Does the type of car I drive affect my insurance rate?

A lot of factors go into selecting a new (or new-to-you) vehicle. What does it look like? What color is it? What kind of gas mileage does it get? Is it safe? Is it comfortable for long road trips? If you live in Green Valley or elsewhere in AZ, you probably want to know how well the air conditioning works, too.

These are all standard questions to ask when looking at purchasing a vehicle. But many car buyers don’t think about how their new car will affect their insurance rates.

It’s common sense that a high-end luxury car or sports car will increase your insurance premiums. But some older, standard vehicles can cause your out-of-pocket expenses to skyrocket, too.

Things that affect insurance rate

Your driving record, age, and even your marital status can cause your insurance premiums to change dramatically. But the type of car you purchase can, too. Here’s a quick list of considerations that actuaries take into consideration:

  • size of motor
  • body type
  • age of vehicle
  • crash-test ratings
  • safety features

How to find out for sure which car will be the best deal

You can compare quotes online to find out how expensive (or inexpensive!) your premiums would be for cars you’re considering. Some insurance companies offer special deals for those who purchase new cars; even though new vehicles cost more to repair and replace, they’re often safer and more reliable than older vehicles, and insurance actuaries plug those variables into the formulas they use to calculate rates.

Whether you live in Sahuarita, Tucson, or somewhere in between, talking to a local independent agent is one of the best ways you can make sure you’ve got the information you need to make a smart purchase–of both insurance and a car. By doing your research before you sign on the dotted line, you’ll ensure that you’re not surprised with outrageously high insurance premiums later.