Car insurance costs for your car’s make and model
When determining your rates, car insurance providers analyze much more than just your driving record and ZIP code. Their intricate algorithms also crunch the claims and accident records on the exact make and model of the car you intend to insure. Compare car insurance rates, discounts and coverage for your car model to find the best deal.
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What does make and model mean?
Make and model are common phrases you’ll hear when shopping for car insurance or a new car.
Your car’s manufacturer or brand is called the make, like Ford or Toyota. Think about the maker, who created the car.
The model of your car is the name of the kind of car you have. For example, Honda makes models like the Accord or Civic, which offer different features, including body style and upgrade options.
Want to get even more detailed? The trim level of your car is specific to your model. For example, the Mini Cooper S and JCW include higher end specs and a higher end price than the standard trim Mini Cooper. You’ll also get more horsepower and sport seats with this fancier trim level.
If you’re not sure which model you drive, you can often find out by looking at the back of your car. Or read your car’s instruction manual or vehicle registration certificate.
Why should I shop for insurance by car model?
The make and model of the car you drive is the biggest factor that determines your insurance rates.
Safer, cheaper cars are also cheaper to insure. They present less risk to an insurer because they’re safer in a crash and tend to have cheaper replacement parts.
Another factor is how the car is likely to be driven or stolen. Most drivers are more likely to drive fast in a sportier car, and convertibles tend to have higher theft rates as well, since soft tops can be easier to steal. That’s why convertibles and sports cars are also pricier to insure. Not every insurer will even risk covering an Aston Martin or a Ferrari.
It pays to compare rates and get estimates for the type of car you drive to find out if you’re getting the best deal. You might also need different coverage depending on your car model. A pricier car will need higher maximums to cover any damage in an at-fault accident, and an older or less reliable car might need roadside assistance.
How your car affects your insurance rates
Your vehicle’s make and model affects how much you’ll pay for insurance, as do:
- Vehicle MSRP. Because they tend to be more expensive to repair, pricier vehicles generally result in higher insurance premiums. MSRP is shorthand for manufacturer’s suggested retail price, also called the sticker price for your car. It’s simply the price an automaker suggests a dealer should sell your car for new.
- Safety ratings. Safer cars get into accidents less frequently and cost less to repair. That means fewer claims on average — and more savings for you.
- Likelihood of theft. Some cars, like the Honda Accord and Chevy Impala, are frequently targeted by thieves. This drives up the price of insurance.
Which makes and models are cheaper to insure?
In general, the cheaper the car, the cheaper your insurance rates. Japanese manufacturers like Honda, Toyota and Subaru are often at the top of the list of cheapest cars to insure, while luxury and sports cars made by BMW and Buick land on the pricier side of insurance rates.
Cheapest makes to insure
| Rank | Make | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honda | $161 |
| 2 | Acura | $167 |
| 3 | Subaru | $168 |
| 4 | Hyundai | $180 |
| 5 | Ford | $185 |
| 5 | Toyota | $185 |
Most expensive makes to insure
| Rank | Make | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ferrari | $913 |
| 2 | Aston Martin | $548 |
| 3 | Lamborghini | $502 |
| 4 | Lotus | $444 |
| 5 | Maserati | $411 |
Bottom line
Shopping for car insurance can be difficult, and comparing rates by car can help you narrow down your decision. Rates can change drastically based on which car you drive, so compare insurance to find the best deal for your ride.
When rating an auto for insurance in Ohio, how many years old does the the car have to be, before the premium will no longer increase?
Hello Doug,
Thank you for your comment.
Please note that most cars lose value as they age, but in some cases, older cars attain a greater value by achieving classic car status. Cars generally must be at least 25 years old to be considered classics. Before you buy insurance for your car, you may wish to have its value appraised so your policy will accurately reflect its worth. This is especially important if you have made improvements that have increased its value.
So regarding your question, we could not tell if the premium will not increase because as the car ages, they may be of greater value.
I suggest that you compare car insurance companies in OH by entering your zip code in the quote engine above to see the rates per insurer or click the Go to Site button from one of the insurers we have listed and get quotes directly.
Please make sure to read the eligibility criteria, features and details of the policy, as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statement PDS/T&C’s of the policy before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you. If necessary, speak to the insurance brand to verify any details.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn