Do Car Colors Affect Insurance Rates? Myth vs. Fact

It’s one of the longest-standing rumors in the world of auto insurance: red cars cost more to insure. The myth goes that red cars, being “flashy” and “fast,” are more likely to attract attention and get pulled over. But is there any truth to this idea, or is it just a classic urban legend?

Let’s dig into the origins of this myth, what actually affects your insurance rates, and why your car’s color isn’t one of them.

The Myth: Red Cars Cost More to Insure

This belief has been around for decades, largely because red cars are attention-grabbing and often associated with high-performance vehicles. People assume that red cars are involved in more accidents, are frequently pulled over for speeding, and therefore incur higher insurance costs.

But the truth is straightforward: car color doesn’t impact your insurance rates. Whether your car is red, black, blue, or white, insurance companies don’t use color to determine premiums. Instead, your rate is based on practical factors like the car’s make and model, your driving history, and where you live.

The Origins of the Myth

The misconception likely started due to the popularity of red sports cars like Ferraris and Mustangs, which tend to be more expensive to insure—not because they’re red, but because they’re high-performance vehicles. Over time, this led people to assume that all red cars would be more costly to insure, regardless of the make or model.

Is There Any Truth to the Myth?

There’s a slight grain of truth when it comes to visibility. Studies suggest that red, yellow, or orange cars can stand out more on the road, which may catch the attention of law enforcement more easily—especially if a driver is speeding or engaging in risky behavior. But ultimately, police officers aren’t pulling over red cars specifically because of the color; they’re looking for risky driving.

What Actually Affects Your Insurance Rates

So if color doesn’t matter, what does? Here’s what insurers truly consider when calculating your premium:

1. Make, Model, and Year of Your Car

   • High-performance or luxury vehicles cost more to insure because they’re more expensive to repair and tend to be involved in more claims. In contrast, sedans and SUVs with strong safety ratings typically have lower premiums.

2. Safety Features

   • Vehicles with advanced safety technology, like anti-lock brakes and lane departure warnings, often receive discounts since they’re less likely to be involved in accidents.

3. Driving Record

   • A clean driving record helps you secure lower premiums, while a history of accidents or violations will increase your rate.

4. Location

   • Drivers in urban areas may face higher rates due to higher accident rates and theft, whereas rural or suburban locations often see lower premiums.

5. Mileage

   • The more you drive, the more your insurance is likely to cost. Low-mileage drivers may be eligible for discounts or even usage-based insurance.

6. Coverage Level

   • Comprehensive coverage costs more than liability-only policies. Choosing a higher deductible can also reduce your premium, while a lower deductible may increase it.

What to Consider When Choosing a Vehicle

While you don’t need to worry about your car’s color impacting your premium, here are some other factors that could:

• Repair Costs: Vehicles that are more expensive to repair may have higher premiums.

• Safety Ratings: High safety ratings can help reduce your insurance costs.

• Coverage Needs: If you’re financing or leasing a vehicle, you may need full coverage, which impacts your rate.

The Bottom Line

Myth busted! Your car’s color doesn’t influence your insurance rates. Insurance companies prioritize factors like the car’s make, model, and safety features along with your driving habits—not its color.

At MapleCoverage, we’re here to help you find the best rate, no matter what color you drive. Get a quote today and enjoy transparent pricing that’s focused on what actually matters to insurers.