Doing research before you buy?
Cross reference this checklist with the coverage considerations inside our Understanding Your Policy pillar guide.
The model you drive can swing your annual premium by thousands. Insurers examine loss data that tells them how expensive a vehicle is to repair, how often it is stolen, and how well it protects occupants. Here are the main factors to keep in mind when car shopping.
Key rating factors
- Crash and safety scores: Vehicles earning IIHS Top Safety Pick or NHTSA five-star ratings qualify for better injury outcomes, so insurers pass along savings.
- Repair complexity: Cars with aluminum panels or specialty sensors require costly parts and more labor hours.
- Theft rates: Models popular with thieves (full-size trucks, older Hondas) carry higher comprehensive premiums.
- Power-train: High-horsepower sports cars encourage riskier driving and receive surcharges.
Research checklist
- Pull the Vehicle Identification Number and plug it into your insurer's quoting portal before you finalize pricing.
- Ask the dealer for ADAS calibration costs. If radar sensors sit behind the bumper, even a minor fender bender can trigger expensive repairs.
- Verify anti-theft tech (immobilizer, tracking) because many carriers offer separate discounts.
- Check parts availability. Imported vehicles with limited parts supply drive up comprehensive and collision pricing.
Bottom line: if keeping premiums low is a priority, lean toward midsize sedans, small SUVs, or trucks with strong safety ratings, low theft statistics, and affordable parts. Always quote the exact VIN before you sign.