Is a newer car cheaper to insure?

Asked by: Leanna Lehner  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.8/5 (41 votes)

Auto insurance rates drop by 3.4% for every year your vehicle ages. An eight-year-old vehicle is approximately 25% cheaper to insure than is a brand new vehicle. For example, a brand new Honda Accord could cost $74 more per month to insure than an eight-year-old Honda Accord.

Is it cheaper to insure a newer car or an older car?

An older vehicle is cheaper to insure mainly because older cars are less valuable, so an insurer won't have to pay out as much in the event of a total loss. ... You can drop these parts of your insurance altogether and save money. But a car's age actually has less of an impact on insurance premiums than its make and model.

Is car insurance more expensive for newer cars?

Car insurance for a new car

A new car is more expensive to replace than a used one, and your insurance premiums will reflect that. ... A used car at half the price costs less to replace and so less to insure. New cars are equipped with increased safety features, which can reduce your insurance.

Is insurance on older cars cheaper?

Do Older Cars Cost More to Insure? Your rates for comprehensive coverage or collision coverage on an older vehicle may be lower than what you'd pay for those same coverages on a newer car that's worth more. ... Older cars are typically worth less, as their value depreciates over time.

Why is an older car more expensive to insure?

Consider repair and replacement costs: Older vehicles can cost more to insure because they can be more expensive to repair due to hard-to-find parts. Consider how much you'll need to spend to make repairs to your older car. ... If your vehicle is older and not worth much, you may not need these additional coverages.

Are Newer Cars Cheaper to Insure than Older Cars?

37 related questions found

At what age car insurance goes down?

Drivers see their car insurance premiums start to go down around age 20, with a big drop coming around age 25. Rates tend to level out for decades beginning around age 35. Once you're past 65 years old, however, age tends to affect driving capability.

Are old cars more reliable than new cars?

According to the scores, newer cars are inherently more reliable than old cars. Of course, that doesn't automatically make new cars better, but it makes the driving experience better. Kia, in particular, was most improved.

Are older cars more expensive to repair?

People are often surprised by how much it costs to keep an older vehicle running, but it is almost always cheaper to repair your car than buy a new one.

Is a used car cheaper to insure?

Unfortunately, used cars are not necessarily cheaper to insure than new cars. Depending on the car model and insurer you choose, you may see very different insurance rates for an older vehicle. Some insurers charge less for older vehicles than new ones; others charge more.

Are newer cars harder to repair?

I find that modern cars are way, way easier to diagnose and repair than older cars, even for non-professionals. Modifications are easier in my opinion as well. We have such a better understanding of technology today than we did just 5 years ago. Cars are built so systematically nowadays as well.

When should you upgrade your car?

The average car lasts for about 150,000 miles, but that rule doesn't fit for everyone. If your maintenance costs are beginning to add up to more than half of your vehicle's current value, then it's time to consider upgrading. Let's say your car is worth $5,000 and your latest repairs are going to cost $2,600.

Is maintaining an old car worth it?

The "50 Percent" Rule

On a purely pragmatic basis, it's almost always cheaper to keep an existing car running than to purchase a new one. ... If a car looks good and has been maintained meticulously, having a mechanical problem fixed now might prolong its life for tens of thousands of miles down the road.

Are newer vehicles more reliable?

However, the general consensus seems to be that modern cars don't break down as often as older ones. ... As a result of this improved reliability, people are hanging onto their modern cars longer than before. In 2009, J.D. Power and Associates reported that the average trade-in age of a car in the U.S. is 73 months.

Are newer cars better than older ones?

Certain cars have grown in stature over the years. ... While classic cars may be lighter and smaller than modern ones, most are still more durable and sturdier. Modern vehicles may be made to last longer, but they are generally disposable.

Why are modern cars better than older cars?

Modern cars may objectively last longer than older cars, but they are ultimately made to be disposable. It's not uncommon for car manufacturers to practice planned obsolescence. ... Older cars, on the other hand, are designed to be rebuilt. By just replacing some parts, your old car could run like new again.

What color of car statistically has the lowest crash rates?

We've referenced the safest color car on the road. That color is white. White cars are 12 percent less likely to be involved in an accident than black cars at any time of the day under any conditions.

Why insurance is so expensive?

California residents pay about $1,429 per year for car insurance on average, making it one of the most expensive states for car insurance. The state's natural disasters, theft/vandalism rates and dense population contribute to these higher insurance costs.

Does insurance get cheaper after 6 months?

If you can keep your driving record clean and have a previous infraction due to expire in the next six months, your rates could go down. A 6-month car insurance policy might also benefit drivers who will soon pay off a car loan as well as those who improve their credit.

Does turning 25 lower car insurance?

In general, younger drivers tend to pay more for car insurance—but once you reach the age of 25, the cost of your insurance policy can drop. According to CarInsurance.com, the average annual premium for a 24-year-old male with full coverage is $2,273. At age 25, that average drops to $1,989, a decrease of about 12.5%.

Why is insurance so expensive under 25?

The reason why insurance is higher for a person under 25 is because younger drivers are statistically more likely to get into an accident than older drivers — so they're riskier for companies to insure.

At what mileage should you get rid of your car?

Standard cars in this day and age are expected to keep running up to 200,000 miles, while cars with electric engines are expected to last for up to 300,000 miles. Keeping a car that long has a lot of benefits, including the fact that it could save you a great deal of money.

How many years should I keep my car?

Paying less helps you pay off the car faster.” While Orman says it's best if you can buy a car outright, if you do need to take out of a loan, she suggests choosing a car you can fully own within three years.

Is a 10 year old car too old?

A 10-year-old car or a vehicle with over 200,000 miles is already considered an old car. ... If the car has not exceeded three years and is below 25,000 miles, it is still considered new.