Survey Says: Myths About the Cost of Auto Insurance Persist

Insurance Journal reported on a [Progressive Insurance survey] detailing some myths that persist about insurance ( and so that they could make get their name out in front of the public for ‘free’). The one I hear the most frequently is:

Myth: Car insurance companies consider vehicle color when determining rates.
Survey Says: Twenty-five (25) percent of drivers surveyed mistakenly believe that the color of their car affects their auto insurance rate.
Fact: Color is not used to calculate auto insurance rates. Information that is used includes the vehicle’s year, make, model, body type and engine size, as well as information about the driver.

What is missing here is that statistically I will bet you red cars do cost more to insure than white cars - especially white or green vehicles with wood panelling! How often to you see a mom driving her kids in a bright red astro van? How often do you see a little sports car with wood panelling? So there is some ‘truth’ behind the misconception - just that the facts are misinterpreted.