Why is the Acura TL Type S so expensive to insure? I noticed that an '02 TLS costs much more to insure than a '02 BMW 330Ci, Z4 and Infiniti I35. I was able to get a cheaper rate on a 2004 350Z. Infact, a '02 Chevy Corvette Z06 6spd was only $100/yr more to insure than my '02 Type S. Any clues?

BTW, I work in the insurance industry so I have access to comparitive rates, but I don't have specifics as to why a particular car has high rates.

 

Hi guys, I'm new. I just got my brand new '03 Acura TL Type-S this past Saturday.

I traded my '01 Z06 for the TL Type-S and I'm personally saving $12 a month = $144 a year on insurance. Note, I am under 25 as well in the city with the highest rates in the country [I think].

My Z06 was my daily driver and I can tell you hands-down I am happy to have the Acura. In Houston, you can't go fast and parking spots are narrow, etc. The big doors on the vette were annoying and the quality is shotty.

I previously owned an '01 Honda Accord and loved it too.

Basically I think it's much cheaper both insurance and maintainance but I think you are comparing apples and oranges (2 door sport car vs. 4 door sport sedan).

My $0.02

 

I'm in the insurance industry as well...
Remember, rating is based on: frequency of collisions per model year sold; average expense to repair; geographic location; age of the insured. Often, things like the cars' color, etc. can be included in rating and many companies differ from there.
I remember reading that Cali is an expensive place to insure Honda/Acura vehicles because of the overwhelming number of claims from thefts, vandalism and collisions (because of sheer number of vehicle to sold ratio as well as age of most drivers). It is also considered a "sports car" in many eyes on the same par as Corvette and the Z4, but the latter likely aren't involved in as many claims. It's an actuarial study. For example, my TL-S was cheaper to insure than my '99 Limited 4x4 4Runner, by $108 a year; my ex's RSX Type-S, by $138 a year; my ex's Bettle 1.8t, by $60 a year. It was only $28 more per year than my ex's old '99 Camry LE. These rates were based on me (at the time) being 30y/o, married and listed as primary driver. It certainly would have been more if I were single and under 25...

 

Depends a lot on your age and place of res.. I am middle-aged and live in Ky.. My TL was among the cheapest cars to insure.

 

I wouldn't compare it to a Corvette. Corvette is not a good daily driver in my opinion. Great for the track and maybe to turn *some* heads. Secondly it's a 2 door car (let me emphasize HUGE DOORS). Huge doors aren't good for parking lots. It's also extremely low so can be literally a pain getting in and out.

I got tired and quickly disliked my Z06 and I absolutely LOVE my TL Type-S. I am happy I'm back in a Honda [Acura]. It's got all the great features without the pain

Also again, comparing the quality of a(n) Honda/Acura to GM is insulting!

 

ya shoulda let me know, i would've traded with you

hehehe

 

lol probably not it had 35,800 miles on it. 200 more miles then you'd be paying maintainance bills, assuming something would break. Given the brand name, I would be willing to bet on that

My '03 TL-S is new though hehe

 

I'm 19 and was also surprise about the insurance rate on my CL-S. I would have got a S2000 if I knew my rates would be so high. My original insurance company wouldn't even insure me on the car. I had to switch companies.

Its funny though because the new insurance company knew I wanted a good rate on the CL-S so they charged me $350 for 6months for the CL-S, raised the rate on the 2000 accord coupe to $1100 (brothers), raise the rate for the 1992 mini van to $1100, and the 1998 CRV to $900. But in the end the overall rate was lower then the old company and they actually let me drive the car.

I'm just young no previous accidents or tickets.

 

Is the potential for accident also a factor, for example the issuues that have been occuring with defective transmissions? Just curious.

 

I know Allstate investigated the whole tranny issue for corporate subrogation plans and found no basis to chase HOA. They had a rash of people saying the tranny caused the accidents, but reconstruction experts on Allstate's end pointed to driver error in every case...

I stated the real answer before: It's based on actual accidents per model available that best establishes the rate on an individual car...

 

I noticed that too--coverage on my '02 TL-S is more than same coverage on my '03 Yukon XL. However, the weird thing is that the liability coverage on my wife's '94 Nissan Sentra is almost as high as that (liability) on the TL-S--go figure.

 

I had an accident in my Accord so I'm high to begin with, but my premium went up $300 last time I renewed. I asked why and they said they reclassified my car as 'High Performance'. I was pissed

btw: it's a 2000TL - It definately is high performance compared to my 4cyl Accord hehe