Why is an older car more expensive to insure?
Asked by: Freddie Wiza | Last update: November 16, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (21 votes)
Why is my car insurance so high on 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.
Is it more expensive to insure an older 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.
Is it worth it to have full coverage on a 10 year old car?
Age and value of your car
Full coverage is often worthwhile for newer or higher-value cars, as they are more expensive to replace. If you drive a 10-year-old clunker, you may be able to skip full coverage, as replacing the car may be less expensive than purchasing comprehensive or collision coverage.
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.
Is an Older Car Cheaper to Insure Than a New One?
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?
- Qualify for insurance discounts. Getting more discounts that lower your car insurance premium might be easier than you think. ...
- 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.
When 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.
Why is car insurance so expensive for 19 year olds?
Insurance companies often see young drivers as a greater risk because they are more prone to accidents and poor decision-making — both of which raise the potential cost of claims that need to be paid out by insurers. As a result, these added risks lead to higher premiums when insuring teen drivers.
Can a car be too old for full coverage?
Lenders often want to protect their investment and require this comprehensive coverage to do so. According to ValuePenguin, if your vehicle is 10 years old or older, you may be paying too much for insurance if you have comprehensive or collision coverage.
What is the best insurance company for older cars?
- Best for availability: American Collectors.
- Best for restored vehicles: Hagerty.
- Best for regular use: Safeco.
- Best for immediate coverage: Grundy.
- Best for high-value vehicles: Chubb.
Why are newer cars more expensive to insure?
Due to their desirability and higher resale value, new cars can attract more attention from thieves. The increased risk of theft and vandalism contributes to higher insurance costs. Full coverage insurance is often recommended for new cars with higher theft and vandalism risks.
Why is classic car insurance so cheap?
Because the policy is mileage limited, and very specfic to your vehicle, it can be a lot cheaper. Insurance companies know that if you are building a classic vehicle, you are probably going to treat it a little differently than the family Honda – and they price their policies accordingly.
Does trim level affect insurance?
Cars with higher trim levels can also have higher rates, since trim levels with more features may be more expensive to repair than cars with lower trim levels. That said, several factors affect your car insurance rate, and your car's make and model is just one.
Why does my car insurance keep going up with no accidents?
Car insurance rates can sometimes increase unexpectedly, even without being involved in an accident. This can be due to different factors, such as changes in the insurance company's rates, adjustments to your policy, or even external factors like inflation or rising repair costs.
At what age is car insurance 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.
Why is my car insurance so high at 20 years old?
Insurance is about assessing risk. Young drivers have less experience, which puts them in a higher class of risk for insurers. As a result, car insurance rates for a 20-year-old are higher than those for a more experienced driver, though a 20-year-old driver is still less expensive to insure than a teen.
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.
When should you not go through car insurance?
You accidentally cause minimal damage to your own car, like backing into a pole or mailbox. No, don't bother contacting your insurer if you don't have collision coverage or if the damage is less than your collision deductible.
How can I lower my full coverage car insurance?
- Increase your deductible.
- Check for discounts you qualify for.
- Compare auto insurance quotes.
- Maintain a good driving record.
- Participate in a safe driving program.
- Take a defensive driving course.
- Explore payment options.
- Improve your credit score.
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.
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.
Which of the following should reduce your auto insurance premium?
Deductible. Some kinds of coverage have deductibles. A deductible is the amount of loss which the insured is responsible to pay. You usually pay a lower premium if you choose a higher deductible.