Most Expensive to Ensure
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,843
Likes: 1,432
From: NC
Most Expensive to Ensure
Kia Motors Corp.'s (2720.SE) Sedona minivan is the cheapest 2010 model-year vehicle to insure in the U.S., while luxury performance cars crowd the list of the most expensive, topped by Honda Motor Co.'s (7267.TO, HMC) Acura's sporty ZDX, according to online insurance comparer InsWeb Corp. (INSW: 6.40 ,0.00 ,0.00%).
After the ZDX at the top of the most-expensive list are Audi AG's (NSU.XE) TTS and A5 cars, followed by General Motors Co.'s Cadillac's luxury Escalade SUV and powerhouse Chevrolet Corvette. Audi is Volkswagen AG's (VOW.XE) premium brand.
The Sedona, a minivan whose 2011 model starts at $24,595 new, tops InsWeb's least-expensive list to insure, followed by Mazda Motor Corp.'s (7261.TO) Madza5 Minivan and Ford Motor Co.'s (F: 16.60 ,+0.51 ,+3.17%) Escape SUV. Most of the vehicles on the least-expensive list carry high passenger loads.
The value of the vehicle is one of the most important factors that determine a vehicle's cost to insure, so the fact that most of the vehicles on the most-expensive list cost more than $40,000 isn't surprising, InsWeb said. The firm said the other main factor in determining insurance cost is the particular model's loss history.
Those who drive the sportscars on the top of the most-expensive list are likely "more aggressive by nature, which could lead to a higher likelihood of claims," said Brad Cooper, InsWeb's senior vice president of operations. "On the other end of the spectrum, most of the vehicles on the least-expensive-to insure list are minivans, wagons and small SUVs. Those vehicle types are often preferred by individuals with families-perhaps the least likely people to engage in risky driving behavior."
1st Gear
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Not sure I understnad
The article states the reason for high insurance rates is a combination of price and the fact that sportier cars tend to be bought by people that enjoy more agressive driving.
The ZDX is not exactly a hot sports car and the stated target group by Acura is empty nesters (not a real high risk group of drivers) so the reasoning in the article does not make complete sense to me.
I was wondering if there is something about the design of of the vehicle itself that could by pushing repair costs (ie, the all glass roof)?
Any educated guesses out there?
The ZDX is not exactly a hot sports car and the stated target group by Acura is empty nesters (not a real high risk group of drivers) so the reasoning in the article does not make complete sense to me.
I was wondering if there is something about the design of of the vehicle itself that could by pushing repair costs (ie, the all glass roof)?
Any educated guesses out there?
Three Wheelin'
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,265
Likes: 173
From: Redondo Beach, CA
I was surprised too, and a bit dismayed since the ZDX will be my next vehicle. I went online to my insurance company and ran a quote, replacing my 2002 Lexus with a 2010 ZDX. My premium went up a whopping $14 a month.
2010 ZDX Tech Black/Ebony
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: Charlotte, North Carolina
We had a 2009 TL Tech which we traded for a 2010 ZDX Tech; price differential for the insurance? $16/month. I think there is a flaw in the statistical analysis used by the group that provided this report; obviously, a brand new model carries with it no experience rating for number of accidents, cost of repairs (other than estimated ones), etc. Further, the article is entirely misleading in that it EXCLUDES all cars with a value over $80,000. The notion that a ZDX is more expensive to insure than a Rolls Royce, a Jaguar, a higher end Mercedes, etc. etc. would be comical if it weren't for the deceptive reporting.
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 181
Likes: 3
From: Livingston, NJ
I too am baffled by their analysis... I traded in my 06 RL and the difference in insurance is less than $10.
There must be some flaw in their analysis... so I would say to prospective ZDX owners... get a quote from your current insurance company and see the difference for yourself for your own policy/ circumstances and THEN make the decision. Don't let flawed analysis like this dissuade you from getting an awesome vehicle. I've had mine for more than six months and I still find myself admiring the vehicle sometimes and then throroughly enjoying my drive on a daily basis!
There must be some flaw in their analysis... so I would say to prospective ZDX owners... get a quote from your current insurance company and see the difference for yourself for your own policy/ circumstances and THEN make the decision. Don't let flawed analysis like this dissuade you from getting an awesome vehicle. I've had mine for more than six months and I still find myself admiring the vehicle sometimes and then throroughly enjoying my drive on a daily basis!
