Do red cars cost more to insure? Insurance.com

Does the color of a car matter for insurance?

No. Your car's color has no impact on your insurance rate because insurers don't use paint color as an underwriting factor. Insurers focus on information that helps predict the likelihood of filing a claimAn insurance claim is a request you make to your insurance company for coverage after your car is damaged or you have an accident. You can file a claim online, by phone, or in writing. and the potential cost of that claim. Choosing a red car instead of a blue one won't raise your premiumThe payment required for an insurance policy to remain in force. Auto insurance premiums are quoted for either 6-month or annual policy periods..

“The color of your vehicle is not even a question on the insurance application, and it is a non-factor,” says Kristofer Kirchen, president of Advanced Insurance Managers.

Instead, insurers ask for your vehicle identification number (VIN) during the underwriting process. Vehicle color isn't a component of the VIN code. A VIN can tell you quite a bit about a vehicle, including where it was built, its trim level and even warranty details, but it cannot tell you or your insurer the color of your ride.

Do tickets affect how a car is rated by insurance?

Traffic tickets affect your auto insurance premium because insurers use your driving record to assess your individual risk. Any insurance surchargeAn increase in your auto insurance premium due to an at-fault accident or a moving violation. Learn more about how a surcharge affects your auto insurance premiums. associated with the ticket follows your driving record, not the vehicle..

So, if you got a speeding ticket in your red sports car and then sold it and bought a blue sedan, the surcharge on that ticket will be applied to your new car. The old car will be rated based on the driving record of its new owner, not yours.

Insurance companies care far more about claims, which directly affect their bottom line. A car with many claims or a record of more expensive claims will be more costly to insure for everyone who buys that model.

The idea that red cars are stopped by law enforcement more often is difficult to establish. Law enforcement officers say vehicle color is not a factor in determining whether a driver is speeding. Radar guns and speed cameras measure vehicle speed, not paint color.

Is there any situation where the paint on your car affects insurance?

A custom paint job can affect your insurance coverage because the added value of the customization could require additional coverage. The color itself does not matter. If you spend a significant amount of money on custom paint or other vehicle modifications, notify your insurer so you can confirm that your policy provides adequate coverage.

“Custom paint could increase your rates,” Kirchen says. “It could be considered under additional custom parts and equipment, but there would only be a nominal fee charged for it.”

So, in this case, it’s the value of the paint job itself that affects your insurance and not the color of that paint job.

So, if you like red cars, don’t worry about choosing one. Just remember that how you drive that car can have an impact on your rates, so drive safely and avoid tickets and claims.

FAQ: Red cars and insurance

Can changing my car's color affect my insurance?

No. Changing your car's color does not impact your premium. You should still inform your insurer of any permanent color change so your policy records accurately reflect the vehicle.

Can I insure a car with a custom paint job?

Yes. You can insure a car with a custom paint job, but the modification should be disclosed to the insurer. Depending on its value and your policy, you might need additional coverage for custom equipment.

Does a red car need different insurance than a white car?

No. A red car does not need different coverage simply because of its color. The coverage you need depends on the vehicle, your circumstances, your state requirements and the protection you want from your policy.