Can the color of your car affect your car insurance rate?

Detonator yellow.

Atomic silver. 

Grecian water.

Rapid red. 

Caviar.

Car color names can be pretty out there. But fortunately, no matter how strange the color or its name, your car insurance rate won't be affected by your taste. In fact, this is just a myth. We’re here to put that myth to rest and give you the truth—backed by our insurance folks—on what really goes into your insurance rate.

How your car color may affect your car insurance rate

The common belief is that if you drive certain color cars (ahem, red), it may raise your insurance rate. Let’s address that. Insurance companies don’t really care what color your car is because it doesn’t play a factor in your insurance rate. So, if you’re set on buying that “Glacier White” or “Rapid Red” car—go for it.

When you’re adding your car to your insurance policy, your insurer will likely run your vehicle VIN. This code can share quite a bit of information about your ride. Like where it was built, its trim level, mechanics or even warranty details. 

What it might not tell you? The color of your car.

The reason why insurance companies don't really care about car color is that, by itself, it doesn't affect the way your vehicle drives. However, if you're drawn to an ostentatious race car with a flame job and a giant spoiler, you might be inclined to get a little fast and furious.  

But even if you're chill behind the wheel, there may be other factors that cause bright cars to catch heat. Statistics have found that red cars may be more susceptible to being pulled over and ticketed. According to

CNET, there are four factors that may be the reasoning behind why: 

• Red and the brain. The color red can often be associated with feelings of energy, excitement and intensity. It may even raise blood pressure. 

• Red and the background. If any object is surprisingly different from its background, it draws the eye. And a red car is no different. 

• Red and culture. Red cars are fast cars, right? We assume that those who drive red cars like to live life in the fast lane.  

• Red and you. A red car stands out because you feel it may connect with your driving story. 

But whether your car is yellow, red, blue, silver or any other color—if you’re driving recklessly and distracted, it’s on you. And that can result in being pulled over or getting into an accident. Insurance companies do consider your driving record, and if you are a high-risk driver, it generally increases your insurance rate and may make it harder to find a company that will insure you. 

There’s more than meets the eye for an insurance rate

Now that you know your car’s color doesn’t affect your insurance rate let’s talk about what

does go into an insurance quote and rate. As we mentioned before, your driving or accident history is something car insurers will look at to determine your rate and if you will be eligible for coverage with them. But a few other things that may be considered when creating an insurance rate are: 

• The type of car, truck or SUV you drive

• Your coverage

• Where you live

• Tech in your car

And if you’re someone who likes to save a penny or two, some insurers will give you opportunities to earn rewards or discounts on your bill—like HiRoad. By taking the high road and making smooth, smart moves on the road, you can be rewarded with monthly discounts (up to 50 percent)—even if your car looks like it should be on the race track. 

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with HiRoad®. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. HiRoad is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. HiRoad makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.