The article states the reason for high insurance rates is a combination of price and the fact that sportier cars tend to be bought by people that enjoy more agressive driving.
The ZDX is not exactly a hot sports car and the stated target group by Acura is empty nesters (not a real high risk group of drivers) so the reasoning in the article does not make complete sense to me.
I was wondering if there is something about the design of of the vehicle itself that could by pushing repair costs (ie, the all glass roof)?
Any educated guesses out there?
The ZDX is not exactly a hot sports car and the stated target group by Acura is empty nesters (not a real high risk group of drivers) so the reasoning in the article does not make complete sense to me.
I was wondering if there is something about the design of of the vehicle itself that could by pushing repair costs (ie, the all glass roof)?
Any educated guesses out there?
which is going to raise the cost of acquiring the parts in order to fix it correctly (ie: mainly dealer prices)
and as others have said, not exactly like they reported for a benz or something (which people still use as a daily driver)(and as far as the Bentley goes, i would imagine lot of those owners have another vehicle for a daily driver, so insurance knows they are not driven as much)
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,843
Likes: 1,432
From: NC
More Info
While sports cars and off road-oriented SUVs might seem like they should be the most expensive new cars to insure, a recent report by an insurance comparison website suggests otherwise.
InsWeb reports that the lifestyle-oriented Acura ZDX crossover is actually the priciest car to insure – but not necessarily because of its power or rollover likelihood. Instead, the ZDX is relatively new and is a low volume model for Honda’s luxury division, meaning there is little crash data information available yet. But, apparently, ZDXs seem to be involved in significantly more accidents than on average.
The rest of the list is mostly what you’d expect – sports cars Audi coupes, the Chevrolet Corvette and the high-end Cadillac Escalade SUV. But a few models toward the end of the list also surprise – namely, the Lexus SC 430, Jaguar XF and Cadillac STS, all of which are known for mature demographics.
Here’s the Top 10 list of the most expensive cars to insure:
1. Acura ZDX
2. Audi TTS
3. Audi A5
4. Cadillac Escalade
5. Chevrolet Corvette
6. BMW Z4
7. Lexus SC 430
8. Jaguar XF
9. Cadillac STS
10. Dodge Challenger
InsWeb also evaluated the opposite end of the spectrum, revealing the cheapest cars to insure – which aren’t necessarily the cheapest cars to buy. Instead, they are vehicles that tend to be driven sedately and are typically inexpensive to repair thanks to both low part costs and wide availability of replacement panels and parts.2. Audi TTS
3. Audi A5
4. Cadillac Escalade
5. Chevrolet Corvette
6. BMW Z4
7. Lexus SC 430
8. Jaguar XF
9. Cadillac STS
10. Dodge Challenger
1. Kia Sedona
2. Mazda5
3. Ford Escape
4. Hyundai Santa Fe
5. Mercury Mariner
6. Chrysler PT Cruiser
7. Ford Explorer
8. Subaru Outback
9. Kia Optima
10. Chevrolet Equinox
2. Mazda5
3. Ford Escape
4. Hyundai Santa Fe
5. Mercury Mariner
6. Chrysler PT Cruiser
7. Ford Explorer
8. Subaru Outback
9. Kia Optima
10. Chevrolet Equinox
2010 ZDX Tech Black/Ebony
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: Charlotte, North Carolina
Congratulations on repeating the posting of this article in the forum which you originally posted on November 10 and changing a word in the title of the article from Ensure to Insure. Was that the best you could do to respond to the issues raised in our comments above or were you making a point I did not understand?
2010 TL AWD 6MT: New King
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,821
Likes: 165
From: WA
Congratulations on repeating the posting of this article in the forum which you originally posted on November 10 and changing a word in the title of the article from Ensure to Insure. Was that the best you could do to respond to the issues raised in our comments above or were you making a point I did not understand?
The 2nd posting is not an exact repost. As the OP, TSX69 posted a different variant of the original topic that contains more info and listings that were not originally present.
IMHO TSX69 was neither responding to "issues" nor making a point, just posting more info on said thread.
