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How Do Insurance Companies Define Sports Cars?

    2 minute read

    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. This is 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. Some common factors that many Car Insurance companies will use to determine if your car is a sports car or not include:

    Two doors

    For most people, this doesn’t seem to be a defining factor of a sports car. But for some Car Insurance companies it is. Two door cars are generally smaller than a four door car, which can cause them to be determined 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

    Usually, if a 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 will be considered sports cars as well.

    Height & Weight

    Sports cars are generally lower to the ground and weigh less than their non-sporty counterparts. This puts them at more risk for damage in case of an accident or going over a bumpy road or surface.

    Other Factors

    Another factor that increases the insurance premium on a sports car can be that they are often more targeted by thieves. The fact that sometimes sports car drivers will be more reckless when driving them is also a factor insurers consider. Vehicles made of non-standard materials like fiberglass are more easily damaged and also more costly to repair. All of these conditions are usually specific to sports cars and factored into your insurance premium.

    Insuring Sports Cars

    As you can see, there are many ways to define a sports car and many factors that are considered to determine your rate. For more information about Sports Car Insurance and your specific situation, contact an AIS Insurance Specialist at (855) 919-4247. If you have a car with custom parts or features, see if your insurance covers them here.


    The information in this article was obtained from various sources. This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. Nor is it intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms and coverage 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.