Red cars do not cost more to insure. According to the Insurance Information Institute, insurance companies set rates based on factors like the driver’s history, vehicle make and model, location, and usage. Car color does not affect insurance premiums.
Do Red Cars Increase Your Insurance Rates?
Many drivers think owning a red car means higher car insurance rates. Many Americans believe red cars are more expensive to insure. But this is entirely false— car insurance companies don’t consider car color when calculating the price of auto insurance. When quoting your premium, most won’t even ask about your car’s color on the insurance application.
Instead, insurance companies look at key factors that make up your risk profile. These are your car’s make, model, and year, as these impact its value and repair costs. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) determines the car’s history and specs. They also look at how many miles you drive annually and if the vehicle is used for commuting, as more time on the road means more accidents.
Beyond the car, personal factors play a significant role in determining insurance premiums. Your driving record is one of the biggest factors—past traffic tickets and accidents help insurance companies predict your future behavior. Location matters, too, as auto insurance companies look at ZIP codes to assess crime rates, theft, vandalism, and traffic congestion. Depending on state laws, demographic factors like age, gender, and credit-based insurance scores may impact auto insurance rates.
While your car color doesn’t affect your insurance premium, some customizations might. If a red car is a high-performance model, a classic car, or has custom paint, it may need special coverage, which could increase the cost. In those cases, insurance carriers might recommend a custom parts and equipment endorsement to cover the added value of the modifications.
So, while red cars may get attention on the road, they don’t mean higher auto insurance rates. The car’s specs, driving habits, and location play a much more significant role in your premium.
Are Red Cars Pulled Over More Often? Myth Busted
Many drivers believe owning a red car means getting pulled over more often. But there’s no data to back that up. Police don’t target vehicles by color. They target behavior and visible car problems. Speeding, reckless driving, running a red light, or having a broken taillight will get you pulled over way more often than the color of your car.
Interestingly, while red cars are considered the most ticketed, statistics show that white vehicles get the most tickets, and red cars are second. Studies of traffic violation data have found that specific car models (luxury and economy) get pulled over more often than others. So, the vehicle type and the owner’s driving habits matter more than color alone.
In the end, drivers should focus on safe driving practices rather than the color of their cars. Law enforcement is all about road safety, so if you drive safely and responsibly, you’ll avoid traffic stops no matter your car color.
When Does Car Color Impact Insurance Rates?
Painting your car red won’t affect your auto insurance rates, as insurers don’t consider your vehicle’s color when calculating premiums. However, suppose your paint job is custom or aftermarket. In that case, insurance companies will classify it as a modification that could have an impact on auto insurance rates. In this case, consider adding Custom Parts and Equipment (CPE) coverage to protect your investment.
CPE coverage is usually around $5,000 and covers aftermarket modifications including specialty paintwork. While this type of coverage will add a bit to your premiums, the cost is minimal. Standard factory colors, including red, don’t require additional coverage and do not affect car insurance rates.
There is no evidence that car color affects the chances of getting pulled over. Still, studies have examined which colors are most stolen. A 2012 study found that silver is the most stolen car color, while black, gold, green, and white vehicles are frequent targets. Red cars weren’t among the most stolen because they stand out more and are easier to identify.
So, if you’re thinking of changing colors, the key thing to remember is whether it’s a custom paint job. Red itself won’t raise your auto insurance rates, but an aftermarket or specialty finish might require additional coverage.
Where Did The Red Car Myth Come From?
The myth that red cars are more expensive to insure or get ticketed has no basis. The popular belief comes from common misconceptions about the color red and its association with speed, aggression, and sports cars. Over the years, people have assumed red cars get more attention from the cops, so there are more traffic tickets and, consequently, higher auto insurance premiums.
The insurance industry doesn’t consider the car’s color when determining premiums. They look at the make and model of the vehicle, the driver’s history, annual mileage, and location. Cops pull over drivers based on their behavior, not the color of their car.
The common belief that red cars stand out more or are inherently reckless has fueled this insurance myth for years, but it’s a myth. Red may be a noticeable color, but it does not affect auto insurance or getting a ticket.
Factors That Affect Your Car Insurance Rates
While the color of your car does not impact car insurance costs, several other things do. Insurers look at personal factors and vehicle specifics to assess risk factors and your auto insurance price.
Personal Factors That Affect Your Premium
- Driving Record: Safe drivers with no claims or tickets get lower rates. A clean record means lower risk; claims or tickets mean higher costs.
- Mileage: The more miles you drive annually, the higher the crash risks. Regular commuting, especially in heavy traffic areas, can mean higher premiums.
- Residence: Where you live affects your rates. Urban areas with higher accidents, theft rates, and vandalism have higher premiums than rural or suburban areas. Parking in a garage instead of on the street can also lower costs.
- Marital Status: Insurers see married drivers as less likely to get into accidents and drive safer, resulting in reduced insurance rates.
- Age & Experience: Younger drivers, especially those under 25, are more prone to accidents and pay higher premiums. More experienced drivers pay less.
- Gender: In some regions, insurers consider gender when pricing rates, as historical data shows that men are more likely to take risks than women.
- Credit History: Many insurers use credit scores to predict a driver’s risk. A higher credit score means lower premiums and a lower score means higher rates.
- Insurance Claims History: If you have a history of claims, insurers may consider you a higher-risk driver and, therefore, charge you more expensive premiums.
