How Your Car’s Make and Model Affect Your Insurance Premiums

When shopping for a new vehicle, it’s important to consider how a car’s make and model can significantly influence your insurance premiums. In Greenville, South Carolina, understanding this relationship can help you make informed decisions about your next vehicle purchase.

The Vehicle Safety Factor

Insurance companies look closely at safety ratings and crash test results when calculating premiums. Vehicles with strong safety records and advanced safety features may qualify for lower rates. Many modern vehicles come equipped with features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings and adaptive cruise control—all of which could play a role in how insurance companies view your vehicle’s risk profile.

However, these same advanced features might also increase repair costs after an accident. A simple fender bender that, at one time, only required a new bumper might now involve replacing expensive sensors and recalibrating safety systems. Insurance companies factor these potential repair costs into their premium calculations.

Performance and Risk

Sports cars and high-performance vehicles often come with higher insurance premiums, but the reasoning goes beyond speed capabilities. These vehicles typically cost more to repair, might require specialized parts and statistically end up in accidents more frequently. Even some nonluxury vehicles with high-performance editions might see insurance rate differences compared to their standard counterparts.

On the other hand, family-oriented vehicles like minivans and certain SUV models might qualify for lower rates. These vehicles often have strong safety records and are typically driven more cautiously, which insurance companies might view favorably.

The Cost of Repairs

Vehicle repair costs vary significantly between makes and models, affecting insurance premiums accordingly.

Some domestic vehicles, particularly popular models in the Greenville area, might benefit from readily available parts and numerous qualified repair shops. This accessibility could translate to lower repair costs and, potentially, lower insurance premiums.

Making an Informed Choice

Before finalizing your vehicle purchase, consider the following measures to make a knowledgeable decision:

• Research safety ratings and crash test results.

• Look into typical repair costs for models you’re considering.

• Check if the vehicle qualifies for any insurance discounts.

• Get insurance quotes for different vehicles you’re interested in.

Learn More

Contact GVL Insurance Company in Greenville, South Carolina to discuss how different vehicle choices might affect your insurance premiums. Our team can help you understand the various factors that may influence your rates.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.