Why Some Cars Have Higher Insurance Costs Than Others

When it comes to insuring a vehicle, not all cars are created equal. Some cars carry higher insurance premiums than others, even if they’re of the same make and model. While factors like your driving history and location do play a role, certain characteristics of the car itself can significantly impact the cost of your car insurance.

In this post, we’ll break down the primary reasons why some cars cost more to insure than others and offer tips on how you can reduce your premiums.

1. Car Make and Model

What to Look For

The make and model of your car have a significant impact on your insurance premiums. Luxury, sports, and high-performance cars tend to have higher premiums because they cost more to repair, are more likely to be stolen, and often require more expensive parts.

Why It Matters

High-performance cars, like Porsche or BMW M-series, are more likely to be driven at high speeds, increasing the risk of accidents.
Luxury cars have specialized parts and technology, making repairs and replacements more expensive.
Sports cars are frequently targeted for theft due to their desirability.

What You Can Do

✔ Choose a more common make and model, as repairs and parts for these vehicles are often cheaper.
✔ Consider car security features to reduce the likelihood of theft and help lower premiums.

2. Vehicle Age

What to Look For

The age of your car plays a key role in determining your insurance premiums. Newer cars tend to have higher premiums due to the higher value of the vehicle. However, as a car gets older, its value depreciates, which can result in lower insurance costs.

Why It Matters

New cars are more expensive to replace and repair, making them a higher risk for insurance companies.
Older cars have lower market value, meaning your insurer may pay out less if the car is totaled. This reduces the premium over time.

What You Can Do

✔ Assess the value of your car. For older cars, you may want to consider lowering your coverage or opting for third-party insurance instead of comprehensive coverage.

3. Car Safety Features

What to Look For

Cars equipped with advanced safety features such as airbags, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), traction control, and lane-keeping assist tend to have lower insurance premiums. These features reduce the risk of accidents or mitigate injury severity, which means lower potential claims for the insurer.

Why It Matters

Modern safety technology helps reduce the likelihood of injuries or accidents, lowering the risk for insurers.
Insurers often offer discounts for cars with safety ratings from organizations like NCAP.

What You Can Do

✔ Check for safety features before purchasing a vehicle.
✔ Invest in additional safety systems like GPS tracking or anti-theft devices to lower your premiums.

4. Car Engine Size

What to Look For

The engine size of your vehicle plays a role in determining its insurance costs. Cars with larger engines, especially high-powered ones, often have higher premiums due to the increased risk of speed-related accidents.

Why It Matters

Larger engines tend to be associated with more aggressive driving, which increases the risk of collisions.
Cars with powerful engines are also more expensive to repair or replace.

What You Can Do

✔ If you’re looking to lower insurance costs, opt for a car with a smaller engine. These cars tend to have lower premiums due to reduced repair and replacement costs.

5. Car Repair and Replacement Costs

What to Look For

The cost of repairs and availability of parts is a major factor in insurance costs. Cars that are more expensive to repair or have limited availability of parts often result in higher premiums, as insurers anticipate higher repair or replacement costs.

Why It Matters

Imported luxury or rare models may require specialized parts that are harder to find and more expensive.
Vehicles that are known for high repair costs or frequent breakdowns can drive up your insurance premiums.

What You Can Do

✔ Choose a vehicle that is common in your area, as these are more likely to have affordable repair parts available locally.
✔ Research the repair costs for the car models you’re considering to determine their long-term impact on insurance.

6. Risk of Theft

What to Look For

Certain vehicles, especially luxury cars, sports cars, or popular models, are more likely to be stolen. Insurers factor in the risk of theft when calculating premiums. Cars that are more commonly targeted for theft usually come with higher premiums.

Why It Matters

Expensive and popular cars are more likely to be stolen for their parts or resale value, increasing the risk for the insurer.
Advanced anti-theft features such as GPS tracking and immobilizers can lower this risk and, in turn, your insurance costs.

What You Can Do

✔ Install anti-theft devices such as alarm systems and tracking systems to reduce the risk of theft and lower insurance premiums.
✔ Store your vehicle securely in garages or well-lit areas to reduce the chances of theft.

7. Driving History and Claims Experience

What to Look For

While not directly related to the car itself, your driving history plays a role in insurance costs. If you have a clean driving record, your premiums will likely be lower. However, if you have a history of accidents or traffic violations, your insurance will be higher.

Why It Matters

Insurers calculate premiums based on historical risk, meaning drivers with a history of claims or risky driving are deemed more likely to file a claim in the future.

What You Can Do

✔ Maintain a clean driving record by obeying traffic laws and avoiding accidents.
✔ If you have a clean history, ask your insurer for discounts or consider switching providers to get better rates.

Conclusion: How to Manage Your Insurance Costs

The cost of owning a car in Kenya goes beyond the purchase price and includes ongoing expenses like insurance premiums. Factors such as your car’s make, model, engine size, safety features, and the risk of theft all play a role in determining your insurance costs. By choosing a vehicle with lower repair costs, smaller engine size, and better safety ratings, you can effectively reduce your premiums.

For expert advice on car maintenance and safety features, visit Automotive Doctor Motor Garage to keep your vehicle in top shape.

Ready to lower your insurance costs? Book an appointment today to get expert advice on your vehicle’s maintenance and safety upgrades!