The cost of auto insurance varies greatly from one vehicle to another. While the driver’s age, driving record, and place of residence all influence the premium, the model of the car also plays a major role. Cars that are more powerful, more luxurious, or more sought after by thieves generally cost much more to insure.
Insurers also evaluate the price of parts, the average cost of repairs, the frequency of claims, and the vehicle’s value before setting a premium. As a result, certain models can cost several thousand dollars more per year than comparable vehicles. Here are 14 cars known for significantly driving up insurance bills.
Nissan GT-R
Nicknamed “Godzilla,” the Nissan GT-R is a true legend among Japanese sports cars. Its twin-turbo V6 engine, sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, and impressive performance make it an expensive car to insure. Insurers take into account the model’s value, the high cost of specialized parts, and the significant labor costs required for repairs.
Drivetrain components, high-performance brakes, and aerodynamic parts are particularly expensive to replace. In addition, the GT-R is often driven in a more aggressive manner, which increases the risk of claims. Despite high premiums, it remains one of the most iconic and respected performance cars of its generation.
Lexus LC 500
The Lexus LC 500 is an elegant grand touring coupe that stands out for its naturally aspirated V8 engine, spectacular design, and exceptional build quality. Although Lexus enjoys an excellent reputation for reliability, the cost of insuring the LC 500 remains high. Its high value, sporty nature, and the cost of body parts directly influence insurance premiums.
Headlights, aluminum panels, and certain technological features can be very expensive to replace. Insurers also consider it a luxury vehicle whose repairs require specialized expertise. Despite this, the LC 500 appeals to enthusiasts of refined driving thanks to its comfort, reliability, and unique engine sound.
Audi RS6 Avant
The Audi RS6 Avant is one of the fastest and most exclusive station wagons on the market. Behind its practical exterior lies a powerful twin-turbo V8 engine that produces over 600 chevaux. This combination of luxury, performance, and technology drives insurance premiums up significantly. The parts exclusive to the RS lineup, high-performance brakes, adaptive suspension, and numerous electronic systems are very expensive to replace in the event of a collision.
Insurers also take into account the vehicle’s high value and the cost of repairs at a specialized dealership. Despite these expenses, the RS6 Avant remains the benchmark for drivers who refuse to choose between performance and versatility.
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is one of the highest-performance American cars ever produced. Its impressive supercharged V8 engine, producing over 700 chevaux, delivers spectacular acceleration, but this power has a direct impact on insurance costs. Insurers factor in the high risk of accidents, the price of performance parts, and the significant repair costs.
The tires, Brembo brakes, body panels, and many mechanical components are much more expensive than those of a conventional Mustang. The GT500 is also highly sought after by thieves. For enthusiasts, it represents a car enthusiast’s dream, but you’ll need to set aside a substantial budget to insure it properly.
Ram 1500 TRX
The Ram 1500 TRX is one of the most powerful pickup trucks ever produced, thanks to its Hellcat V8 engine that delivers over 700 chevaux. Such a powerful engine naturally leads to high insurance premiums. Insurance companies take into account its power, purchase price, high repair costs, and the risks associated with more aggressive driving.
Specialized tires, high-performance suspensions, and numerous exclusive components are very expensive to replace. Its size and exceptional performance can also increase the cost of claims in the event of an accident. Despite these costs, the TRX remains a true legend among enthusiasts of extreme pickup trucks and thrill-seekers.
Cadillac Escalade-V
The Cadillac Escalade-V is a massive luxury SUV powered by a supercharged V8 engine producing over 680 chevaux. This combination of power, luxury, and high value makes it a particularly expensive vehicle to insure. Repairs are costly due to its imposing body, numerous electronic systems, and sophisticated features.
Insurers also take into account the high cost of parts, driver-assistance technologies, and the financial risk associated with a vehicle of this value. In the event of an accident, costs can quickly reach substantial amounts. Despite this, the Escalade-V remains the benchmark for those seeking the ultimate in luxury and performance.
Land Rover Range Rover
The Range Rover is synonymous with prestige, comfort, and remarkable off-road capabilities. However, it is also one of the most expensive vehicles to insure. Its high purchase price, the significant cost of parts, and the complexity of its electronic systems largely account for this. Insurers also take into consideration its relatively high theft rate in many regions, as well as the cost of repairs following a collision.
