So, when it comes to how much you pay for car insurance, it depends on a bunch of things like info about you and your car. The type of car you have, like what brand and model it is, is one thing that affects the cost of insurance. Whether you’re looking at new cars, used cars, or just checking your current policy to see if you can pay less, knowing how the make and model of your car can change your insurance cost might help you decide what car to get next.
What is a car make?
Car’s “make” is just the company that made it. Like, Ford, Nissan, Honda, GMC, or Tesla—those are makes. Sometimes, a company has sub-brands, but you still just say the main company when talking about the make. For example, Nissan is the big company, but when you talk about a car, you just say “Nissan.” Same with Honda and Acura. Acura is its own make, even though it’s under Honda.
So, when someone asks about a car’s make, you just tell them the big company that made it.
What is a car model?
Car’s “model” is like its special version. Like, with a Honda Civic, Honda is the company that made it, and Civic is the model, kind of like its name. And with a Tesla Model S, Tesla is the company, and Model S is the special name for that car.
Now, here’s the twist: even if two cars have kinda similar names, they can be different models. Take the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo and the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited—they’re seen as different models. Each model has its own cool features, and that’s one of the things that decides how much you pay for car insurance. Easy, right?
How car make and model affects insurance rates
Even if two people have the same type of car and drive the same way, they might not pay the same for insurance. Here’s why:
- Age of the Car: If your car is brand new, the insurance might cost more. Newer cars are pricier to replace, and fixing them can be more expensive.
- Size of the Car: Big cars might cost more to insure because they can cause more damage in an accident. On the flip side, small cars are often cheaper to insure.
- Trim Level: Fancy features like sunroofs or leather seats might make your drive cooler, but they can also make your insurance cost more. Basic models are usually cheaper to insure.
- Body Style: The type of car you have—like a coupe, sedan, SUV, or truck—can also affect the cost. Sporty cars tend to be pricier to insure because they might be linked to riskier driving.
- Safety Features: Cars with safety stuff like anti-lock brakes or airbags can get lower insurance costs. Safety features reduce the chance of accidents, theft, or vandalism.
- Repair Costs: Some cars are more expensive to fix, especially luxury or foreign ones. Domestic cars usually have cheaper parts.
So, even if you and a friend drive similar cars, these things can make your insurance different. It’s like picking out clothes—you have lots of choices, and each one comes with its own price tag.
Average cost of car insurance by make and model
Check out this table showing how much people might pay for car insurance in 2023. It’s based on popular cars, but remember, your actual cost could be different. This table helps compare costs.
We organized the list from the cheapest to the most expensive for full coverage. Now, it might be tempting to get the cheapest insurance, but most experts say it’s better to get more coverage. It’s like having extra protection in case something happens.
| Car Make and Model | Avg. Annual Full Coverage Rate | Avg. Annual Min. Coverage Rate |
|---|---|---|
| BMW 300i | $2,513 | $598 |
| Toyota RAV4 | $1,869 | $612 |
| Honda Odyssey | $1,735 | $575 |
| Ford F-150 | $1,753 | $611 |
| Subaru Outback | $1,603 | $554 |
| Honda Civic | $1,963 | $619 |
| Chevy Silverado | $1,989 | $621 |
| Chevy Bolt | $2,007 | $611 |
| Nissan Leaf | $2,024 | $607 |
| Toyota Prius | $2,117 | $602 |
| Audi Q5 | $2,257 | $572 |
| BMW I3 Electric | $2,373 | $589 |
| Dodge Challenger | $2,483 | $641 |
| Tesla Model 3 | $2,577 | $605 |
| Cadillac Escalade ESV Luxury | $2,743 | $648 |
| Dodge Charger | $2,824 | $668 |
| Tesla Model X | $4,364 | $803 |
How to get quotes for your make and model
If you want to know how much your car insurance might cost, you can do it online, on the phone, or in person. Here’s how to do it online:
- Go to the insurance company’s website.
- Look for the option to ask for a quote online.
- Type in your personal info like your name, birthdate, and driver’s license number.
- Do the same for anyone else who drives in your home.
- Put in details about your car, like the year, make, model, VIN, and how much you drive.
- Pick what kind of coverage you want.
- Get your quote.
Doing this with a few different insurance companies can help you find the best price for your car. It’s like shopping around to find the coolest deal!
Frequently asked questions
The best car insurance company depends on what you need and like. If you want the cheapest, start by checking out quotes from the companies with low prices. Also, see how good they are at helping customers, handling claims, their financial strength, and how easy it is to use their website or app. An insurance agent can help you figure out which company offers what you need. You can also talk to agents who work for just one company.
Some cars like Subaru Outback, Honda Odyssey, Ford F-150, and Toyota RAV4 tend to have lower insurance costs. These cars are safe and have easy-to-fix parts, which helps keep the insurance price down.
To pay less for car insurance, get quotes from different companies and check out what discounts they offer. If you’re a good student, safe driver, or part of certain groups, you might save a lot. Some companies give big discounts if you get both car and home or renters insurance from them. Also, keeping a clean driving record and improving your credit score can help you save.
Yep, even if you only get liability insurance (which doesn’t cover your car’s damage), companies still look at what car you have. Some cars, like sports cars, are linked to riskier driving, so you might pay more for insurance even if you’re only getting liability coverage
