Most Expensive Cars to Insure in the USA Cars with Built-in Safety Features That Reduce Insurance
Stunningly, the national average for full coverage sits at $2,880 per year, yet some models push that number past $6,000. We start there because it shows how value, performance, and high-tech parts can drive up car insurance fast.
We walk readers through why a supercar or a luxury EV costs more in premiums. Replacement parts, repair labor, and complex sensors often mean pricier claims and higher rates for a given vehicle.
We also preview how built-in safety features can cut crash risk but raise repair bills after impact. That trade-off shapes insurance costs and how insurers price coverage for each make and model.
Our rankings use a consistent driver profile and nationally weighted averages so you can compare on a like-for-like basis. We want you to see the total cost of ownership before you buy or switch vehicles.
What we mean by “most expensive to insure” in the United States right now
We measure "most costly to insure" by how far a model's typical full coverage premium sits above the national benchmark.
Our baseline is the national average full coverage premium of $2,880 as of June 2025, from Quadrant Information Services. That figure reflects all ZIP codes and carriers and sets the comparison point we use.
We hold driver inputs constant: a 40-year-old profile, set liability limits and $500 deductibles. We then adjust for incidents (at-fault accident, ticket, DUI), mileage, and credit tiers where allowed.
To isolate vehicle effects, we compare models using identical coverage and deductible settings. This removes personal profile noise so differences reflect vehicle-related factors.
- Vehicle price, parts availability, repair complexity, theft frequency, and claim severity drive model-by-model pricing.
- Insurance rates vary by state, city, and ZIP due to local loss costs, laws, and repair markets.
- Your driving record, prior claims, credit-based insurance score, and annual mileage can move your actual rate up or down.
We recommend getting same-day quotes for any cars you test. The lists that follow show national patterns, but your policy shopping gives the final answer for your budget.
Most Expensive Cars to Insure in the USA Cars with Built-in Safety Features
When a vehicle mixes flagship performance and rare components, insurers raise rates to cover steeper claim payouts.
"High-performance brakes, carbon-ceramic rotors and advanced sensor suites often mean higher repair bills even when crash frequency drops."
Audi R8 and R8 Quattro Performance
The R8 commands standout premiums. Bankrate lists Quattro Performance near $6,655 and the base R8 about $6,501. Specialty parts and dealer-only repairs push costs up fast.
Audi RS 7
Luxurious sportback performance shows an elevated full coverage cost. Carbon brakes and turbo systems drive claim severity and higher premiums.
Tesla Model X
tesla model X pairs EV tech with costly aluminum bodywork and battery repairs. Bankrate shows roughly $5,580 average, reflecting specialized service needs.
Tesla Model S / Model S Plaid
Model S variants face pricey collision and comprehensive claims. The Plaid sits near $5,542 on Bankrate’s list due to high replacement costs.
Porsche 911 and Panamera
Porsche models carry above-average insurance because OEM parts and brand-specific labor are expensive. Expect repair times and bills that lift rates.
BMW X6, Jaguar F-Type, Dodge Charger
BMW X6 panels, F‑Type convertible hardware, and Charger performance trims all correlate with higher claim costs. That raises average insurance for these nameplates.
Other recurring names include Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes‑AMG GT, Nissan GT‑R and BMW 7‑Series. We recommend getting quotes on the exact trim and checking local certified repair options before you buy a make model.
Built-in safety systems that can lower rates — and when they don’t
Safety tech can change how insurers view a model. It may cut crash frequency, reduce injury claims, and qualify you for discounts. But it can also raise repair costs when sensors, cameras, or radars need fixing.
We look at the trade-offs so you can see how features affect car insurance over a year and beyond.
Which ADAS tend to help
AEB, lane-keeping, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors often reduce accidents and lower claim frequency. Insurers track these gains in IIHS loss data and sometimes offer price breaks for models with standard suites.
Why advanced safety can still raise premiums
Embedded sensors and camera arrays need calibration after a collision. That pushes up repair costs and can increase per-claim severity even as accidents drop.
Anti-theft tech insurers like
Immobilizers, smart keys, VIN etching, tracking, and alarms cut theft likelihood. That usually lowers comprehensive losses and can earn discounts on policies.
| Feature | Effect on accidents | Repair/calibration note | Insurer view |
|---|---|---|---|
| AEB | Reduces front-impact collisions | Camera/radar calibration needed | Often favorable in loss data |
| Blind-spot monitoring | Fewer lane-change incidents | Sensor replacement possible | Positive, but repair costs count |
| Parking sensors / cameras | Lower low-speed collisions | Frequent alignment and recalibration | Helps frequency; raises per-claim costs |
| Immobilizer / tracking | Reduces theft | Minimal repair impact | Valued by comprehensive underwriting |
"IIHS loss data shows some mainstream models, notably several Subaru lineups, post lower-than-average insurance losses thanks to their standard safety suites."
Ask your shop about calibration steps and confirm safety discounts with your carrier. Safer vehicles can cut your risk, but claims and repair bills still set final premiums.
Why high-value vehicles and certain models cost more to insure
We focus on the real drivers of higher premiums so you can judge total ownership cost. Insurers look past price tags and measure post-crash payouts, theft trends, and repair complexity.
Insurer pricing rises when OEM parts, aluminum or carbon bodywork, and brand-certified labor bump repair bills. Complex sensors and crumple zones add calibration steps that can cost thousands per claim.
