You want to avoid car choices that silently inflate your insurance bill, so this article shows which models commonly push premiums higher and why they do it. Knowing which cars typically cost more to insure helps you choose a vehicle that keeps ownership expenses down.
They’ll explore examples from sporty coupes to luxury sedans and explain the insurance triggers—repair costs, theft rates, safety scores, and performance profiles—so you can spot trouble before you buy. This guide points toward smarter choices without bogging you down in technical jargon.
Chevrolet Corvette
The Corvette draws high insurance rates because it’s a true sports car with powerful engines and strong repair costs. Insurers charge more for models with higher theft or accident risk, especially recent high-performance C7 and early C8 variants.
Buyers seeking low premiums should consider more modest cars instead, since ownership and parts for a Corvette tend to drive claims costs upward. Check reliability reports and market values before assuming a Corvette fits a budget-conscious insurance plan.
See a breakdown of problematic model years and owner complaints at Edmunds’ list of the Top 10 Worst Corvettes of All Time.
BMW 3 Series
The 3 Series often carries higher insurance due to its sporty image and potent engines. Insurers charge more for models tied to theft or expensive repairs, which affects premiums.
Certain model years earned poor reliability reputations, increasing claim likelihood and costs. Buyers should check specific year histories and repair records before assuming savings.
Reviews and reliability lists highlight problematic years to avoid when shopping for low insurance costs. Consider linking to detailed year-by-year guides for deeper checks.
Audi A4
The Audi A4 often carries higher insurance premiums because it’s a luxury vehicle with costly repair parts and tech. Insurers factor in pricier bodywork and advanced safety systems that can be expensive to fix after a claim.
Older A4 generations have known engine and steering complaints, which can also raise rates for certain model years. Buyers should check reliability reports and insurance quotes before choosing an A4.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The C-Class often carries higher insurance due to repair costs and pricey parts. Older model years have known reliability issues that can raise premiums, while newer turbo models use expensive electronics.
Buyers should expect above-average liability and comprehensive rates, especially for sport trims and AMG variants. Check trends like those noted in the years-to-avoid buyer’s guide before deciding.
Tesla Model S
The Model S often carries higher insurance premiums because of costly repair parts and advanced electronics.
Its history of recalls and reported reliability issues can push rates up with many insurers.
Buyers should expect pricey collision and glass repairs, and occasional software or powertrain fixes.
Checking insurer ratings for luxury EVs helps compare real-world costs before buying.
Jaguar XE
The Jaguar XE often carries higher insurance costs because it’s a luxury compact with pricey repair parts and tech features. Insurers treat its sporty image and strong engine options as higher risk, which pushes premiums up.
Owners report electrical and reliability issues on forums and buyer guides, and repairs at dealers can be costly. If low insurance is a priority, a more modest sedan typically makes more financial sense than the XE.
Dodge Charger
The Charger often carries higher insurance because it’s a powerful muscle car with strong performance ratings. Insurers view it as higher risk, especially in V8 trims and younger-driver policies.
Some model years have known reliability problems that can raise repair costs and premiums. Buyers should check specific years and trims before assuming low insurance.
Comparing quotes across carriers and considering higher deductibles helps offset the Charger’s typically costly insurance. For details on troublesome model years, see the guide to Dodge Charger years to avoid.
Subaru WRX
The WRX carries a sporty image and a turbocharged engine that push insurance premiums higher than many compact cars. Owners often see steep rates because insurers price in performance upgrades and accident risk.
Older WRX models also have known reliability and modification issues that can raise claims frequency. Shoppers who want lower insurance costs should consider more conservative Subaru models instead, or check rates before buying.
Ford Mustang
The Mustang often carries higher insurance rates because insurers treat it as a sports car with higher crash and theft risk.
You’ll see premiums spike for powerful trims and newer models with expensive repairs, especially engines and electronics.
Owners cite model years with known problems that increase claims and repair costs; checking year-specific reliability helps.
Read about common trouble years and ownership reports at SlashGear for context: https://www.slashgear.com/1968903/most-reliable-ford-mustang-years-which-avoid-according-to-owners/
Nissan 370Z
The 370Z is a sporty two-seat coupe that usually attracts higher insurance due to its performance image and crash costs.
Older model years have recurring reliability and complaint patterns, so insurers may charge more for repair risk; see a roundup of problem years for context (best and worst years) https://carscounsel.com/nissan-370z-best-worst-years/.
Drivers seeking low premiums will likely pay extra for this car compared with family sedans, especially if they’re young or have limited driving history.