Are convertibles more expensive to insure?

Asked by: Lyda Bogisich  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.8/5 (73 votes)

A convertible may cost more to insure because of the higher purchase price they carry. In general, vehicles with a high price tag will cost more to repair or replace, so insurers charge more to cover the higher cost of a potential physical damage claim. This is why insurance for sports cars tends to be higher too.

Is a convertible worth buying?

A convertible could be a good idea when you are trying to maneuver and park in a particularly tight space or if you've parked a garage where there isn't enough room to open the doors to get out. For most people though, buying a convertible is more about them being cool and having a lot of fun when the weather is nice.

Are convertibles more expensive to insure UK?

Convertibles are more expensive to insure than their saloon, coupe or hatch brethren.

Are convertibles high maintenance?

Convertibles Need Maintenance

Eventually, the folding-top mechanism will require maintenance or repair. The movable tops typically have to be realigned periodically so that they fit tightly against the windshield and windows. Fabric tops may need to be patched or replaced if they wear down or are vandalized.

How much more expensive is a convertible?

Higher price

Convertibles tend to be $5,000 to $9,000 more expensive on average than comparable sedans or coupes.

What you need to know before buying a convertible | Top10s

31 related questions found

Why are convertibles not popular?

Convertibles are no longer as popular as they once were due to their impracticality, people's preference for larger cars, and the notion that convertibles aren't as safe as hardtops.

How much is car insurance on a convertible?

According to Insure.com's “Average insurance rates for your 2020 car” data, the nationwide average insurance premium for a convertible was $2,475 a year, which is a whopping 30% more than the national average for all vehicles, which comes in at $1,904.

How long do convertible tops last?

A properly maintained convertible top lasts an average of 5-7 years. 2. Never put a convertible top down when the temperature is below 60 degrees.

Do all convertibles leak?

Do convertibles leak? A convertible with a roof in good condition will not leak under normal circumstances, particularly if it's a modern vehicle. But it can never be completely watertight, and if the rubber seals between the car and the roof have deteriorated there may be some leakage into the cabin.

Are convertibles easy to break into?

You are concerned about its safety. Since soft top convertibles are easier to break into, they are more vulnerable to theft. ... Before you buy a convertible, especially a soft top convertible, think about where you will keep it and what security features are incorporated.

Should convertibles be garage kept?

The most important part of storing a convertible is to put the top up. ... Although a garage is ideal, convertibles can also be stored outside. In this case, you need to really consider a water-resistant yet breathable cover, one that is thicker for cars parked outside and a proper, snug fit.

Are convertibles cold in the winter?

Some drivers in northern climates reject convertible cars because they can't be used during the winter. ... One reason is several convertibles — including the Audi A5 and Infiniti G37 — now offer all-wheel drive, which makes them usable all winter long. Today's convertibles also are far better insulated than predecessors.

Are convertibles safe?

Modern convertibles are just as safe for passengers as regular cars according to a new study. ... A new study conducted by IIHS concludes that convertibles are no less dangerous than their non-convertible counterparts. These results only apply to convertibles that are 1 to 5 years old, however.

What are the disadvantages of convertible cars?

Cons
  • Convertibles are never a good option for bad weather.
  • Convertible is not really fit as a family car.
  • Structural rigidity does not allow the car to be as much safe as a solid body car.
  • Attracts thieves, as it is easy to break in than other cars.
  • Poor visibility and blind spots make it accident prone.

Are convertibles dying?

Auto manufacturers are in business to make money. Since car companies continue to create new convertible models for sale I can only assume there is enough consumer demand for convertibles to continue being sold. People are still buying convertibles in strong numbers. Convertibles are not dying anytime soon!

How often does a convertible top need to be replaced?

Tops generally last 10-12 years depending on care, storage, maintenance, and amount of use. That being said, we have seen tops that are 15 years old that still look good so there are many factors.

What happens if you leave a convertible open in the rain?

Yes it can cause a great deal of damage. Depending upon how much water entered the vehicle the seat padding and carpet padding and insulation becones saturated not to mention water entering the exposed switches and electronics.

How do you maintain a convertible top?

How to Care For a Convertible Top
  1. Avoid leaving a convertible top down overnight.
  2. Do not put the top down when the temperature falls below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
  3. Hand washing is preferred over using an automatic car wash.
  4. Clear areas of debris and repair all small rips, tears, and leaks before they become major repairs.

Can a convertible go through a carwash?

Most Convertibles Are Car-Wash-Friendly

No limitations. Every car is quality-checked to ensure water-tightness … the top frame is very rigid to be able to handle going up and down at up to 31 mph, so a car wash brush is no issue.”

Can you open a convertible while driving?

You can open or close the convertible top while driving, as long as the car is not moving faster than approx. 25 mph/40 km/h. If you accelerate to over 30 mph/50 km/h while the convertible top is moving, the procedure is interrupted.

Are miatas expensive to insure?

The average driver should plan on paying around $1,298 yearly to insure a Miata, which equates to around $108 a month. Collision coverage costs approximately $576 a year, liability and medical payments insurance is around $356, and the remaining comprehensive will cost around $366.

Why don't more people buy convertibles?

Also they're usually heavier(due to the mechanics to remove and place back the roof), more expensive(repairs and everything), slower(since the top half of the car's aerodynamics are gone for the sake of no roof), less agile, and a bit less safe than non-convertibles(a piece of cloth will NOT protect you in a roll over) ...

Are convertibles less aerodynamic?

Aerodynamics. Usually, convertibles with their top down are much less aerodynamic than similar cars with permanent roofs. A long, flowing roof smoothes the airflow over the car, resulting in less drag.