Is insurance higher for used cars?
Asked by: Gwen Lemke DDS | Last update: December 16, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (26 votes)
Are used cars more expensive to insure?
New Car vs.
Generally, used cars are cheaper to insure due to their lower market value and the potential for reduced coverage needs. However, there are exceptions to this trend. For instance, insuring a luxury or high-performance used car can be more expensive than a standard new car.
Will my insurance go up if I buy a used car?
However, car insurance rates depend less on whether the car is used or new and more on the details of the vehicle and your policy, including the car's make and model, your location, and the amount of coverage that you carry. For the most part, there's no difference between insurance for used and new cars.
Is insurance higher or lower on old cars?
In general, auto insurance for older cars may be cheaper than insuring newer vehicles of the same make and model if the used car is cheaper to repair or replace. A car depreciates in value over time, which lowers the maximum amount an insurance company would have to pay in the event of an accident.
Is it financially better to buy a new or used car?
Used Car: A used car is generally much cheaper than a new one, and its value has already depreciated. This means a used car loses less value over time compared to a new car, which can depreciate by 20-30% within the first year alone.
10 tips when buying insurance for new/used car
How much should I spend on a car if I make $100,000?
To calculate an affordable car payment, use the recommended 20% down and 60-month maximum loan term. Based on those terms, a person making $100,000 a year can afford a $61,000 car, assuming their other expenses allow for a monthly payment of approximately $931.05.
What is the 1/10 car rule?
The Car Buying Rule To Follow: The 1/10th Rule
The rule states that you should spend no more than 1/10th your gross annual income on the purchase price of a car. The car can be new or old. It doesn't matter so long as the car costs 10% of your annual gross income or less.
At what age is car insurance the cheapest?
Experienced drivers are less likely to have accident claims, which means they cost less to insure. At Progressive, the average premium per driver tends to decrease significantly from 19-34 and then stabilize or decrease slightly from 34-75. At age 75, the average premium begins trending upward.
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.
Can you get full coverage on a 20 year old car?
Yes. Full coverage is available for older cars. However, if your older car has a low market value, you won't get much from the insurance company if it's totaled or stolen. This is the main reason to drop full coverage for an older car with a low resale value.
How much is insurance for a used car?
How much does insurance cost for a used car? The nationwide average annual car insurance policy for full coverage on a used car costs $1,867 yearly or $156 a month. Used car insurance rates depend on several factors, such as the make and model, where you live and your credit score.
How much does insurance go up with a second car?
This can range anywhere from 10% to 25%, depending on the provider and your coverage levels. If you're adding a second car to insurance and both vehicles meet the insurer's criteria, you could end up with a nice reduction in your overall premium.
Will my car insurance go up if I use it for work?
Insurers typically look at how much you use your car. Someone who has a long commute to work may pay more for insurance than someone who only uses their vehicle to run errands on weekends — since more miles behind the wheel mean more exposure to risk.
What car brand is the cheapest to insure?
Which vehicles are cheapest 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.
Is it cheaper to insure 2 cars than one?
If you buy a second car, you need to insure it, even if you only plan to take it for a spin now and then. Insuring two cars costs more than insuring a single vehicle but there are options — such as multi-vehicle discounts, usage-based policies, and specialty car insurance — that can help reduce the cost.
Is it good to keep full coverage on a paid-off car?
Risk Tolerance: Full coverage can provide peace of mind by protecting your car from various risks, including accidents, theft, and weather damage. If you prefer the extra security, keeping full coverage might be worth it, even after the car is paid off.
Is it cheaper to insure an older car?
As a result, insurance premiums are generally lower for older cars. One of the largest periods of depreciation is the first year of a car's life. Insurance rates drop around 10% once a car is a year old. Given that new cars are worth more and usually have more advanced features, they are more expensive to insure.
How can I lower my full coverage car insurance?
- Qualify for insurance discounts. ...
- Increase your deductible. ...
- Reduce your coverage. ...
- Compare rates. ...
- Try usage-based insurance. ...
- Take a defensive driving course. ...
- Get a car that's cheaper to insure.
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.
Which gender pays more for car insurance?
On average, young men pay much more for car insurance than young women. This is because car insurance providers find men to be riskier drivers than women, especially when they are younger. When they are older, women start to pay slightly higher rates.
Why is my car insurance so high Progressive?
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.
Is $2000 a good down payment on a car?
How much should you put down on a car? A down payment between 10 to 20 percent of the vehicle price is the general recommendation.
How much should I spend on a car if I make $60,000?
If your gross salary is $60,000, your take-home monthly pay is probably around $3750, assuming about 25 percent of your pay goes toward taxes and other expenses. Based on a calculation of spending 10–15 percent of your monthly pay on a car loan, you should spend no more than $562.50 on your monthly car payment.
What is the 20% rule for car?
20% down — be able to pay 20% or more of the total purchase price up front. 4-year loan — be able to pay off the balance in 48 months or fewer. 10% of your income — your total monthly auto costs (including insurance, gas, maintenance, and car payments) should be 10% or less of your monthly income.