Thanks OP
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,843
Likes: 1,432
From: NC
Not Even in the Top 20 this Time
You're bound to turn heads behind the wheel of the 604-horsepower Mercedes SL65 AMG, a sleek 2-door convertible with a 6-liter, V-12 biturbo engine. Step on the gas and you could accelerate from zero to 60 in 4.2 seconds and hit 120 miles per hour in just 12.8 seconds. And – according to insurance company data -- you’re more likely to crash than drivers of less powerful vehicles.
Meet the most expensive to insure vehicle for 2011, according to Insure.com's annual list based on a study commissioned from Quadrant Information Services. The average annual national premium for the powerful Mercedes SL65 AMG roadster is $3,629.11 -- and that's for a good driver who hasn't racked up any speeding tickets or previous car insurance claims.
Of course if the SL65’s $198,750 manufacturer's suggested retail price is within reach, maybe you aren’t worrying much about saving money on car insurance rates.
See the full lists of the most and least expensive cars to insure below. And use Insure.com’s car insurance rates tool (at right) to see average annual premiums by model, for each state or nationally.
But if you’re a more typical car insurance shopper, your auto insurance quote should be a consideration if you’re looking for a 2011 vehicle. After all, why shop for the best deal on a vehicle, only to find out it carries exorbitant insurance costs?
What drives auto insurance quotes sky high?
"Any vehicle that would cause a teenage boy to stop and gawk would likely cost a pretty penny to insure," says Russ Rader, a spokesperson for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Highway Loss Data Institute. "Many of the vehicles at the top of the list cost as much as a small house to buy, and that means they're costly to fix."
The BMW 750i, the No. 2 most expensive vehicle to insure, is a luxury sedan, featuring a 400-horsepower V-8 engine, and is packed with luxury components, such as a navigation system that responds to voice commands, a power 2-way tilt moon roof and a 10-speaker sound system. Repairing just 1 feature after a crash could cost a small fortune.
A vehicle’s premiums for collision and comprehensive coverage are largely determined by that vehicle’s “loss history," meaning the frequency and severity of claims that are typically filed for that model by other drivers. Thus, cars chosen for flash and speed – and even mundane cars typically chosen by young, experienced drivers – will pile up claims and thus garner higher insurance rates.
Add in a driver with a history of traffic violations, claims or accidents and you’ve got a recipe for truly painful car insurance prices.
Scoring cheap car insurance
Looking for a good car insurance quote? On the opposite end of the spectrum are vehicles that would make a teenager yawn: Practical minivans and SUVs that appeal to family drivers. This year's cheapest vehicle to insure is the Chrysler Town & Country LX minivan. Its national average annual premium is $1,092.72, a 3rd of the cost of insuring the Mercedes SL65 AMG.
The Toyota Sienna and the Toyota Sienna LE minivans earn the No. 2 and No. 3 spots, respectively for being the least costly to insure.
"Family vehicles driven by soccer moms aren't as likely to get into crashes as flashier sporty models," Rader says. "Soccer-mom vehicles are driven by people who are generally not driving aggressively, aren't speeding and often aren't driving during peak commuting hours."
Discounts for safety equipment that goes beyond the standard requirements can also bring insurance costs down, such as electronic stability control, which can help drivers avoid accidents, and overhead airbags, says Peter Moraga, a spokesperson for the Californian Insurance Information Network.
"When shopping for a vehicle you have to look for safety as opposed to sexy," advises Moraga. "A safer car is not only going to save your life, it's also going to lower your insurance rates."
Consider this: If you live in California, the difference between the most and least expensive cars to insure is more than $4,700 annually (that’s for insuring an Aston Martin DB9 Volante versus a Chevy Traverse LS).
If you live in New York, the Aston Martin DB9s and the Rolls Royce Phantom top the list. Wave hello if they drive by your Chrysler Town & Country LX or Nissan Cube SL – you’ve got some of the lowest car insurance rates in the state.
