When Insurance Drives The Price
Car shopping isn’t just about the initial price tag, as insurance plays a big role in what your ride really costs over time. Some cars send premiums soaring because insurers see them as expensive risks. Others keep rates low thanks to cheaper repairs. Insurance prices also vary from company to company, depending on their policies. So, here are ten cars that top the charts for the highest insurance costs.
1. Tesla Model S Plaid (Approximately $3,070/Year)
The Tesla Model S Plaid pushes insurance costs high with 1,020 horsepower and instant acceleration that raises accident risks. Repairs add another burden, as its battery packs and sensors are expensive. Moreover, limited certified centers drive costs up further.
2. Maserati Quattroporte (Approximately $2,939/Year)
Owning a Maserati Quattroporte means facing insurance challenges tied directly to its build and reputation. Rare Italian parts and a handcrafted engine make repairs costly. Additionally, its powerful performance raises accident risks, and theft appeal further inflates premiums.
3. BMW M8 Competition (Approximately $3,948/Year)
Packing over 600 horsepower, the BMW M8 Competition’s supercar-like acceleration puts it in the high-risk category. Add carbon-fiber components, and costs climb further. Its strong market value and exclusivity also make it a tempting target for thieves.
4. Porsche Taycan Turbo S (Approximately $3,968/Year)
As an electric super-sedan with intricate battery systems, this car demands specialized repairs that don’t come cheap. With performance figures that push it into higher accident brackets, insurers see plenty of reasons to keep premiums firmly in the luxury zone.
Alexandre Prevot from Nancy, France on Wikimedia
5. Audi R8 (Approximately $4,374/Year)
The Audi R8 is considered a mid-engine supercar that can push past 200 mph, a stat that immediately places it in the high-risk category. Repairs aren’t simple either, since its lightweight aluminum structure requires rare expertise.
6. Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye (Approximately $3,264/Year)
Muscle car fans love the Challenger Hellcat Redeye for its almost 800-horsepower engine, but insurers see a different story. It’s tied to frequent accidents, ranks among the most stolen cars in America, and its oversized engine parts make any replacement a serious expense.
7. Mercedes-AMG GT (Approximately $4,408/Year)
The Mercedes-AMG GT is powered by a handcrafted engine that requires specialized and costly repairs. Classified as a high-performance sports car, it carries an elevated risk, and its complex repair process only increases insurer caution.
8. Tesla Model X Plaid (Approximately $2,944/Year)
As a luxury electric SUV, the Tesla Model X Plaid blends futuristic design with staggering performance. Yet those falcon-wing doors alone can rack up massive repair bills. Combined with specialized EV systems, the insurance price rises.
9. Cadillac Escalade-V (Approximately $3,256/Year)
The Escalade-V was built to turn heads, but it also turns insurance adjusters' nerves. A nearly 700-horsepower engine pushes this SUV into risky territory, while its size makes accident damage costly. Toss in theft-hungry wheels and luxury repairs, and coverage becomes anything but simple.
10. Land Range Rover Autobiography (Approximately $3,339/Year)
This edition of the Range Rover feels like driving a private lounge on wheels. Unfortunately, insurers focus less on the luxury and more on the liabilities: costly parts, complex systems, and those infamous electrical issues.
Now, here are ten cars that keep insurance surprisingly affordable.
1. Subaru Outback (Approximately $1,994/Year)
The Subaru Outback is often favored by insurers thanks to its strong safety reputation. Families trust it for its dependable features, and its low theft rates only improve the picture. With affordable repairs and the confidence of all-wheel drive, it naturally stands out as a low-risk choice.
2. Honda CR-V (Approximately $1,220/Year)
Practicality meets peace of mind in the Honda CR-V, and that combination wins over insurers. Its solid safety record reduces accident claims, and its reputation for long-term reliability makes repairs simple. Even with higher theft risk due to demand, accessible parts help keep insurance costs low.
3. Jeep Wrangler (Approximately $1,248/Year)
This car’s strong body-on-frame build limits expensive damage in accidents. Theft isn’t a frequent concern, which also reduces risk. Combined with stable resale value, these factors help keep insurance premiums around $1,248 a year.
4. Mazda CX-5 (Approximately $1,790/Year)
Families looking for an affordable ride often land on the Mazda CX-5, and it’s easy to see why insurance companies like it, too. Its strong crash-test safety ratings set the tone for confidence on the road, while low accident involvement rates keep premiums in check.
5. Chevrolet Equinox (Approximately $1,835/Year)
Insurance companies favor the Chevrolet Equinox because its track record shows fewer claims than many competitors. Simple mechanics further reduce repair expenses, and its wide market presence reassures insurers that the risk stays low.
6. Toyota RAV4 (Approximately $1,956/Year)
The Toyota RAV4 earns insurer confidence through its strong safety reputation and reliable performance record, both of which help limit accident-related payouts. Plus, its hybrid version often proves even cheaper to cover, though its popularity does make it a frequent target for thieves.
7. Kia Sportage (Approximately $1,962/Year)
Among compact SUVs, Kia Sportage’s strong safety ratings help keep accidents under control, reducing the chance of severe payouts. A reputation as a dependable family choice lowers perceived risk, and a history of reliability reassures insurers that frequent claims aren’t likely.
8. Nissan Rogue (Approximately $1,950/Year)
Nissan Rogue appeals to insurers because accident claim rates remain consistently low, signaling fewer costly payouts. Safety-centered engineering helps minimize crash severity, which further reduces potential expenses. Even its maintenance remains affordable due to widely available parts.
9. Volkswagen Tiguan (Approximately $1,938/Year)
This car’s strong crash-test scores reduce the likelihood of severe claim payouts, and repair costs stay modest compared to those of luxury SUVs. A steady market supply further stabilizes premiums, though a high theft appeal adds some extra risk to its profile.
10. Ford Escape (Approximately $2,018/Year)
Drivers looking for a mix of savings and safety often end up with the Ford Escape. Its compact SUV design means fewer costly damages, and the parts are easy on the wallet. Popularity among everyday commuters only strengthens its reputation as one of the least expensive rides to insure.
