Is a newer car more expensive to insure?

Asked by: Tomasa Fay  |  Last update: January 27, 2026
Score: 5/5 (59 votes)

Since new vehicles have a higher initial value, they have higher car insurance premiums, but because of the rapid depreciation, these premiums may also decrease over time. Full coverage car insurance costs for new cars tend to be more expensive compared to used cars due to their higher value.

Is it cheaper to insure an older or newer car?

The price of car insurance generally does go down as a car gets older. This is because older cars are typically worth less than new cars, so the cost to repair or replace them in the event of an accident is lower.

Why is my insurance higher with a newer car?

New cars can generally cost more to insure due to higher replacement costs and advanced tech features. Definitely shop around and consider tweaking your coverage options to find a better deal.

Is car insurance more expensive on newer cars?

When insuring a car, a major factor that affects cost is the vehicle's value. New cars generally have higher values so insurers consider this when determining premiums. Additionally, new cars can experience fast depreciation. Depreciation starts when a new car is driven off the lot, losing as much as 20% of its value.

Does the age of your car affect insurance?

Even the age of your car is relevant: Since newer cars are usually worth more, they usually cost more to insure. Electric cars can be more expensive to insure, as well, since repair costs tend to be higher.

The WORST Cars for Insurance Coverage in 2024

38 related questions found

At what age does car insurance stop being expensive?

States Where Age Does Not Affect Rates

In the following states, insurance companies cannot take age into account when calculating insurance premiums: California.

How do you lower your car insurance bill?

7 ways to lower your car insurance premium
  1. Qualify for insurance discounts. Getting more discounts that lower your car insurance premium might be easier than you think. ...
  2. Increase your deductible. ...
  3. Reduce your coverage. ...
  4. Compare rates. ...
  5. Try usage-based insurance. ...
  6. Take a defensive driving course. ...
  7. Get a car that's cheaper to insure.

Why is my Progressive bill so high?

If your car insurance goes up for seemingly no reason when you renew your policy, it's likely due to an increase in risk that's outside of your control. This could include reasons like increased claims in your area (due to more extreme weather damage, more accidents, etc.) and higher car repair and replacement costs.

Will a new car lower my insurance?

New cars typically have the latest safety technology, which can lead to lower insurance rates despite their higher value. On the other hand, used cars may lack these features or have older versions, potentially resulting in higher premiums.

How much will my insurance go up for buying a new car?

Your premium is based on a number of factors that vary from person to person. These include your car's age, make and model, your driving record and, in some states, your age, gender and credit history. Because of this, it's impossible to say exactly how much your insurance will increase with a new car.

What are the pros and cons of having a new car?

Buying a new car is a huge decision. On the one hand, a new car is shiny, smells great, and has all the latest technology and safety features. On the other hand, it's expensive, loses value quickly, and can come with a hefty monthly payment.

Why is my car insurance suddenly so high?

More severe and frequent car accidents

Vehicles head east on a Los Angeles freeway during the evening rush hour commute on April 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. That has led to an increase in claims that is well above historical averages because of their severity, according to LexisNexis Risk Solutions data.

At what point is full coverage not worth it?

Paying for comprehensive and collision — the coverages that many people mean when they say "full coverage" — may not be worth it if your car's value is minimal and your policy includes a high deductible. Usually, you have to have comprehensive and collision on a financed car because most lenders require it.

Do I need full coverage on a 10 year old car?

It's usually worth dropping full coverage on an older car if its value is less than a few thousand dollars, as long as there's no loan on it. The more your car depreciates, the less you'll get from the insurance company after an accident or theft.

Why is my insurance so high for an old car?

Although they may have a lower value, older cars may also have expensive parts that could make repairs expensive. The older a car gets, the harder it may be to source these parts for repair, which can also drive up the cost of car insurance for older cars.

Who normally has the cheapest car insurance?

Geico, Nationwide and Travelers are among the least expensive for car insurance. Americans are paying a lot for car insurance these days: Average annual rates for a full coverage policy are up to $2,638 per year, while minimum coverage averages $767 per year.

Does credit score affect car insurance?

How credit-based insurance scores work. Most U.S. insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores along with your driving history, claims history and many other factors to establish eligibility for payment plans and to help determine insurance rates. Again, except in California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.

Is Geico cheaper than Progressive?

GEICO is cheaper and has better ratings than Progressive. Your experience with GEICO and Progressive will vary based on individual rating factors.

What age is car insurance most expensive?

18-year-old drivers on their own policy pay the highest car insurance premiums out of the age groups Bankrate analyzed. The most significant difference in premiums by gender occurs at age 18. On average, 18-year-old males cost 9 percent less to insure than their female counterparts.

What is the cheapest vehicle to insure?

The Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Jeep Wrangler and Subaru Outback are the cheapest cars to insure. All three have full coverage rates under $250 per month, on average.

Who is #1 in auto insurance?

State Farm is the largest auto insurance company in the U.S. based on written premium, or the total amount it bills customers. Progressive is the second-largest car insurance company, followed by Geico and Allstate.

What age does car insurance go down?

Both male and female drivers see the biggest drop in average annual car insurance premiums between the ages of 18 and 19. This is because younger drivers are seen by most auto insurance companies as riskier to insure due to their overall inexperience behind the wheel.

How to get a reduction on car insurance?

  1. Increase your deductible. ...
  2. Double check what discounts you qualify for. ...
  3. Shop around for car insurance. ...
  4. Maintain a good driving record. ...
  5. Sign up for our safe driving program. ...
  6. Take an accident prevention course. ...
  7. Explore payment options. ...
  8. Improve your credit score.

At what point should you drop full coverage on your car?

For example, you might want to drop comprehensive coverage if: You park your car in the garage and protect it from animals, falling objects, and severe weather. You plan to replace your car next time it needs big repairs. Your car is worth less than the deductible on your comprehensive coverage.