In reality, what makes a sports car a sports car is a higher level of performance. Of course, this increased performance comes at a cost. The price of a performance model vehicle is always higher than its more average counterpart. Replacement or spare parts can also be more expensive. As such, sports cars typically require more expensive insurance policies. But, the category of “sports car” is subjective in some areas, and many insurance companies have different definitions for what does and does not count as a sports car. However, there are some common elements they take into account:

Number of doors – a four-door sports car is not very common. Usually, four doors indicate a vehicle designed for safety, and/or families. Two doors usually indicate a smaller vehicle (such as a coup) built with speed or maneuverability in mind. As such, a vehicle with two doors may signal your insurance company to offer you sports car-style coverage.

Engine Size – Bigger engines are indicative of speed and performance. However, this is not always the case. A truck or SUV may make use of a V8 engine to increase hauling power. More and more car models are offering V4 engines as standard for their basic trims – so driving a car with a V6 or higher may fit your insurance company’s sports car definition.

Height & Weight – To maximize their speed and performance, sports cars are generally lower to the ground and weigh less than their non-sporty counterparts. Therefore, your insurance company may take these factors into consideration.

For more information about sports car insurance, please contact your AIS representative today.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Special vehicle insurance is necessary for motorcycles, boats, classic cars, RVs, and other non-car vehicles, but too often people fail to secure this specialized insurance.

Recreational toys, like ATVs, golf carts, and motorbikes, need insurance just like the family car needs insurance. It should be  specific to each type of vehicle, so when it comes time to make a claim, you will not be surprised by what is covered and what is not.

Let’s take RVs for example. If you are involved in a crash and don’t have  a specialized RV policy, you may wind up getting less than you expected. Similarly, if your RV is broken into, chances are you will have far more items at risk, with significantly greater values, than are typically at risk in your car…items like jewelry, computers, iPads, etc. If you have only standard automobile insurance on your recreational vehicle, that policy will typically not pay to replace these types of items.

Classic cars and motorcycles should have special policies as well. Chances are, standard policies will not cover antique cars, nor will they properly cover your motorcycle, especially if it has been customized. There is an even more specialized policy that covers the after-market customizations that so many riding enthusiasts make to their motorcycles.

Auto Insurance Specialists can help you find a special vehicle insurance policy to protect any of your recreational toys, and vehicles alike, so that you can relax, even as you’re cruising down the highway.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Let’s face it; driving in a performance model car is just more fun and exciting than schlepping to work in your average four-door sedan.  In most cases sports cars are more expensive than average vehicles because they have higher performance engines and features that cost more to integrate into the vehicle when compared to an “average” car.  Not only will a sports car be more expensive off the lot, but it will also cost more when you are buying car insurance. 

Each insurance carrier will define a sports car a little bit differently, so it is important to check first.  Here are some common factors that many insurance companies will use to determine if your car is a sports car or not.

Two doors – For most people, this doesn’t seem to be a defining factor of a sports car, but for some insurance companies it is.  Two door cars are generally smaller than a four door, and because of this, they can be determined to be less safe.  Two door cars are frequently driven by younger drivers without families.  This rule is interesting because it can “hurt” those who don’t really have a two door sports car, but help those that have a four door performance model.

Engine Size – More often if the car has a large engine (V-8 or bigger) it will be considered a sports car. These cars put out more power and are much faster.  In some cases smaller engines with modifications such as turbo chargers and super chargers can be considered sports cars as well.

Height & Weight – Sports cars are generally lower to the ground and weigh less than their non-sporty counterparts.

Other Factors that drive the insurance premium up on a sports car can be that they are often more targeted by thieves and sometimes the drivers will be more reckless when driving them.  Vehicles made of non-standard materials like fiberglass are more easily damaged and also more costly to repair.

For more information about Sports Car Insurance, please contact a qualified representative at www.aisinsurance.com.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.