PHP Code:
2011 vehicles with the lowest car insurance rates
Rank
Make
Model
Style
Cylinders
National average annual premium
1
Chrysler
Town & Country LX
4 Door Wagon
6
$1,091.80
2
Toyota
Sienna
5 Door Wagon
4
$1,100.66
3
Toyota
Sienna LE
5 Door Wagon
4
$1,107.70
4
Honda
Odyssey LX
5 Door 2WD SOHC
6
$1,114.62
5
Nissan
Murano SL
2WD 4 Door Utility
6
$1,127.89
6
Jeep
Wrangler Unlimited Sport
4WD 4 Door Utility
6
$1,131.27
7
Honda
Odyssey EX
5 Door 2WD SOHC
6
$1,138.16
8
Toyota
Sienna
5 Door Wagon
6
$1,142.94
9
Ford
Escape XLS
4WD 4 Door SUV
4
$1,150.26
10
Toyota
Highlander
4 Door 2WD Utility
4
$1,154.02
11
Honda
CR-V LX
5 Door 2.4L
4
$1,155.44
12
Hyundai
Santa Fe GLS
4 Door 2WD Utility
4
$1,157.66
13
Jeep
Patriot Sport
2WD 4 Door Utility
4
$1,157.70
14
Jeep
Wrangler Unlimited Sahara
2WD 4 Door Utility
6
$1,161.20
15
Jeep
Wrangler Sport
4WD 2 Door 3.8L Utility
6
$1,162.97
16
Mazda
Tribute I
2WD 4 Door Utility
4
$1,163.24
17
Ford
Escape XLT
4WD 4 Door SUV
4
$1,166.20
18
Chrysler
Town & Country Touring
4 Door Wagon
6
$1,167.38
19
Honda
Odyssey EX-RES
5 Door 2WD SOHC
6
$1,167.93
20
Subaru
Forester X
4 Door SUV AWD
4
$1,170.45
2011 vehicles with the highest car insurance rates
Rank
Make
Model
Style
Cylinders
National average annual premium
1
Mercedes
SL65 AMG
2 Door Convertible
12
$3,543.81
2
BMW
750i
4 Door Sedan Hybrid
8
$3,280.70
3
BMW
750Li
4 Door Sedan Hybrid
8
$3,280.70
4
Mercedes
SL63 AMG
2 Door Convertible
8
$3,263.46
5
Mercedes
S65 AMG
4 Door Sedan Turbo
12
$3,220.86
6
Aston Martin
DB9
2 Door Coupe
12
$3,120.45
7
Mercedes
CL600
2 Door Coupe
12
$3,114.28
8
Porsche
911 Carrera S
2 Door Cabriolet
6
$3,092.31
9
Aston Martin
DB9 Volante
2 Door Convertible
12
$3,088.96
10
Mercedes
G55 AMG
4WD 4 Door Utility
8
$3,086.49
11
Mercedes
CL65 AMG
2 Door Coupe
12
$3,063.73
12
Mercedes
CL63 AMG
2 Door Coupe
8
$3,058.69
13
Porsche
911 Carrera 4S
2 Door Cabriolet
6
$3,046.87
14
Mercedes
SL550
2 Door Convertible
8
$2,942.97
15
Jaguar
XJ L Supercharged
2WD 4.2L 4 Door Sedan
8
$2,940.94
16
Jaguar
XJ L Supersport
2WD 4.2L 4 Door Sedan
8
$2,940.94
17
Porsche
911 Carrera 4
2 Door Cabriolet
6
$2,921.61
18
Porsche
911 Carrera S
2 Door Coupe
6
$2,919.90
19
Mercedes
S63 AMG
4 Door Sedan
8
$2,898.30
20
Jaguar
XJ Supercharged
2WD 4.2L 4 Door Sedan
8
$2,853.24
Insure.com commissioned a study from Quadrant Information Services that calculated the average premiums for a male driver (see full profile below) using car insurance rates from 6 large carriers (State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, GEICO, Farmers and Nationwide) in 10 ZIP codes per state. Not all models are available for calculating average rates, especially some exotic cars, which is why you won't see Lamborghinis on the list — although you can assume those carry hefty insurance bills.
Averages are based on a single 40-year-old male driver who commutes 12 miles to work each day, with policy limits of 100/300/50 ($100,000 for injury liability for one person, $300,000 for all injuries and $50,000 for property damage in an accident) and a $500 deductible on collision and comprehensive coverage. He has a clean driving record and good credit. The rate includes uninsured motorist coverage. Average rates are for comparative purposes; your rate will depend on your personal factors.
Want to see more average premiums? Here are the insurance rankings of the most and least expensive 2009 vehicles and the most and least expensive 2010 vehicles.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 181
Likes: 34
From: Memphis, TN
Tempest in a Teapot?
