Is it cheaper to insure a new or old car?

Asked by: Donna McGlynn  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.6/5 (37 votes)

Older cars are cheaper to insure than newer cars, all else being equal. 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.

Is it true that the newer the car the cheaper the insurance?

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 insurance cheaper on a brand new car?

How much does new car insurance cost? Newer cars are generally more expensive to insure than old ones, particularly if you carry comprehensive and collision insurance, as they are worth more and are therefore more expensive to replace.

Why do older cars cost more 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 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 Newer Cars Cheaper to Insure than Older Cars?

24 related questions found

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.

Does insurance go up when you buy a new car?

How much is insurance for a new car? Usually, getting a new car will increase your rate because it'll be worth more than your old car.

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.

What are two advantages with buying a new car?

The Pros:
  • Low Interest Rates. The continual and historic low interest rates set by the Federal Reserve has trickled down to auto loans, as well. ...
  • Warranties. Most vehicles come with a manufacturer's warranty that, on average, covers three years or 60,000 miles. ...
  • Latest Technology. ...
  • Depreciation. ...
  • Insurance. ...
  • Return on Investment.

How long after buying car do I need insurance?

The California new car insurance grace period is 30 days, which is how long you have after purchasing a vehicle to get insurance coverage for that vehicle and provide proof of that coverage to the California DMV.

Why did my car insurance go up when I bought a new car?

Adding vehicles and drivers

If you purchase a more expensive car, your rate is likely to go up as your new ride may be more likely to be stolen and cost more to repair or replace than your previous vehicle.

Can I drive a new car home on my old insurance?

Can you drive home a car you just bought? Yes, but only if you have insurance. It is a legal requirement that you are insured to drive your new car at any time, even just to bring it home.

At what mileage do cars start having problems?

Generally, vehicles are likely to start experiencing problems after the 100,000-mile mark. Also, in most cases, they no longer have a valid manufacturer's warranty, meaning you have to pay for repairs out of your own pocket when something goes wrong.

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 old cars harder to maintain?

Yes, not surprisingly older cars will break down more often than new cars. However, an old car that's well maintained will be reliable.

Does car insurance get cheaper after 6 months?

Your driving record will improve in the next 6 months. You can pay for a full year of car insurance upfront for a bigger discount. You are paying off a car loan in the next 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.

Are more expensive cars more expensive to insure?

And as a general rule, more expensive cars cost more to insure because of the increased costs associated with repairing them, replacing parts — especially on foreign brands — or replacing the vehicle in the event of a total loss.

Why is Progressive so much cheaper?

Progressive is cheap because it offers a variety of discounts and equips consumers with advanced tools to get the best rates. ... Progressive also offers the Name Your Price® tool, which lets customers state their desired price for car insurance and offers a range of coverage options that fit their budget.

Can you drive a car without insurance?

You Shouldn't Drive a Car without an Insurance Policy

The only thing that matters is whether it has insurance. If you drive a car without insurance, you risk a hefty penalty. Furthermore, if you participate in an accident, you might face substantial damage bills.

Can you get car insurance without a car?

Yes, you can get car insurance without a car. You can buy non-owner car insurance which will provide your state minimum car insurance coverage as long as you have a valid driver's license, do not have a vehicle registered in your name, and do not have access to a household vehicle.

Can I insurance a car that is not in my name?

Generally, no. A person cannot get an auto insurance policy on a car that they do not legally own unless they can prove to the insurance company that they have an insurable interest in the vehicle.

Is buying a brand new car a waste of money?

Buying a new car can be a good investment in some limited circumstances, but generally speaking, few cars could ever really be considered as good investments because they are almost always depreciating rather than appreciating in value.

What is one of the cons to purchasing a new car?

Disadvantages of Buying a New Car

While it feels good to drive away in a brand new car, one of the cons of buying a new car is that they typically cost more than used cars, depending on the make, model and features you choose. You'll pay more to have the latest technology and safety features.