Air suspension, numerous onboard technologies, and high-end materials quickly drive up insurance premiums. Despite these costs, the Range Rover remains a very popular choice among drivers looking for a luxury SUV capable of excelling in all conditions.
Tesla Model S Plaid
The Tesla Model S Plaid impresses with its lightning-fast acceleration, advanced technology, and range, but it is also among the most expensive vehicles to insure. The high-voltage batteries, numerous sensors, cameras, and driver-assistance systems make repairs particularly costly. Even a minor collision may require the replacement of very expensive electronic components.
Delays in obtaining certain parts can also drive up the cost of claims. Its exceptional power, which rivals that of many supercars, also affects insurance premiums. Despite all this, the Model S Plaid remains a benchmark in the world of high-performance electric cars and continues to attract tech enthusiasts.
Mercedes-AMG C63 S
The Mercedes-AMG C63 S is a sports sedan that combines luxury, comfort, and explosive performance. Its engine, which produces over 500 chevaux depending on the model year, makes it a particularly expensive vehicle to insure. Insurance companies take into account its high price, the cost of repairs, and the value of genuine Mercedes-AMG parts.
Electronic systems, sport suspensions, and high-performance brakes also drive up costs when an accident occurs. Statistics also show that this type of car is more frequently involved in costly claims. Despite these expenses, the C63 S remains one of the world’s most popular sports sedans thanks to its balance of performance, luxury, and driving pleasure.
BMW M5
The BMW M5 is a sedan capable of rivaling many supercars thanks to its powerful twin-turbo V8 engine and impressive performance. However, this power comes at a price when it comes to insurance. Insurers take into account the high cost of repairs, the numerous onboard technologies, and parts exclusive to the M division. The risks associated with a more sporty driving style also affect premiums.
Even a minor accident can result in a hefty bill due to the electronic systems, adaptive suspensions, and high-end materials. Owners enjoy an exceptional car for everyday use but must accept insurance costs that are generally much higher than those of a traditional sedan.
Porsche 911 Turbo S
The Porsche 911 Turbo S is one of the highest-performance sports cars in the world, which is directly reflected in its insurance costs. Its high purchase price, blistering acceleration, and highly specialized components significantly increase the financial risk for insurers. In the event of an accident, repairs often require imported parts and highly skilled labor.
Even a simple bumper or headlight can cost several thousand dollars. Owners must also be prepared for high deductibles in some cases. Despite these expenses, the 911 Turbo S remains the gold standard for reliability, versatility, and incredible driving pleasure.
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat combines the space of a sedan with the performance of a true race car. This combination partly explains why it’s so expensive to insure. Its powerful supercharged V8 easily exceeds 700 chevaux, which increases the risk of accidents according to insurers’ statistics. Added to this are a high theft rate and particularly costly repairs when an accident does occur.
High-performance tires, specialized brakes, and exclusive mechanical components quickly drive up repair costs. For many owners, annual insurance premiums run into the thousands of dollars. Despite these costs, the Charger Hellcat remains one of the most spectacular sedans ever built.
Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray
The Chevrolet Corvette C8 has revolutionized the iconic American sports car with its mid-rear engine and performance on par with a European supercar. However, this evolution comes with significantly higher insurance premiums. Repair costs are substantial, particularly due to the bodywork, aluminum components, and onboard technology.
The even more powerful Z06 versions generally result in higher premiums. Insurers also factor in the risk associated with spirited driving as well as the high cost of replacement parts. Although the Corvette remains more affordable than many supercars, its insurance cost may come as a surprise to many buyers when they sign the policy.
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is one of the most expensive cars to insure in North America. Its impressive supercharged V8 engine with over 700 chevaux, its lightning-fast acceleration, and its claims history all contribute to driving up premiums. Insurance companies also factor in the high risk of theft, as the Hellcat is one of the models most sought after by criminals.
Repairs are also very expensive due to the car’s mechanical power and specialized parts. Young drivers or those with little experience may receive particularly steep quotes. Despite this, the Hellcat remains a true icon among fans of modern muscle cars thanks to its spectacular performance.