If you’ve shopped for auto insurance in Minnesota, you’ve probably heard the rumor: “Red cars cost more to insure.” It’s one of the most common insurance myths. Many drivers believe that choosing a bright red vehicle automatically leads to higher premiums.

But is it true?

At Quast Insurance Agency, we love helping Minnesota drivers separate insurance facts from fiction. The truth is, your vehicle’s color has very little to do with your insurance rates. Insurance companies focus more on factors like the type of vehicle, your driving history, where you live, and how often you drive.

So where did the “red car” myth even come from?

Why People Think Red Cars Cost More

The myth likely started because red vehicles are often associated with sports cars and fast driving. Bright red muscle cars, convertibles, and high-performance vehicles grab attention, including from law enforcement. Over time, people assumed the color caused higher insurance costs, when it was actually the vehicle type and driving behavior.

For example, a red sports car may cost more to insure than a beige minivan, but not because it’s red. It costs more because sports cars are:

• Faster and more expensive
• More likely to be involved in speeding accidents
• More costly to repair
• More attractive to thieves

A red Honda Civic and a blue Honda Civic with identical features generally cost the same to insure.

What Insurance Companies Actually Look At

Insurance companies focus on risk. When determining auto insurance rates in Minnesota, carriers consider factors such as:

Your Driving Record

Tickets, accidents, DUI convictions, and claims history can significantly impact your premium. Safe drivers usually pay less.

Your Vehicle

The make, model, year, repair costs, safety ratings, theft rates, and engine size all matter. A luxury SUV will usually cost more to insure than a basic sedan.

Your Location

Where you live in Minnesota affects your rates. Drivers in busier metro areas like Minneapolis or St. Paul may have different premiums than those in smaller towns like White Bear Lake, Hugo, Forest Lake, or Stillwater.

Your Mileage

The more you drive, the greater the chance of an accident. A daily commuter may pay more than someone who uses their car occasionally.

Your Coverage Choices

Higher liability limits, comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, and lower deductibles increase premiums.

Your Credit and Insurance History

Insurance companies also review insurance scores and prior coverage history when determining rates.

Notice what’s missing from the list?

The color of your car.

Does Car Color Matter At All?

In most cases, vehicle color does not affect insurance pricing. Insurance applications usually don’t ask for the car’s color. Your VIN tells the insurance company almost everything it needs to know about the vehicle.

Color can indirectly affect other things. Some studies suggest brightly colored cars may be more visible and less likely to be involved in certain accidents. Others claim flashy colors attract more attention from thieves. But these differences are usually too small and inconsistent to impact insurance premiums.

Other Common Auto Insurance Myths

The red car myth isn’t the only misunderstanding. Here are a few other common misconceptions we hear from Minnesota drivers:

Myth: Older Cars Don’t Need Insurance

Even older vehicles need liability insurance in Minnesota. Depending on the vehicle’s value, comprehensive or collision coverage may still make sense.

Myth: Full Coverage Covers Everything

“Full coverage” is not an official insurance term. Policies have exclusions, limits, and deductibles. It’s important to understand what your policy includes.

Myth: Minimum Coverage Is Always Enough

Minnesota state minimum limits may not protect your assets after a serious accident. Many drivers benefit from higher liability limits and umbrella insurance.

Myth: Personal Auto Policies Cover Business Use

If you use your vehicle for business purposes, deliveries, or transporting equipment, you may need commercial auto insurance coverage.

The Bottom Line

So, truth or myth?

The idea that red cars cost more to insure is mostly a myth.

Insurance compInsurance companies care more about the vehicle’s risk profile, repair costs, safety features, and the driver than about paint color. Whether your vehicle is red, black, silver, or bright yellow, the bigger factors are how you drive and what you drive. At Quast Insurance Agency, we help drivers throughout White Bear Lake and communities across Minnesota compare coverage options from multiple top-rated insurance companies. Our goal is to help you find the right protection at a competitive price while making insurance easier to understand.

If you have questions about your auto insurance, want to review your coverage, or are looking for a better value, our team is here to help. Because when it comes to insurance, knowing the truth can save you money.