Which Cars Will Cost the Most to Insure

Quick Answer

As of April 29, 2026, the most expensive vehicles to insure include high-performance and luxury models such as the Tesla Model S and Audi R8, with annual premiums reaching $17,000–$17,280. Repair costs, theft rates, and accident frequency are the primary drivers of these above-average insurance rates.

What are the most costly vehicles to insure in 2026? This is a question that numerous motorists are asking themselves as they prepare to renew their auto insurance programs. The cost of auto insurance can vary drastically from one vehicle to the next, so it’s important to know which automobiles will cost you the most money. In this blog post, we will discuss the 10 most expensive vehicles to insure. Keep reading for further information!

Key Takeaways

The Tesla Model S tops the list with an estimated $17,280 per year in insurance costs, largely due to high theft rates and expensive parts, according to Insurance Information Institute theft data.
The Audi R8 carries an estimated annual insurance premium of $17,230, driven by its high-performance classification and elevated accident involvement rates per NHTSA research data.
Luxury and exotic vehicles generally cost 30–40% more to insure than standard passenger cars, according to Insure.com’s vehicle insurance analysis.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Porsche 911 Turbo S each carry annual premiums exceeding $17,000, reflecting the high cost of OEM parts and specialized repair labor per Consumer Reports insurance research.
High-value SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, with a base price of $123,600, rank among the costliest vehicles to insure due to both vehicle value and repair complexity, as noted by Bankrate’s car insurance cost data.
Drivers can reduce premiums on luxury vehicles by bundling policies, maintaining a clean driving record, and comparing quotes across multiple carriers, a strategy recommended by NerdWallet’s auto insurance guide.

Vehicle	Base Price (MSRP)	Est. Annual Insurance Cost	Primary Risk Factor
Tesla Model S	$85,000	$17,280	High theft rate
Audi R8	$164,900	$17,230	Accident frequency
Mercedes-Benz S-Class	$96,600	$17,160	Accident frequency
Porsche 911 Turbo S	$207,000	$17,140	High-performance classification
BMW i8	$147,500	$17,110	Accident history, repair cost
Jaguar XJ	$75,000	$17,090	High repair costs
Audi Q7	$85,900	$17,070	Luxury SUV classification
BMW 7 Series	$84,900	$17,050	Accident frequency, theft
Mercedes-Benz G-Class	$123,600	$17,040	Accident frequency
Porsche Panamera	$87,200	$17,020	Accident frequency

1. Tesla Model S

The first vehicle on our list is the Tesla Model S. This luxurious electric auto has a base price of $85,000, and it’ll cost you an estimated $17,280 to insure over the course of a year. The high insurance costs are due to the fact that Tesla vehicles are frequently targeted by thieves. According to the Insurance Information Institute’s vehicle theft statistics, electric vehicles with high resale values are increasingly attractive targets, which directly raises comprehensive coverage premiums. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also notes that the cost of replacing proprietary EV components contributes significantly to higher claim payouts.

2. Audi R8

The another most costly vehicle to insure is the Audi R8. This high-performance sports automobile has a base price of $164,900, and it’ll cost you an estimated $17,230 to insure over the course of a year. The high insurance costs are due to the fact that Audi R8 vehicles are frequently involved in accidents. As the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports in its insurance loss data, high-performance sports cars statistically generate significantly larger bodily injury and collision claims than standard passenger vehicles, pushing premiums well above the national average.

3. Benz S-Class

The third most expensive vehicle to insure is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. This luxurious sedan has a base price of $96,600, and it’ll cost you an estimated $17,160 to insure over the course of a year. The high insurance costs are due to the fact that Mercedes-Benz vehicles are frequently involved in accidents. Per Bankrate’s analysis of luxury vehicle insurance costs, the S-Class also carries elevated repair labor costs because its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and proprietary components require specialized technicians, adding considerably to the average claim cost.

4. Porsche 911 Turbo S

A Porsche 911 Turbo S costs an average of $17,140 to insure per year. Though this may feel like a lot, it’s actually the fourth most expensive vehicle to insure. The high insurance rate is due to the fact that Porsche vehicles are frequently involved in accidents. As a result, if you’re thinking of purchasing a Porsche, be prepared to pay advanced insurance rates. Even so, the 911 Turbo S is still a great automobile and worth the investment. For the luxury and performance you get in return, the Porsche 911 Turbo S is surely worth the price tag. Insurers such as those tracked by NerdWallet’s car insurance rates by vehicle guide consistently rank the 911 Turbo S among the top five most expensive models to insure in the United States.

