Is That Flashy Red Coupe Costing You More Than You Think?
You pick a car that turns heads; or maybe you keep it low-key with something practical and grey. But here’s something most people don’t consider when choosing a vehicle: the colour and shape of that car might quietly shape your insurance quote.
Yes, really. It’s not just about engine size or age; insurers look at things like visibility, desirability, theft risk, even how expensive a certain panel is to replace. Let’s break it down.
Paint Colour: What’s the Real Impact?
There’s no magical chart that says red = expensive and silver = saintly. But colour might still play a role; indirectly.
- Bright colours (like red or yellow) might be associated with younger, higher-risk drivers
- Black cars are statistically more likely to be involved in night-time accidents, possibly due to reduced visibility
- Unusual colours might be harder or more expensive to match in repairs
- White, silver, grey are often more common in fleets; which might correlate with lower-risk profiles
It’s not always the colour itself; it’s what that colour tends to come with: certain age groups, driving styles, and types of cars.
Body Type: From Hatchbacks to Convertibles
The shape of your car isn’t just a design choice; it changes how the vehicle performs, how it's used, and how it holds up in collisions. Insurers absolutely notice that.
- Hatchbacks are typically seen as practical and lower risk; especially when smaller engines are involved
- Saloons tend to be stable and family-oriented; often grouped in mid-tier pricing
- Estates offer practicality, but larger body panels might mean pricier repairs
- SUVs sit higher on the road; more protection, but also more damage in low-speed collisions
- Convertibles and coupes are often linked to younger, sportier drivers; sometimes seen as higher risk
- Pickups and vans blur the line between personal and business use; which might mean a different policy altogether
The body type influences repair costs, likelihood of certain claims, and even where and how the vehicle is used.
Does It Really Add Up to a Bigger Bill?
Sometimes, yes. Not always dramatically; but enough that two identical drivers in two different-coloured versions of the same car might receive different quotes.
- A brightly painted sports coupe might raise more eyebrows (and therefore more risk calculations)
- A matte wrap or custom finish might be flagged as a modification; which needs declaring
- Higher-end trims with larger wheels or flared arches might tip the vehicle into a pricier group
None of these changes are guaranteed to skyrocket your premium; but they quietly nudge the numbers behind the scenes.
Tips for Choosing with Insurance in Mind
- Check the insurance group; especially if you’re comparing trims or body styles
- Avoid custom paint or wraps unless you’re ready to declare them
- Be wary of rare colours; matching them after an accident might cost more
- Think about who the car’s “type” is associated with; insurers often rely on patterns and data
You don’t need to pick something bland just to save money. But understanding how colour and body style influence perception might help you make a smarter choice.
Final Thought: Your Car's Style Might Speak Louder Than You Think
Every car tells a story; before it even turns a wheel. Insurers read that story in data, statistics, and past claims. A bright orange coupe with flared arches? That story sounds very different from a silver hatchback with roof rails and a baby seat in the back.
So while paint and shape might seem like matters of taste, they carry signals; and insurers are always reading between the lines.
Choose what makes you smile when you walk up to it. Just don’t be surprised if the colour you love also comes with a few extra pounds added to your quote.