We traded our '08 TL with navi for a '10 ZDX tech. The difference in insurance premium with the same coverage thru USAA was + $6.10 per month. We live in Memphis which has some pretty wacky drivers (compared to the rest of TN) so car insurance here is higher.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Still shopping for the ZDX.....
Based on these "most expensive to insure" reports, has anyone out there moved up to the ZDX from another car brand? I understand from other posts that moving from an existing Acura to the ZDX was not much of a difference in insurance premium. However, I'm potentially moving from a Subaru Outback to the ZDX. What can I potentially expect if/when I buy my ZDX (huge jump in monthly premium? small jump?) Thanks in advance for your help!
TR
TR
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 181
Likes: 34
From: Memphis, TN
Based on these "most expensive to insure" reports, has anyone out there moved up to the ZDX from another car brand? I understand from other posts that moving from an existing Acura to the ZDX was not much of a difference in insurance premium. However, I'm potentially moving from a Subaru Outback to the ZDX. What can I potentially expect if/when I buy my ZDX (huge jump in monthly premium? small jump?) Thanks in advance for your help!
TR
TR
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,607
Likes: 536
Based on these "most expensive to insure" reports, has anyone out there moved up to the ZDX from another car brand? I understand from other posts that moving from an existing Acura to the ZDX was not much of a difference in insurance premium. However, I'm potentially moving from a Subaru Outback to the ZDX. What can I potentially expect if/when I buy my ZDX (huge jump in monthly premium? small jump?) Thanks in advance for your help!
TR
TR
Suzuka Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 8,490
Likes: 609
Congratulations on repeating the posting of this article in the forum which you originally posted on November 10 and changing a word in the title of the article from Ensure to Insure. Was that the best you could do to respond to the issues raised in our comments above or were you making a point I did not understand?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 251
Likes: 36
From: Honolulu, HI
Just switched my 2010 TL tech Fwd to 2010 ZDX advance and my premium went up $50 every six months.
my premium is less than $100 a month with full coverage 100000/300000 and im 32 yrs old. clean abrtract.
my premium is less than $100 a month with full coverage 100000/300000 and im 32 yrs old. clean abrtract.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,361
Likes: 66
From: Toronto
hondas and acuras were always expensive to insure compared to similar cars. for good reason too, whenever i google news honda, i see articles about fatal accidents involving a civic, tsx... if i had a insurance company i would not insure white, yellow and red hondas haha.
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Insurance on ZDX
I recently became the owner of a 2010 ZDX. I drove a Chrysler (06) 300 SRT8 prior to purchasing the ZDX and my insurance changed about $20 a month. Even though that is not much I think the ZDX is getting an unfair rating on its Insurance symbol. It carries a whooping symbol 26 which is the highest rating you can get I think. The SRT8 I owned was a symbol 24 and it was 425 HP something not right about this rating.
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
HI Iwas sold on the technoogy of the ZDX. Performance is adequate and for a 4400 lb vechiel its quick. I think its the best of both worlds sport coup with off road capability. On thing i dislike is that Acura should have given it at least 400 hp
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 19
From: Washington DC
I just received my revised bill from State Farm on my ZDX over my MDX. It was a staggering $64 for 6 months, which is ridiculous considering it's only a year newer and barely $11K more expensive vehicle. Wow, I'm up to a whopping $705 a year now for the ZDX. I may have to cut back on my caviar and Cristal consumption now. 
Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 641
Likes: 94
From: Phoenix, AZ
Im paying about 1440 a year for my ZDX and have a perfect driving record. Though prices will change due to state, im still paying less then I was on my previos daily driver a 06 Civic Si. Insurance BLOWS
I just received my revised bill from State Farm on my ZDX over my MDX. It was a staggering $64 for 6 months, which is ridiculous considering it's only a year newer and barely $11K more expensive vehicle. Wow, I'm up to a whopping $705 a year now for the ZDX. I may have to cut back on my caviar and Cristal consumption now.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 112
Likes: 11
From: So. New Hampshire
Lol at rexorg.
I was paying 73 a month on a 2007 Altima and now I am up to 76 a month on a 2010 ZDX. I qualify for safe driver discount and this rate is bundled with another car and home owners insurance.
I was paying 73 a month on a 2007 Altima and now I am up to 76 a month on a 2010 ZDX. I qualify for safe driver discount and this rate is bundled with another car and home owners insurance.
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