Does a red car equal higher insurance premiums?

It’s one of the most persistent rumors in the car world: owning a red car means higher insurance premiums. The myth goes that red cars are more expensive to insure because they’re “flashy,” “fast,” and more likely to be pulled over by the police. But is this actually true? Does the color of your car really impact your insurance rates, or is it just an urban legend?

Let’s explore the myth of red cars and insurance, dig into where it originated, and uncover whether there’s any truth to the idea that car color influences your insurance costs.

The Myth: Red Cars Are More Expensive to Insure

The myth that red cars cost more to insure has been around for decades. The idea is that red cars, being bright and attention-grabbing, are more likely to be involved in accidents, get pulled over for speeding, and ultimately result in higher insurance premiums. Some even believe that insurance companies target red cars because they are associated with high-risk drivers.

But here’s the truth: car color has no direct impact on your insurance premiums. Whether your car is red, blue, black, or green, insurers do not factor the color into the rates they charge. Instead, premiums are based on more important factors such as the make and model, your driving record, and where you live.

The Origins of the Myth

So where did this idea of red cars costing more to insure come from? It’s likely a mix of perception and psychology. Red is often seen as a color associated with speed, danger, and aggression—qualities that many people associate with high-performance sports cars. And historically, many of the sports cars people see on the road (like Ferraris or Mustangs) are painted red. This led to the assumption that red cars are driven more aggressively, leading to higher accident rates and, in turn, higher insurance premiums.

The myth likely gained more traction because drivers of high-performance cars—often painted red—do pay more for insurance. But it’s the car’s type and horsepower, not the color, that’s driving the higher rates.

Is There Any Truth to the Myth? When Cops Are Involved...

While red cars may not be more expensive to insure, there’s a little bit of truth to the myth when it comes to being pulled over by the police. Studies have suggested that red cars are more likely to catch the eye of law enforcement. Why? Because red is a bright, bold color that stands out, especially in traffic.

In fact, many police officers admit that brightly colored cars (like red, yellow, or orange) can be more noticeable, making them more likely to get pulled over—especially if the driver is speeding or engaging in risky behavior. A study by Insurance.com even found that red cars ranked high among vehicles pulled over for speeding.

But here’s the thing: police officers don’t target red cars because of their color alone. Instead, they’re looking for risky driving behavior, and if a red car stands out in a crowd of neutral-colored cars, it may be more likely to catch their attention. In the end, it’s the driver’s behavior (not the color of the car) that leads to more tickets and fines.

The Fact: What Actually Affects Your Insurance Rates

While car color doesn’t influence insurance rates, many other factors do. Here’s what insurers really look at when calculating your premium:

1. Make, Model, and Year of the Car

Your car’s make and model are key factors in determining your premium. Sports cars, luxury vehicles, and high-performance models often cost more to insure because they’re more expensive to repair and are involved in more accidents. Meanwhile, sedans or SUVs tend to have lower premiums due to their safety ratings and lower accident risk.

2. Safety Features

Cars equipped with modern safety features like anti-lock brakes, lane departure warnings, and blind-spot monitoring are less risky to insure. Insurers often offer discounts for cars with advanced safety technology because they reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

3. Driving Record

Your driving history plays a significant role in your premiums. If you have a clean driving record, you’re seen as a lower-risk driver, which can reduce your rates. However, if you have a history of accidents or speeding tickets, you’ll likely see higher premiums.

4. Where You Live

Your address is another important factor. Urban areas with high traffic density, crime rates, and accident frequency tend to have higher insurance premiums. Conversely, drivers in rural or suburban areas where traffic is lighter often enjoy lower rates.

5. Mileage

If you’re a frequent driver or have a long daily commute, you may face higher premiums because more time on the road increases the chances of being in an accident. Low-mileage drivers may qualify for lower rates or usage-based insurance that charges based on how much you drive.

6. Coverage Levels

Your insurance costs also depend on the type of coverage you choose. Full coverage policies (which include liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance) are more expensive than basic liability-only policies. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premium, while a lower deductible increases it.

What to Consider When Buying a Car

While you don’t need to worry about your car’s color affecting your insurance rates, it’s important to consider other factors when choosing a vehicle:

• Cost of Repairs: Some vehicles are more expensive to repair, especially luxury cars or foreign models. Insurers consider this when calculating premiums.

• Safety Ratings: Cars with higher safety ratings can lower your insurance rates, as they’re less likely to result in injury claims.

• Type of Coverage: Consider how much coverage you need. If you’re financing or leasing a vehicle, you’ll likely need full coverage, which increases costs.

The Bottom Line

So, does the color of your car affect your insurance premiums? Myth busted! While driving a red car might make you a bit more noticeable to police officers, it won’t directly raise your insurance rates. Insurance companies focus on factors like your car’s make, model, safety features, and your driving record—not the color of your car.

At Roadelo, we believe in transparency and fair pricing. Whether your car is red, blue, black, or green, we’ll help you find the best coverage at a rate that fits your needs. Get a quote today and drive with confidence, knowing that color is the least of your worries when it comes to insurance.