Will Your Auto Insurance Be Higher with a Red Car?

There are lots of myths about auto insurance that are often passed from person to person. One of the most common myths is that red cars cost more to insure than cars of more neutral colors. So, where did this myth come from and what’s the truth?

It’s difficult to pinpoint the origin of the red car myth, but it’s easy to see that red cars are quite noticeable among a sea of black, silver and white. It’s argued that red cars may be more likely to be ticketed simply because they’re easier to spot while driving down a road or highway.

But a personal preference for the color red doesn’t necessarily correlate to speeding and other risky driving behaviors. Insurance providers are not likely to penalize your taste in color. However, the model of car you drive can impact your auto insurance rates, and another source of this myth stems from red sports cars. The owner of a sports car is likely to have higher premiums than the owner of a modest sedan or minivan, regardless of color.

A few additional factors used to determine auto insurance premiums include your driving history, age, claims history, credit score and the area in which you live.

But just because you own a red car doesn’t mean you can’t face higher premiums. No matter the color or model of your car, you can be penalized for displaying aggressive driving behaviors. A typical penalty may be a ticket or an SR-22 requirement. An SR-22 is a form that your insurer must file with the state DMV as proof of your coverage. And because SR-22 coverage is for high-risk drivers, your auto insurance rates are likely to increase as a result.

No matter the color of your car, safety is always important!