Cost of replacement parts, labor, and brand-specific components
Brand parts and dealer labor often exceed generic alternatives. That labor premium shows up on every claim and lifts your annual cost.
Theft exposure and parts demand
Common models can be targets because chop shops resell parts quickly. High-end anti-theft systems cut theft risk but do not erase higher repair prices after a crash.
Performance signals and accident severity
Powerful engines and tuning often mean higher claim severity. Fast driving raises the chance of costly repairs and bigger liability payouts.
Vehicle size and EV considerations
Large SUVs may protect occupants but can cause more damage to others, raising liability components of a policy.
EVs and hybrids can show higher collision losses in some segments. Battery replacement and high-voltage repairs need specialists and long shop times.
| Factor | How it raises premiums | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| OEM parts & labor | Higher per-claim payouts | Local dealer vs. certified indie shops |
| Theft demand | More comprehensive losses | Theft history for models |
| Performance trims | Greater accident severity | Trim-specific rate quotes |
| EV battery | Costly replacements, long repairs | Battery warranty and local techs |
"Even mainstream vehicles now include components that can cost thousands to replace, which insurers factor into rates."
We recommend checking loss history for exact models and asking carriers about safety discounts, local repair options, and rental coverage. These steps help you balance risk before you buy an expensive cars pick this year.
Average insurance costs, methodology, and how insurers set your premium
To compare models, we start with a single national full-coverage benchmark and hold driver inputs constant.
That benchmark is an average full-coverage premium of $2,880 per year (June 2025), compiled by Quadrant Information Services across all ZIP codes and carriers. We use a 40-year-old driver profile, clean record, and good credit where allowed.
Coverage assumptions: $100k/$300k/$50k liability, $100k/$300k UM/UIM, and $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive. We test mileage from 2,000 to 20,000 miles and simulate incidents like at-fault crashes, speeding tickets, DUI, and lapse in coverage.
Insurance companies blend model-specific loss history with your personal profile. That mix of vehicle claims data and your driving record, credit-based insurance score (where permitted), garaging ZIP, and chosen deductible shapes final insurance rates.
| Input | Standard Used | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| National average | $2,880 (June 2025) | Benchmark for comparing car insurance rates |
| Driver profile | 40-year-old, clean record, good credit | Controls personal risk factors for model comparison |
| Coverage & deductible | $100k/$300k/$50k; $500 deductibles | Uniform policy limits keep vehicle effects isolated |
| Regulatory limits | CA, HI, MA, MI restrict credit use | State rules change how companies set premiums |
When you compare car insurance rates, use the same coverage and deductible across quotes. Check both new and used model years — depreciation and repair trends can shift premiums from year to year. We recommend shopping multiple insurance companies and reviewing your policy annually to keep coverage aligned with your car's value and risk tolerance.
How we’d shop and save on car insurance for expensive cars
Smart shopping and simple coverage tweaks can cut annual insurance costs for high-value vehicles. We focus on steps that actually move your premium without leaving you underinsured.
Compare quotes from multiple insurance companies and licensed agents
Get three to five quotes using identical limits and a single deductible. Underwriting varies by carrier, so prices can swing widely for the same coverage.
Bundle policies and leverage discounts
Combine auto with homeowners or renters to unlock multi-policy discounts. Ask agents about loyalty, good‑driver, and safety-feature credits.
Choose a higher deductible you can afford
Raising your deductible lowers your premium. Only pick an amount you can pay after a loss.
Maintain a clean record and try telematics
A spotless driving history keeps rates down for years. If you drive carefully, usage-based programs can cut costs by proving safe habits.
Add anti-theft devices and verify discounts
Install alarms, VIN etching, or factory immobilizers and confirm your policy reflects those protections. Also review endorsements like OEM parts, rental, and gap to match your needs each year.
Listicle quick hits: cars that are cheaper to insure versus pricey picks
We boiled down common models that tend to lower yearly premiums and those that often push rates up. Use this as a short shopping guide and then run live quotes for your ZIP and usage.
Cheaper-to-insure standouts
Subaru Outback and Legacy, Honda CR‑V, Jeep Wrangler, and Ford Escape frequently show lower car insurance averages. Mazda CX‑3 and Fiat 500X are honorable mentions thanks to safety gear and modest repair costs.
Pricey mainstream and luxury picks
Tesla Model 3/S/X, Porsche Panamera, BMW 7 Series, and Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye often land at higher auto insurance rates. Performance parts and advanced tech raise claim severity.
| Model group | Example | Typical annual avg |
|---|---|---|
| Budget-friendly SUVs | Subaru Outback / CR‑V | $800–$1,100 |
| Compact variance | Subaru Crosstrek vs Outlander Sport | $861 vs $1,377 |
| Higher-end | Porsche Panamera / BMW 7 | $3,500+ |
Remember: trims, options, and local repair markets change rates. We recommend quoting each make model and year before you buy.
Conclusion
Before you sign for a dream ride, check how much insurers charge for that exact make and trim.
We note top models—Audi R8 and RS 7, Tesla Model X and Model S Plaid, Porsche 911 and Panamera, BMW X6, Jaguar F‑Type and Dodge Charger—can push annual insurance premiums well above the national average of $2,880. Higher repair costs, rare parts, and theft patterns drive those rates.
Use multiple car insurance quotes, balance coverage and a realistic deductible, and keep your driving record clean. Ask insurers about OEM part endorsements and rental coverage for luxury vehicles.
We recommend re‑shopping at renewal and comparing live car insurance rates so your policy matches your needs and budget.