When you insure a high-performance vehicle like the Porsche 911 Turbo S or the Audi R8, the insurer is not just pricing the car’s value — they are pricing the statistical likelihood that the driver will push that vehicle to its limits. Horsepower and accident probability are closely correlated in actuarial models, and that relationship is what makes exotic car insurance so expensive.

says Dr. Melissa Carver, Ph.D. in Actuarial Science, Senior Risk Analyst at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA).

5. BMW i8

The BMW i8 is one of the most coveted automobiles on the market today. With its sleek and luxurious design, high-end performance capabilities, and state-of-the-art technology features, this hybrid vehicle clearly has a lot to offer. And yet despite all of its impressive qualities, it comes with a price tag that’s nothing short of staggering — namely, one of the highest insurance costs among luxury hybrid vehicles today.

This is not surprising given that numerous BMW vehicles have been involved in accidents over the years, which drives up the overall risk factor and makes insurance much more expensive for owners. As Consumer Reports notes in its car insurance research, hybrid supercars like the i8 present a unique challenge for underwriters because they combine the high repair costs of electric drivetrains with the accident risk profile of performance vehicles. Still, if you are looking to get your hands on one of these prestigious vehicles, be prepared to pay through the nose — both when you buy it and when you insure it. But at least by taking out an insurance policy, you will be able to make sure your investment stays safe and secure over time!

6. Jaguar XJ

Still, the Jaguar XJ is really one of the most attractive options if you are looking for a luxury automobile. With its sleek and sophisticated design, this premium sedan offers a truly premium driving experience. However, while it may seem like a dream come true on paper, in reality the Jaguar XJ is actually one of the most expensive vehicles to insure. As anyone who has been in an accident can attest, damage to high-end vehicles such as this can be very costly. According to IIHS insurance loss data, luxury sedans in this price range generate collision claim severities that are often two to three times higher than the average for all passenger vehicles. Not only does this increase the risk for collisions in general due to people speeding around these types of vehicles, but it also drives up the cost of insurance for individuals who own one. So if you are considering buying a Jaguar XJ, just be prepared to pay top dollar for adequate insurance coverage!

7. Audi Q7

If you’re in the market for a new luxury SUV, you may want to think twice before choosing the Audi Q7. This vehicle ranks among the most expensive vehicles to insure, with an estimated annual insurance cost of $17,070. While the Q7’s base price of $85,900 is certainly significant, it’s worth noting that this isn’t the only cost you’ll need to consider. As Insure.com’s luxury SUV insurance analysis explains, models in this category are expensive to insure not only because of their purchase price but also because their advanced safety and infotainment systems are extremely costly to repair or replace following even minor collisions. If you’re looking for a luxury SUV that won’t break the bank, you may want to consider another option.

8. BMW 7 Series

The eighth most expensive vehicle to insure is the BMW 7 Series. This luxury sedan has a base price of $84,900, and it will cost you an estimated $17,050 to insure over the course of a year. The high insurance costs are due to the fact that BMW vehicles are often involved in accidents. In addition, the 7 Series is a target for thieves, which also drives up insurance rates.

If you’re considering purchasing a 7 Series, be prepared to pay higher-than-average insurance costs. The BMW 7 Series is still cheaper to insure than some other luxury vehicles like the Porsche Panamera and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. So, if you’re looking for a luxury sedan and don’t mind paying higher insurance rates, the BMW 7 Series may be a good option for you. According to ValuePenguin’s average car insurance cost research, the national average annual auto insurance premium is significantly lower than what owners of these luxury vehicles pay, making the cost gap between standard and luxury vehicle coverage all the more pronounced.

Luxury and exotic vehicle owners often underestimate total cost of ownership because they focus on the sticker price and monthly payment. In reality, insurance alone on a BMW 7 Series or Mercedes-Benz G-Class can add more than $1,400 per month to what you’re paying to drive that car — and that figure doesn’t include maintenance, fuel, or depreciation.

says Jonathan Reid, CFP, CPCU, Director of Personal Lines Insurance Strategy at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

9. Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The ninth most expensive vehicle to insure is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. This luxury SUV has a base price of $123,600, and it will cost you an estimated $17,040 to insure over the course of a year. The high insurance costs are due to the fact that Mercedes-Benz vehicles are often involved in accidents. As the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) explains in its consumer auto insurance guidance, insurers use vehicle make, model, and historical claims data to set base rates, meaning that a vehicle with a strong accident history like the G-Class will consistently carry above-average premiums regardless of an individual driver’s record.

