Auto Insurance: Vehicles with Similar Costs at the Lot May Have Huge Differences in Insurance Costs
When it comes to getting auto insurance on a mid-level or middle-market vehicle in South Carolina, not all models are created equal. Several different models may be priced the same at the car dealership, but a lot of times the insurance rates can vary by a HUGE amount!
Below, I’ll show you what I’m talking about.
Dodge Muscle Cars: Fast, Awesome, and Tough on Your Auto Insurance Rates
The Dodge Challenger and Charger look GREAT, and they move FAST! They are at a ton of dealerships here in South Carolina, and I get phone calls from the dealerships all the time with clients that are ready to put insurance on their brand new vehicle. A lot of times, there can be some serious sticker shock!
The reason behind this: people historically drive aggressively when they get behind the wheel of a Charger or a Challenger. It’s tempting to slam on the gas when you’ve got a vehicle like that, but high speeds can equal accidents and claims.
Kia and Hyundai Models: The Impact of Social Media on Theft Rates and Your Auto Insurance
Do you remember the TikTok challenge that came out a few years ago specifically focusing on stealing Kias and Hyundais? Well that challenge went absolutely viral, causing thefts of Kias and Hyundais to skyrocket. Due to the amount of thefts and Kia and Hyundai not responding quickly enough, any Kia or Hyundai from 2010-2022 is going to be way more expensive to insure than it was before. The Kia Sorento and Hyundai Sonata are 2 big ones that have been targeted.
Other Middle-Market Vehicles with Higher Auto Insurance Costs
1. Ford Edge: This midsize SUV has relatively higher insurance premiums compared to other vehicles in its class, primarily due to its repair costs and features
2. Honda Accord: Despite being a popular and reliable sedan, the Honda Accord can be expensive to insure because of its higher theft rates and repair costs.
3. Chevrolet Traverse: Statistically, this midsize SUV has higher insurance premiums due to its larger size and the costs associated with repairing its advanced features.
4. Toyota Camry: Similar to the Honda Accord, the Toyota Camry is often targeted for theft, contributing to its higher insurance rates. Additionally, repair costs can be relatively high for this model.
5. Nissan Altima: The Altima is frequently cited in theft reports, which increases its insurance premiums. It also has high repair costs due to its popularity and parts availability.
6. Mazda CX-5: This compact SUV, while popular for its features and performance, has higher insurance rates due to the costs associated with repairs and replacement parts.
7. Subaru Outback: Known for its off-road capabilities and reliability, the Outback can be expensive to insure due to repair costs and its high replacement part prices.
8. Volkswagen Jetta: The Jetta often incurs higher insurance costs due to its repair costs and the relatively higher frequency of claims involving this model.
I’m NOT trying to tell you how to live your life or what vehicle to buy, I just wanted you to be aware that not all vehicles are created equal in the world of insurance, so do yourself a favor and call your agent before you go to the dealership. Call the dealership, get the VIN of the vehicle, call your agent, and get the price of insurance on that vehicle before you make your purchase to make sure you are within your budget.
Also, if you don’t have a local agent, just click HERE and we’ll provide you with a quote!
By understanding the factors that influence insurance premiums and knowing which vehicles tend to be more expensive to insure, you can make a more informed decision when purchasing your next car in the beautiful state South Carolina!