For many drivers, insurance is one of the necessary evils. Yes, the premiums can be costly, but it can also prove invaluable should something go awry. That doesn't change the fact that most people want to limit these costs as much as possible. To do that, motorists should know why these expenses may grow so high and what they can do to control them.
What to know about insurance
As a driver, you should know the details that play a role in how much you pay for insurance. These aspects could impact everything from what car you buy on a lot to the type of vehicle maintenance you choose, so it's imperative you stay up to date on the facts.
"Insurance rates are all about claims - how many and how big," said Penny Gusner, a consumer analyst at Insure.com on the company's website. "Cars that are cheapest to insure typically are easy to repair or have fewer claims or both."
Cars with high ticket prices are more expensive to insure, as replacement parts and repairs are generally costly as well. But that's not the only consideration. Drivers must also pay attention to their driving history and location, in addition to facts and figures about certain car models. For instance, The Car Connection reported that cars with tons of safety features often have special discounts for drivers, thanks in large part to decreasing your odds of being injured.
The most and least expensive cars to insure
What about individual makes and models? There are certain automaker-related trends that drivers should note, especially because they have such an impact on the bottom line. However, the insurance premiums can vary widely based on the type of vehicle, so it's important to note the specifics about any given ride.
According to the report, the most expensive car to insure is the Nissan GT-R sports car. This sleek vehicle runs a total of about $3,574 each year - and that's without any claims or auto repair. That's a far cry from one of the most affordable cars, the Jeep Wrangler. Forbes noted that this SUV totals approximately $1,134 annually, or $2,440 less than the Nissan GT-R.
Other vehicles that were relatively affordable included the Jeep Patriot, Honda CR-V and Subaru Outback. Sports cars dominated the opposite end of the spectrum, with models such as the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Convertible and Dodge SRT Viper running up the highest costs.