Do drivers of red cars pay more for auto insurance?

No- actually, it’s just an old urban legend. While some aspects of your vehicle might affect your car insurance rates, the color of the vehicle does not. The legend goes that because the color red is associated with sports cars, these drivers are more apt to drive faster and/or get get pulled over by highway patrolmen.

The truth is, the color of the car makes no difference on your car insurance rates. However, some vehicle characteristics that can affect your car insurance rates include the vehicle’s market value; its National Highway Safety Rating; and whether or not you have any security devices installed.

Cars with higher National Safety Ratings typically are eligible for lower auto insurance rates as opposed to vehicles that do not pass safety tests with flying colors. Also, having a burglar alarm, steering wheel lock or other car security system in your vehicle may help with your rates as well.

A more expensive car to fix or replace will also typically see higher rates as car insurance companies realize they will have to pay out more for the vehicle in the event it is damaged or totalled in a covered loss.

So, if you are getting ready to buy a new vehicle and interested in keeping your car insurance rates down- remember to check safety ratings and consider investing in a security alarm instead of a big price tag.