Do Red Cars Cost More to Insure? (2024)

It’s OK if your little Corvette is red or your big Cadillac is pink. Color has no impact on your insurance price. At Progressive, we won’t even ask about it. Custom paint jobs are another story—if you paint your vehicle, be sure to add optional coverage for “custom parts and equipment” to your auto policy.

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Do Red Cars Cost More to Insure? (2)

Does car color affect insurance rates?

The color of your car doesn't affect your insurance rate. Instead, your insurance company uses other information, like your car's age, location, usage, and your driving record, to help determine insurance rates. Learn more about the factors that impact auto insurance pricing.

Do red cars get more tickets?

Many people believe that red cars get pulled over more often than other vehicles, but there isn't any conclusive data to verify this claim. When police pull someone over, the reason is typically the driver's behavior, not the vehicle itself.

What happens if I paint my car red?

If you add a custom paint job to your vehicle, regardless of the color, Progressive’s “custom parts and equipment” (CPE) coverage can safeguard your modification. Typically, the limit for CPE coverage is $5,000 and it may cover an after-market paint job.

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Do Red Cars Cost More to Insure? (3)

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Do Red Cars Cost More to Insure? (2024)

FAQs

Do Red Cars Cost More to Insure? ›

Does Having a Red Car Increase Your Insurance? Never fear, though. The myth that red cars cost more to insure is, in fact, a myth. While auto insurance companies take a number of factors into account when calculating your insurance rate, the color of the car isn't one of them.

Is insurance actually higher for red cars? ›

The notion that it costs more to insure a red vehicle is a myth. Car insurance companies look at many different aspects of your vehicle to set your rate, but color is not one of them.

What color cars are more expensive to insure? ›

Does car color affect insurance rates? The color of your car doesn't affect your insurance rate. Instead, your insurance company uses other information, like your car's age, location, usage, and your driving record, to help determine insurance rates. Learn more about the factors that impact auto insurance pricing.

Does red car get pulled over more? ›

Which Color Gets Pulled Over the Most? According to the National Motorists Association, white-colored vehicles get pulled over the most. That said, red vehicles come in second, followed closely by gray and silver. Unsurprisingly, white cars are stopped by law enforcement because it's the most common vehicle color.

What are the disadvantages of buying a red car? ›

While red does tend to be associated with less of a risk of accidents than black, grey, and silver cars, red cars have more accidents than many other colors. When compared with the safest color on the road, red cars have a 7 percent higher risk of an accident. Red is such a bold, vibrant color.

Are red cars harder to sell? ›

The top five car colors with the best resale value

As of June 2023, the car colors that retain a higher resale value are: Yellow (13.5% value lost over three years) Orange (18.4% value lost over three years) Red (20.6% value lost over three years)

Why does your insurance go up if you have a red car? ›

The short answer is no.

Your car's color isn't a factor we consider in the rating of your policy. Rates are based on objective data about your car. It's true that some vehicle types cost more to insure than others. Make, model and trim level of the car are factors that impact your premium.

What color car holds value best? ›

What the research says. For the car market in general, the above-average colors for resale value are yellow, beige, orange, green, red, white and blue. These could be good choices if resale value is a top concern.

What is the most affordable car color? ›

The cheapest color to paint a car is typically one of the standard, non-metallic colors such as white, black, or certain shades of red and blue. 1 These colors tend to be less expensive for several reasons…

What is the safest color car to buy? ›

A white car could keep you safer on the road.

Studies suggest that white is one of the safest colors for cars because it tends to be the most visible at night and in most weather conditions—except snow.

Are red cars stolen more often? ›

Thieves do not consider color when they steal vehicles; they are after parts. However, they do not want to be seen, so red will be the least likely vehicle they would attempt to hotwire. Red is at the bottom of the list here for ownership, only eight percent, while white and black are in the twenties.

Are red cars cop magnets? ›

The truth is that red cars might get pulled over slightly more often than other cars, but it has nothing to do with the color. The behaviors that are likely to get you pulled over in a red car are equally likely to get you pulled over in a white car or a grey one.

Why do red cars fade faster? ›

Red cars take the full brunt of energy

As a general rule, red paint fades fastest, while white holds for the longest. The reason for this is that red paint reflects red light and absorbs blue light, which is at a shorter wavelength of the light spectrum and has the most energy to do damage.

Are red cars hard to insure? ›

Never fear, though. The myth that red cars cost more to insure is, in fact, a myth. While auto insurance companies take a number of factors into account when calculating your insurance rate, the color of the car isn't one of them.

What does owning a red car mean? ›

Red is often used on performance-oriented cars that show off high speeds with a powerful engine. People driving red cars are typically 'confident. ' They are enthusiastic about self-expression, enjoy a thrilling life, and are cheerful and energetic, mostly known to be the life of the party.

Is red a hard car color to maintain? ›

The Most Difficult Colors

To keep your car looking nice, you'd need to have it cleaned at least once a week to prevent dirt and dust from building up. Red is another difficult color specifically because it is so difficult to keep from fading in the sun.

What is red car theory? ›

The Red Car Theory suggests that opportunities, like red cars, are everywhere — yet we often fail to notice them. By developing a mindset of curiosity and openness, and actively seeking out opportunities, we can unlock potential for growth, success, and fulfillment in different areas of our lives.

Are red cars more likely to be stolen? ›

Red cars are no more likely to be stolen or pulled over by the police than any other vehicle. Painting your car red won't make it more expensive to insure unless you need additional coverage for a custom paint job.

What color cars are cheaper? ›

“Consumers looking for a deal on a car should consider looking at beige and gold cars, but deals can still be found on popular colors such as black, white, silver, and gray,” said Ly. “It's important to do some research before making any purchase to find out whether the car you're considering really is priced well.”

Do red cars drive faster? ›

Speed Myths Debunked

The belief that red cars are faster is a persistent automotive myth rooted in psychological associations rather than factual evidence. While red cars may appear more dynamic and exciting, their color does not directly influence their speed or performance.

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