, without requiring much maintenance. However, keeping your car up to date with oil changes and other service appointments can increase mileage and ensure that it lasts as long as possible. Here’s what to expect in terms of oil changes, mileage, service appointments and more.
Audi recommends an oil change every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. However, if your car is being driven vigorously, you may want to have it changed more frequently.
Depending on how long it’s been since your last oil change and where you decide to bring your car for service, oil changes should cost between $75 and $150.
According to the 2017 Audi maintenance schedule, your S3 should be brought in for minor maintenance at 10,000 miles and every 20,000 miles after that. Standard maintenance should be done after the first 20,000 miles and every 20,000 after the initial service appointment.
The 2018 Audi S3 gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, with 22 in the city and 28 on the highway.
The 2017 Audi S3 comes with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty and four years of 24/7 roadside assistance.
Is an extended warranty worth it for the Audi S3?
The Audi S3 comes with a four-year, 50-000 mile warranty, which covers defects on parts and service, along with 24/7 roadside assistance. Once the initial new vehicle warranty expires, you can purchase the Audi Certified Plus Limited warranty, which offers two years or 50,000 more miles of separate coverage. Though the S3 is a sedan designed for frequent use and daily driving, parts may wear out over time, no matter how lightly it’s driven. Adding the extended warranty can offer the peace of mind that your vehicle is still protected, and may even increase resale value should you decide to sell your vehicle.
How safe is the Audi S3?
According to the NHTSA, the 2018 Audi S3 holds great safety ratings in almost every category. Unfortunately, this vehicle is not yet rated by the IIHS or J.D. Power. However, the 2018 A3 was the IIHS 2018 top safety pick for midsize luxury cars. Since the S3 is based on the A3, many of the safety and driver assistance features are similar.
About the Audi S3
The Audi S3 has been in production since 1999, but the third and current generation was introduced in 2013. The 2017 model is known for its high performance and high-tech features. The 2017 model was awarded a Five-Star Overall Safety Rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Insurance companies determine the insurance cost for an Audi S3 based on safety ratings, theft rates, replacement costs and overall damage susceptibility. Insurance rates can change based on a driver’s history and location. Audi shoppers should grab quotes from several insurance companies to find the lowest premium possible before they commit. Audi S3 shoppers should also do their research and see if they qualify for insurance discounts with each insurance company.
Compare Audi competitors
Want to see what else is out there? Learn more about what other models Audi has to offer or explore a different manufacturer to find similar options.
Bottom line
The Audi S3 is a step up from Audi’s entry-level four-door sedan, the A3. Both vehicles come packed with safety and driver assistance features, which could contribute to their amazing safety ratings. Despite the power and sporty styling of the S3, this vehicle was designed for daily driving and should be easy to insure. While our estimates are accurate, your actual rates may vary, so it’s important to compare your options to find coverage that suits your situation and budget.
Frequently asked questions about the Audi S3
The S3 is a performance luxury sedan that offers a comfortable and safe driving experience. Like most Audi vehicles, finding coverage is easy, it’s finding the right policy that’s hard. In order to find the best auto insurance for your Audi S3, you should create a sample policy with the coverage and options you need. Use this policy to compare quotes from different providers to find out which one offers the best value.
Yes. Although the A3 and S3 are Audi’s entry-level sedans, there are a number of similar options. The A4 is a bit larger and slightly less powerful than the S3, but offers similar styling and many of the same features. If it’s power you’re after, you may want to consider the S4 or S5 models, but be aware that they’re both considerably more expensive than the S3.
You can learn more about state minimums here, or you can speak with your provider to find a policy that suits your needs. When shopping around, it’s essential to find a policy that fits into your budget but also fulfills your state’s minimum requirements.
Peter Carleton is a writer that covers banking and investing, breaking down what you need to know about where you put your money. When Peter's not thinking about cutting-edge banking apps and robo-advisors, he runs a creative agency and spends his spare time cooking or reading.
How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Advertiser Disclosure
finder.com is an independent comparison platform and information service that aims to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions. While we are independent, the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which finder.com receives compensation. We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn't influence our assessment of those products. Please don't interpret the order in which products appear on our Site as any endorsement or recommendation from us. finder.com compares a wide range of products, providers and services but we don't provide information on all available products, providers or services. Please appreciate that there may be other options available to you than the products, providers or services covered by our service.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
