Is it cheaper to insure a car that has a fast engine?

Asked by: Torrey Boehm  |  Last update: November 13, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (70 votes)

Sports car owners are likely to pay a higher premium for auto insurance. The steeper cost for sports cars is due in part to the fact that auto insurers recognize that sports cars have a higher risk for: Collision damage. General safety.

Are faster cars more expensive to insure?

Generally speaking, yes, it costs more to insure a sports car than a conventional car. For example, full coverage on a BMW i8 costs $4,116 a year. But it only costs around $2,064 a year for full coverage on the average conventional car.

Does engine type affect insurance?

As a result, cars with larger engines can have higher premiums. Chance of theft. Certain makes and models are more likely to become targets for thieves. As a result, insurers may charge more for cars that are stolen more than others.

Are turbo engines more expensive to insure?

Will having a turbocharged engine affect my insurance? Cars with turbocharged engines often cost more to insure because they cost more to repair than their non-turbocharged counterparts. They also have more power and speed than a standard engine, increasing the risk of an accident.

Does a V8 make your insurance go up?

Engine Size: Vehicles with larger engines, like a V8, often have higher insurance premiums due to increased power and performance, which can lead to higher accident risks.

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32 related questions found

What is the downside of a V8 engine?

Cons of V8 engines:

Vehicles with V8 engines are usually more expensive than V6 vehicles. V8 vehicles tend to burn more fuel. V8 vehicles tend to be heavier.

Does horsepower matter for insurance?

In fact, a big factor in deciding insurance costs is horsepower. Higher-horsepower vehicles often accelerate faster, which raises the possibility of collisions.

What engine size is best for insurance?

Size – it really does matter when it comes to engine size. Keep the engine size low, for example 1200cc or less, to keep the insurance and tax costs down.

What mileage do turbos fail?

So, how long do turbos last? As we mentioned, turbos' life expectancy generally is around 150,000 miles.

Do turbos increase engine life?

With proper maintenance and good driving habits, a turbocharged engine shouldn't have any significant reliability concerns compared to a naturally aspirated engine. If a turbo fails, it can send pieces of metal into the engine and require a costly and complete rebuild or replacement.

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.

Can you claim a blown engine on your insurance?

In most cases, car insurance will not cover mechanical damage like engine failure. Your comprehensive and collision coverage can only cover certain perils, depending on the coverage. Your insurance will not cover damage to your engine as a result of wear and tear, manufacturing defects or lack of maintenance.

How can you help yourself lower your monthly insurance payment?

Here are some ways to save on car insurance1
  1. Increase your deductible.
  2. Check for discounts you qualify for.
  3. Compare auto insurance quotes.
  4. Maintain a good driving record.
  5. Participate in a safe driving program.
  6. Take a defensive driving course.
  7. Explore payment options.
  8. Improve your credit score.

What is the cheapest muscle car to insure?

The V-6-powered Challenger SXT has 303 hp and costs $2,000 on average to insure. The Mustang EcoBoost and its 310-hp turbocharged I-4 engine costs $1,850 to insure annually. Output from the Camaro 1LS' turbo I-4 isn't as high at 275 hp, but insurance of $1,732 per year makes it the least expensive of these three.

Why are faster cars better?

By making cars that can go 120 mph or faster, less strain is placed on the engine at lower speeds, which improves safety and fuel economy. “In order to create seamless shifts all the way up the transmission, it's necessary to increase the top speed,” MotorBiscuit writes.

Is it cheaper to insure an older or newer car?

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.

Do turbo engines need premium gas?

Also, premium gas is more resistant to engine knock in luxury and performance vehicles with turbochargers or high-compression engines, so you can hit that horsepower smoothly. Remember that you see these benefits only in vehicles requiring premium gas and not necessarily in most other vehicles.

How much does it cost to replace a turbo?

Average cost of turbocharger replacement

On average, the cost to replace a turbocharger can be $2,000 or more. The turbo can cost at least $1,500, while labor will typically run $500 or more. However, the type of car you drive and the engine it has will impact the final price you pay.

Do turbos damage your engine?

A turbo is an advanced piece of engineering and is therefore very vulnerable. Problems with a turbo will affect the engine and lead to irreparable damage.

Is a V8 more expensive to insure than a v6?

Yes, V8 trucks can be more expensive to insure. The powerful engines in V8 trucks often mean they are used for heavy-duty tasks, which can increase the likelihood of accidents or damage. This increased risk can lead to higher insurance premiums.

Is a 1.6 L or 2.0 L engine better?

When comparing a 1.6L engine to a 2.0L engine, the primary difference lies in their displacement, which affects power output and fuel efficiency. The 1.6L engine, being smaller, is generally more fuel-efficient and economical, making it ideal for daily commuting and city driving.

Does horsepower affect insurance?

Engine size: Owners of high-powered vehicles with higher horsepower are more likely to engage in riskier driving (speeding, racing, tricky driving maneuvers, etc.). As a result, cars with larger engines can have higher premiums.

How do I get around expensive insurance?

Nine ways to lower your auto insurance costs
  1. Shop around. ...
  2. Before you buy a car, compare insurance costs. ...
  3. Ask for higher deductibles. ...
  4. Reduce coverage on older cars. ...
  5. Buy your homeowners and auto coverage from the same insurer. ...
  6. Maintain a good credit record. ...
  7. Take advantage of low mileage discounts. ...
  8. Ask about group insurance.

How much horsepower is considered high?

It is possible to have too much horsepower in a vehicle. Although experienced drivers may handle it, anything over 300 horsepower becomes dangerous for those who don't have much experience driving fast cars. Your experience level can help determine if high horsepower is safe for you.