How Does Horsepower Affect Insurance Rates?
There’s no denying that the type of car you drive plays an important role in your insurance premiums. Higher horsepower ratings, in particular, can significantly increase your rates and may even produce higher deductibles, too. We will explore how insurance companies view horsepower, helping you understand how horsepower impacts insurance premiums, so you can make an informed decision without any surprises down the road.
Sports Cars Drive Up Your Car Insurance Premiums
Let’s start with the easy example of sports cars. Your California auto insurance rates will be higher if you drive a Ford Mustang as opposed to a Honda Civic. So, why is Mustang insurance so high? The Mustang’s engine is far stronger than the Civic’s, making it potentially a faster car to drive. Insurance for sports cars is generally higher due to this increased speed capability and the associated risks, which contribute to the higher auto insurance premiums.
Does Horsepower Affect Insurance? Yes, It Does
Perhaps you decide to purchase a Toyota Camry instead of a Mustang or Civic, but you can’t choose between a four or a six-cylinder engine. What’s the difference as far as insurers go? The amount of power the car’s engine has is directly correlated to the insurance quotes you’ll get. A car with fewer cylinders most likely has lower insurance premiums associated with it. The number of cylinders isn’t what they’re measuring, though; they’re measuring the horsepower.
What Exactly is Horsepower?
Horsepower is one measure of an engine’s potential power. More horsepower means your car accelerates faster, and you don’t have to press the pedal to the metal when you’re speeding up. A car with a lot of horsepower only needs a small nudge on the gas pedal to significantly increase its speed. The average horsepower for a vehicle is about 180 to 200 horsepower. Engines with 300 horsepower or more are considered high horsepower and tend to have higher insurance premiums.
What Type of Car to Purchase for the Cheapest Auto Insurance Rates
If you’re still unsure of whether you want to purchase a sports car or sedan, it’s best to get a quote on each prior to making a purchase. Many times, when people are shopping for a new car, they forget to compare car insurance rates between different models and horsepower ratings, which can really make a big difference.
Breathe Easy Can Help You Find Affordable Car Insurance
At Breathe Easy Insurance, we understand that you’re looking for the best possible auto insurance at a price that you can afford. Feel free to contact our team today to learn more about our great rates and to also get advice on what to look for when searching for a new car. We have years of experience in the industry and can quickly tell you the types of cars that seem to fetch the highest car insurance rates.
California is known for its great road trips and vacations, even for those who live within the state. That’s why it’s so important to search for great auto insurance rates in California. Driving a modest car is the best way to lower your rates but, if you just can’t go without a sports car, it is still possible to score a great deal. Contact us today for a free quote!