Are Some Cars Cheaper To Insure Than Others – And Why Is This?
Caeva O'Callaghan | March 8th, 2023
When you’re choosing a new car, budget is always a big factor. But even after you pay off your vehicle, you have to pay to keep it insured – so are some vehicles more cost effective in the long run, from a car insurance standpoint?
Yes, some cars are cheaper to insure than others. The price of your monthly premium depends on a number of factors, including make and model of the vehicle.
If you want to reduce your monthly car insurance premium and you’re in the market for a new car, it can be worth taking the cost to insure into account.
In this article, we’ll answer questions such as:
- What cars are cheapest to insure?
- Does the make and model of my car matter to insurance providers?
- Will a larger car cost more to insure?
Even if you get a good deal on your dream car, those good feelings can shatter when it comes to renewing your car insurance. It’s best to be aware of the facts before you make a costly mistake.
Check the engine size
The engine size of the vehicle is a big factor when it comes to determining car insurance premiums. This means cars with larger engines are more expensive to insure. Sometimes the difference between a 1.9 and a 1.6 can be over €1,000. The higher the engine size, the more statistically likely you are to have an accident, especially as a new driver.
Small cars with a small engine size will be cheaper to insure. They’re easier to control on the road, and generally cheaper to repair or replace.
So if you’re a young driver wondering what your first car should be, or a driver with experience looking to switch to a model, consider your insurance. The extra costs you can associate with owning a larger vehicle may rub out some of the excitement.
Choose a modern car
Another factor which has a massive impact on car insurance premiums is the age of the vehicle. Generally speaking, the newer the car the cheaper it will be to insure. Cars aged 5 years and less are cheaper to insure than cars aged between 5 and 10 years.
This is because modern cars are generally cheaper to repair, and mechanics more likely to be familiar with the inner workings. It’s also important to note that parts for modern cars will be widely available.
However, it is possible to go over the line. Very high-end vehicles with top notch technological equipment may in fact be more expensive to insure.
If you have a complex and powerful computer in your car, or choose the priciest navigation system or sound equipment, this can make your premium more expensive. This is not only because such technology is more expensive to replace, although that is the biggest factor. It’s also because the skills and labour needed to repair it or install a new system are comparatively rare, and you won’t be able to take your vehicle just anywhere to get it fixed.
Risk of theft
Certain cars are also at a higher risk of theft than others. To make matters more complicated, it’s not necessarily the Lexuses and Bentleys of the world that are being stolen at a higher rate than others.
For example, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is a highly theft attractive vehicle. It is often stolen to order, shipped over the border and broken up and sold for parts. So these vehicles aren’t going to the highest bidder – their attractiveness lies in the demand for parts, which we can assume is a result of its being a fairly common, popular car.
As a young person’s car, Volkswagen Golfs are also more likely to be modified. The chance of finding a high-quality stereo system or other equipment inside means thieves are willing to take a risk.
Small, popular cars blend in easily. Thieves are actually less likely to steal large, expensive, distinctive luxury vehicles, as they stand out from a mile off. Which are you more likely to remember seeing down your road, for instance: a Nissan Micra, or a roaring Ferrari?
The bottom line is, talk to us before you upgrade your vehicle. It’s worth lowering your monthly premium if you don’t particularly mind what car you drive, and your budget is flexible.
If you are researching a new car and need advice on car insurance, call us today!
If you are researching buying a new car and want to check what the car insurance costs will be, feel free to contact our car insurance experts. We can check the market for your car and specific details. You can contact us Mon-Fri between 8.30am and 5.30pm on 0818 224433 or 042 9359051.
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