Why Did a New Car Drive Up My Car Insurance?

Dear Insurance Adviser, Does buying a new car always result in a higher car insurance premium? It seems like getting a newer, safer car should bring it down. (Or maybe that's just my wish!)

Thanks! -- Dreaming of a Cheaper Payment

Dear Dreaming, If you trade in your $5,000 grocery-getter for a $30,000 newer, safer car and wish that your car insurance costs will go down, you probably will be disappointed. Remember, about 40% of your insurance costs cover theft or damage to the car. If your new car is stolen or totaled in an accident, your insurance company will owe you $30,000 instead of $5,000.

However, the good news is that your rates for the newer, safer car with side and head air bags, passive-restraint seat belts, a security system, anti-lock brakes and traction control will cost you far less to insure than a newer, unsafe car. Your liability and medical payments rates will be discounted for safety features. Plus, all your coverage rates will cost less.

Before you buy your next car, ask the crash-test dummies which cars they prefer. Every year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, or IIHS, conducts crash tests on new cars. There is a strong correlation between how well a model scores on crash tests and the cost to insure it. The better the scores, the lower the insurance rates. Before you buy your next car, check out the vehicle ratings at IIHS.org. A new car that scores well will not only save you money on car insurance but may save your life as well!

More On This...

Pay Car Insurance by the Mile

Sweet dreams.

Bankrate's content, including the guidance of its advice-and-expert columns and this website, is intended only to assist you with financial decisions. The content is broad in scope and does not consider your personal financial situation. Bankrate recommends that you seek the advice of advisers who are fully aware of your individual circumstances before making any final decisions or implementing any financial strategy. Please remember that your use of this website is governed by Bankrate's Terms of Use.