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Some drivers wonder if the color of their car affects insurance rates and what color cars are cheaper to insure. Studies have found little direct connection between the color of a vehicle and insurance rates, however the color of a vehicle may indirectly affect insurance rates in some ways.
What Color Cars are Cheaper to Insure?
A lot of factors go into calculating insurance rates, both directly and indirectly. Color can indirectly affect your insurance rates. For example, a color that is more in demand can increase the price of a vehicle, which in turn, can increase rates. According to a study by Axalta and a report by Coverage.com, these are the most common car colors and the portion of vehicles made in that color:
- White: 29%
- Black: 19%
- Gray: 17%
- Silver: 11%
- Blue: 10%
- Red: 9%
- Brown/beige: 2%
- Green: 1%
Based on this, vehicles that are white or black are likely to cost more to insure, since they are more in demand colors.
The color of your car can indirectly affect insurance rates in other ways too. Some vehicles are less likely to be stolen. According to Vox.eu, brighter colors vehicles are more easily noticeable, meaning they are less likely to be stolen. Also, brighter colored vehicles can be harder to resell, reducing their value. With a decreased risk of theft and lower value, insurance companies will be more likely to give you a cheaper rate.
A common myth is that red cars are more expensive to insure. However, according to WalletHub, this is not the case. Red cars can cost more when buying, but this does not always correlate to a higher insurance cost.
How Custom Paint Jobs Affect Insurance Rates
While the color of your vehicle will not usually directly affect your insurance rates, a custom paint job will. This is because a custom paint job will cost more to repair or replace if it’s damaged. Anything that increases a vehicle’s total value can also increase the insurance rates. It is always a good idea to notify your insurance company if you add a custom paint job, or modified parts, to your vehicle to ensure it is covered.
Factors that Directly Affect Insurance Rates
These factors have a greater impact on your insurance rates than the vehicle’s color:
- Age
- Years of driving experience
- Gender
- Driving history
- Make and model of the vehicle
- Mileage
- Credit score
One of the biggest factors that influence insurance rates is the driver, so having a clean driving record and improving your credit score can help keep your insurance rates lower. The make, model, and year of your vehicle will also make a difference, regardless of the color.
The level of coverage that you have is also a significant factor when it comes to rates. Full coverage insurance policies, with comprehensive and collision coverage included. will cost more than minimum coverage. Your deductible also matters. A deductible is an amount you will have to pay when you file a claim. The higher your deductible is, the less your premium, or monthly insurance cost, will be. But, keep in mind, if you go with a higher deductible and have to file a claim, you will have to pay more out-of-pocket.
How to Find the Best Insurance Rates
Buying a vehicle based on its color is unlikely to save you a lot on insurance, but there are other things that you can do to find the best insurance rates:
- Shop around: Shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurance providers is the best way to find the cheapest rates and the right amount of coverage for you. Request at least three quotes, each with a similar level of coverage and deductible.
- Check for insurance discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts. Find out if you are eligible for discounts by asking while you’re obtaining quotes.
- Improve your driving record: One of the biggest factors in your insurance rates is your driving record. If there are already some negative marks on your record, consider taking a safe driving course to bring your insurance rates back down.
- Drive an affordable vehicle: A lower-priced vehicle will usually cost less to insure, while vehicles with luxury features cost more due to the cost of their parts.
- Consider your location: Your location, including where you park your vehicle and where you commute, will affect your insurance rates. Areas with a lot of traffic will usually lead to higher insurance rates while parking your vehicle in a garage can reduce your rates.
- Adjust your coverage amounts: Pick the level of coverage that’s right for you.
- Join a family policy: Younger drivers will usually pay the highest rates because they are less experienced so joining a family policy could help lower your insurance rates.
- Think before filing a claim: Depending on how much it will cost to repair your vehicle, it may be cheaper to pay out-of-pocket to avoid filing a claim. You can usually expect an increase in rates when you file a claim.
In addition to comparing quotes when shopping for an insurance policy, it is also important to regularly evaluate your insurance needs. If your driving record, credit score, or any other factor changes, it may make sense to consider your options again. This is especially true if your risk drops, such as when you reach 25 years of age or you pay off an auto loan. Reevaluating your needs and communicating with your insurance representative also ensures you’re receiving all of the discounts available to you.
Color has little direct impact on your insurance rates, it can affect a vehicle’s demand and value.
Check this out if you need additional information, resources, or guidance on car insurance.
Sources:
https://www.coverage.com/insurance/auto/does-car-color-affect-insurance/
https://wallethub.com/answers/ci/does-car-color-affect-insurance-2140697414/
https://www.caranddriver.com/car-insurance/a35906489/cheap-fast-car-insurance/
https://www.caranddriver.com/car-insurance/a35723520/standard-car-insurance-coverage/
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