Vehicle-Specific Factors That Affect Insurance Costs
- Type of Vehicle, Make, and Model: Insurers assess a vehicle’s make, model, and year to determine its value, repair costs, and safety record. Expensive or high-performance cars cost more to insure because they are more costly to repair or replace.
- Vehicle Age: Newer cars have higher premiums as they are more expensive to replace and repair. Older cars with outdated safety features may also mean higher costs.
- Size and Design: Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks may have higher premiums as they can cause more damage in an accident. However, they may offer better crash protection and lower post-accident medical bills.
- Trim Level & Luxury Features: Upgraded trim levels with premium interiors, sunroofs, or advanced tech can increase auto insurance costs as these features increase repair and replacement costs.
- Body Style: Sporty cars, convertibles, and coupes have higher premiums than sedans or minivans because they are statistically more accident-prone.
- Safety Features: Cars with advanced safety features like collision avoidance systems, anti-lock brakes, and airbags may qualify for insurance discounts.
- Repair & Replacement Costs: Cars that require special parts, such as imported or luxury cars, have higher repair costs and, therefore, more expensive insurance rates.
How to Reduce Your Car Insurance Premium
You can’t change your car’s color to reduce your car insurance cost, but there are several ways to lower your premium. Adjusting your policy, taking advantage of discounts, and reassessing your coverage needs can save you a lot on your car insurance.
1. Increase Your Deductible
Raising your deductible—the amount you pay before your insurance kicks in—can lower your premium. If you currently have a low deductible, increasing it to $500 or $1000 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage by 15% to 40%. Make sure you have enough savings to cover the higher deductible if you need to file a claim.
2. Review and Adjust Your Coverage
Before renewal, go through your policy and eliminate any unnecessary coverage. For example, suppose your car is old and paid off. In that case, you should drop collision or comprehensive coverage as repairs may exceed the car’s value. You no longer need gap insurance if you just paid off your car loan.
3. Take Advantage of Discounts
Many insurance companies offer discounts that can save you a lot. Here are some:
- Bundling policies (e.g., auto and home insurance)
- Good driver discounts for a clean driving record
- Low mileage discounts for driving less than 10,000–12,000 miles per year
- Safety and anti-theft feature discounts for cars with advanced security systems
- Good student discounts for young drivers with high grades
- Loyalty or multi-car discounts for insuring multiple cars under the same provider
Contact your insurance provider to see what discounts you qualify for.
4. Consider Usage-Based or Pay-Per-Mile Insurance
If you drive less than 10,000–12,000 miles per year, you may qualify for a low-mileage discount or pay-per-mile insurance based on the actual miles you drive. Some insurers also offer usage-based insurance programs that monitor your driving habits (speed, braking, mileage) and adjust your premium accordingly.
5. Shop Around for Better Insurance Rates
Car insurance companies calculate insurance rates differently, and rates can vary significantly between providers. Get car insurance quotes from multiple insurers to find the best price. When comparing insurance policies, compare the same auto coverage types and limits for the most accurate quote.
6. Maintain Good Credit
In some states, insurers consider your credit score when calculating your insurance premium. Drivers with good credit scores get lower rates, as insurers associate higher credit scores with lower risk. If applicable, improving your credit score can lead to long-term savings on your car insurance.
7. Drive Less and Practice Safe Driving Habits
Insurers often reward low-mileage drivers with lower rates, so consider carpooling, using public transportation, or working from home to reduce your driving miles. Also, maintaining a clean driving record—no accidents, speeding tickets, or violations—can lead to significant discounts over time.
Get More Affordable Red Car Insurance with Insurance Navy!
Reducing your car insurance premium requires smart financial decisions, responsible driving habits, and regular policy reviews. By comparing quotes, maximizing discounts, and adjusting your coverage to your needs, you can keep your insurance costs under control while still being protected.
Call 1-888-949-6289 today to speak with an insurance agent or visit your nearest Insurance Navy location. Our offices are open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. CST, 7 days a week. Get Cheap car insurance today from Insurance Navy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Color Cars Are Cheaper to Insure?
Car color doesn’t affect your insurance rates. However, colors like beige, green, and orange are less common and less likely to be stolen so that they may have slightly cheaper car insurance rates. These colors have a lower resale value, which may contribute to somewhat lower insurance costs compared to black and white cars. However, car insurance companies don’t use color as a leading factor when determining rates, so owning a car in a less common color doesn’t guarantee lower insurance rates.
Which Car Colors Are Statistically Associated with Higher Accident Rates?
Research shows only a slight variation in accident rates based on car color, but the difference is not significant enough to affect insurance rates. Some studies suggest that lighter-colored cars, like white or silver vehicles, may have a slight advantage in visibility and may reduce accident risk. However, external factors like driving behavior, traffic conditions, and road infrastructure play a much more significant role in accident likelihood.
Are Darker Cars More Prone to Accidents Due to Reduced Visibility?
Some studies say darker-colored cars are less visible, especially in low-light conditions. Still, the impact on accident rates is minimal. Driver attentiveness, road conditions, and traffic density are stronger predictors of accidents than car color. So, insurance companies don’t factor in color when determining your rates.
Do Car Insurance Applications Ask for Vehicle Color?
Generally no. When you apply for insurance, you’re asked to provide details like vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, year, and safety features but not the color. Since insurers don’t use color as a determining factor in pricing, it’s not included in the underwriting process. Instead, rates are determined by your driving history, location, and car safety rating.
