How Your Car’s Colour Can Influence Insurance Premiums

Car insurance premiums are influenced by a variety of factors, and while the colour of your vehicle isn’t the most significant, it can still have a subtle impact on the price you pay. Motorhappy shares what to keep in mind.

A popular myth claims that red cars are charged higher premiums due to their association with aggressive driving and a supposed increase in traffic fines. However, this is a misconception. The influence of car colour on premiums is driven more by practical considerations than outdated assumptions.

When setting premiums, insurers evaluate several criteria to assess the risk of insuring a vehicle. These include the location where the car is parked, the driver’s age, claim history, and driving habits. Insurers also consider the vehicle’s safety features, the likelihood of theft, and the cost of repairs. The type of insurance coverage you select—whether comprehensive, third-party fire and theft or third-party only—further impacts the premium.

Related: Guarding against shortfall – insurance tips

In this broader context, the colour of your car can play a role, albeit a minor one. Darker vehicles, particularly at night, are harder to see, which increases the risk of accidents. This lower visibility is one reason why dark-coloured cars may be charged slightly higher premiums. Insurers factor in the potential for accidents caused by reduced visibility, which makes night driving more hazardous for these vehicles.

Another consideration is the cost of maintaining or repairing the vehicle. Common colours like white, silver, or grey are typically less expensive to insure because they are easier to source and cheaper to match for repairs. These colours are widely available and more affordable to repaint in the event of damage. In contrast, rare or custom colours may lead to higher repair costs, as matching the paint can be more expensive and harder to find, leading to a higher insurance premium.

While the colour of your car won’t dramatically impact your insurance premiums, it can influence the cost. The considerations come down to practical factors like visibility and repair expenses, making it another aspect of the larger insurance calculation.

Browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag!

The post How Your Car’s Colour Can Influence Insurance Premiums appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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