Compare car insurance by make and model

When determining your rates, car insurance providers analyse much more than just your driving record and postal code. Their intricate algorithms also look at the claims and accident records on the exact make and model of the car you intend to insure.

Compare car insurance by make and model

What’s my car’s make and model?

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.

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.

What’s the difference between a make and model?

Let’s say you have a shiny red Toyota Yaris.

How does make and model affect insurance rates?

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.

• Vehicle RRP. Because they tend to be more expensive to repair, pricier vehicles generally result in higher insurance premiums. You might also need higher coverage maximums to cover claims, which means you’ll pay more for coverage.
• 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.
• Location. Your address plays a big role in what you pay for your car insurance. For example, someone may pay more for their insurance in London compared to someone in Cornwall due to a much bigger population and a higher crime rate.
• Engine size and performance. Cars with a higher engine size tend to have higher performance capabilities, meaning they will be able to drive much faster and are at higher risk of having a collision. This means that the insurance rate will be higher to cover the added risk.

Does my car’s body type affect insurance?

Yes, the specific trim and body type can also raise or lower your rates.

Convertibles, sports cars and SUVs tend to be more expensive to insure. Soft-top convertibles are easier to break into. It’s too tempting not to drive fast in a sports car, and this gives them a higher risk of being involved in a crash.

If you opt for an upgraded trim or a few extra features, chances are that raised your car’s market value. Opting for heated seats or a fancy sound system wouldn’t typically be enough to change insurance rates significantly, but insuring a car with several thousand pounds in upgrades might raise your rates enough to matter.

How does my car’s trim affect car insurance?

The make and model of the car you drive is the biggest factor that determines your insurance rates, but even your car’s trim level can affect rates. 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.

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 car insurance to find the best deal for your vehicle.

Frequently asked questions

• Which makes and models are cheaper to insure?

  In general, the cheaper the car, the cheaper your insurance rates. Safer, cheaper cars present less risk to an insurer because they’re safer in a crash and tend to have cheaper replacement parts. 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 Audi are on the pricier side of insurance rates.