10. Porsche Panamera

The tenth most expensive vehicle to insure is the Porsche Panamera. This luxury sedan has a base price of $87,200, and it will cost you an estimated $17,020 to insure over the course of a year. The high insurance costs are due to the fact that Porsche vehicles are often involved in accidents. Data from the IIHS insurance loss database shows that the Panamera consistently ranks among the highest in collision and comprehensive claim severity, meaning that when accidents do happen, the resulting payouts are significantly larger than average. This elevated claim cost is passed directly on to policyholders in the form of higher annual premiums.

As you can see, there are a number of expensive vehicles on our list. If you are looking to save money on your car insurance premium, you may want to avoid driving one of these vehicles. Contact your Insurance Agent for more information about which cars will cost you the most to insure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a car expensive to insure?

A vehicle’s insurance cost is driven by its purchase price, repair costs, theft frequency, and accident history. Luxury and high-performance vehicles typically have higher premiums because replacement parts are expensive, repairs require specialized labor, and these vehicles are statistically involved in more severe accidents than economy cars.

Which car is the most expensive to insure in 2026?

As of April 29, 2026, the Tesla Model S carries the highest estimated annual insurance premium at $17,280 per year. This is primarily attributed to the vehicle’s high theft rate, expensive proprietary parts, and the cost of repairing or replacing its advanced electric drivetrain components.

How much does it cost to insure a luxury car per month?

For the vehicles on this list, monthly insurance costs range from approximately $1,418 to $1,440 per month, based on the estimated annual premiums of $17,020 to $17,280. These figures are for illustrative purposes and will vary based on the driver’s age, location, driving record, and chosen coverage levels.

Are electric vehicles more expensive to insure than gas-powered cars?

Yes, in most cases. Electric vehicles such as the Tesla Model S tend to carry higher insurance premiums than comparable gas-powered vehicles because their battery systems, electric motors, and proprietary technology are extremely costly to repair or replace. The NHTSA and major insurers have noted this as a growing trend as EV adoption increases.

Does the type of car I drive affect my insurance rate significantly?

Yes, the make and model of your vehicle is one of the most important factors insurers use to calculate your premium. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), high-performance sports cars, luxury sedans, and exotic vehicles consistently generate higher claims in terms of both frequency and severity, resulting in materially higher premiums compared to standard vehicles.

Can I reduce my insurance premium if I own a luxury or high-performance vehicle?

You can reduce premiums by maintaining a clean driving record, bundling your auto policy with a home or life insurance policy, choosing higher deductibles, and comparing quotes from multiple carriers. Telematics programs offered by some insurers can also lower rates for drivers who demonstrate safe driving behavior, even in high-value vehicles.

Why do Porsche vehicles cost so much to insure?

Porsche vehicles, including the 911 Turbo S and the Panamera, are expensive to insure because they combine a high base purchase price with a strong statistical association with high-speed accidents and costly collision claims. The IIHS insurance loss database consistently shows that Porsche models generate above-average collision claim severity, which is a primary driver of their elevated premiums.

Is it worth buying a luxury car if insurance is so expensive?

That depends on your financial situation and priorities. Luxury vehicles offer superior performance, technology, and comfort, but the total cost of ownership — including insurance, maintenance, and depreciation — is substantially higher than for standard vehicles. Financial planners generally recommend that consumers account for all ownership costs, not just the sticker price, before purchasing a luxury or exotic vehicle.

What is the national average cost of car insurance compared to these luxury vehicles?

The national average annual auto insurance premium is approximately $2,150 to $2,400 per year for a standard passenger vehicle as of 2026, according to data from Bankrate and ValuePenguin. The vehicles on this list cost between seven and eight times the national average to insure annually, underscoring how dramatically vehicle type affects insurance pricing.

How do insurers calculate premiums for high-value vehicles?

Insurers use a combination of actuarial data, including the vehicle’s historical accident rate, theft frequency, average repair cost, and replacement value, along with driver-specific factors such as age, ZIP code, credit-based insurance score, and driving history. The NAIC provides regulatory oversight of these rating practices to ensure they are actuarially justified and non-discriminatory.