Buying a car is exciting. Paying for insurance? Not so much.
Most car buyers focus on the sticker price, monthly payment, fuel economy, and features. But there’s one cost that can quietly drain your wallet year after year: auto insurance.
In some cases, insurance can add thousands of dollars annually to the true cost of owning a vehicle. And if you’re shopping for a luxury sedan, performance car, high-end EV, or exotic SUV, your insurance bill could be shockingly high.
So which vehicles are currently the most expensive to insure in America?
Recent insurance analyses show that high-performance BMWs, Audi sport models, luxury electric vehicles, and exotic sports cars dominate the list of the costliest vehicles to insure. Premiums on some models can exceed $6,000 to $8,000 per year, depending on the driver and location.
Let’s look at the biggest insurance budget-busters on American roads right now.
Why Some Cars Cost So Much to Insure
Insurance companies don’t randomly assign premiums.
They evaluate risk based on several factors:
1. Repair Costs
Luxury vehicles often require specialized parts and certified technicians. A minor collision on a high-end vehicle can cost several times more to repair than a mainstream sedan.
2. Vehicle Value
The more expensive a car is to replace, the more an insurer may have to pay after a total loss.
3. Performance Capabilities
Cars with powerful engines and sports-car handling tend to be involved in more severe claims. Faster vehicles generally mean greater risk.
4. Theft Rates
Some vehicles are targeted more frequently by thieves, increasing comprehensive insurance costs.
5. Advanced Technology
Modern luxury cars are loaded with sensors, cameras, radar systems, and expensive electronics. Replacing these components after an accident can dramatically increase claim costs.
The Most Expensive Cars to Insure in America
1. BMW M5
The BMW M5 currently sits near the top of multiple insurance rankings.
Average insurance premiums can exceed $7,800 annually, making it one of the most expensive vehicles to insure in America. Its combination of luxury, high performance, expensive parts, and six-figure price tag creates a perfect storm for insurers.
Why it’s expensive:
- 700+ horsepower performance
- Luxury replacement parts
- High repair costs
- Elevated accident severity risk
2. Audi S8
The Audi S8 is a luxury performance sedan that blends executive comfort with sports-car performance.
Insurance providers often classify it as a high-risk vehicle due to its power, technology, and repair costs. Average premiums can exceed $7,000 annually.
Why it’s expensive:
- Advanced electronics
- Expensive body components
- High vehicle value
- Costly repairs after collisions
3. Audi RS7
The RS7 has become one of the most desirable performance luxury cars in America.
Unfortunately, insurers aren’t fans.
Its powerful engine, premium components, and expensive repair bills place it among the nation’s costliest vehicles to insure.
4. BMW M8 Gran Coupe
The BMW M8 Gran Coupe combines supercar-level performance with luxury sedan practicality.
Insurance industry data consistently places it among the highest-cost vehicles to insure nationwide, with annual premiums often exceeding $6,700.
Why insurers charge more:
- High horsepower
- Expensive carbon-fiber components
- Specialized repairs
- High replacement value
5. Porsche 911 Turbo
The Porsche 911 Turbo remains one of America’s most iconic sports cars.
Its incredible performance and premium parts translate directly into higher insurance costs. Owners often face some of the highest sports-car premiums on the market.
6. Mercedes-AMG G63
The AMG G63 is a luxury SUV with a massive price tag and serious performance credentials.
While buyers love its prestige and power, insurance companies see a vehicle that is expensive to repair, expensive to replace, and expensive to settle claims on.
7. Audi e-tron GT
Electric vehicles are becoming a growing presence on expensive-to-insure lists.
The Audi e-tron GT is a prime example.
Battery systems, specialized repairs, advanced electronics, and high replacement costs contribute to premium rates that rival many exotic sports cars.
8. Porsche Taycan
The Porsche Taycan delivers incredible performance and luxury, but insurance companies often view it as a high-cost risk.
Battery replacement costs, advanced technology, and expensive parts all contribute to elevated premiums.
9. BMW i7
Luxury EVs are increasingly appearing on expensive insurance rankings.
The BMW i7 combines premium luxury features with costly electric-vehicle technology, making claims significantly more expensive than average.
10. Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Few vehicles represent automotive luxury better than the Maybach S-Class.
Unfortunately, every repair, replacement component, and claim settlement can carry a luxury-level price tag. That translates directly into some of the highest insurance costs in the country.
Why Electric Vehicles Are Climbing Insurance Rankings
One surprising trend is the growing number of EVs appearing among the most expensive vehicles to insure.
Many buyers assume electric vehicles automatically save money.
While they may reduce fuel costs, insurance can tell a different story.
Battery packs are extremely expensive. Even relatively minor damage can result in costly repairs or total-loss claims. Specialized repair facilities and limited parts availability can further increase claim costs.
This helps explain why vehicles such as the Audi e-tron GT, Porsche Taycan, BMW i7, and some Tesla models often carry higher-than-expected insurance premiums.
How to Avoid an Insurance Shock Before Buying a Car
Many drivers make the same mistake:
They shop for a vehicle first and check insurance costs later.
A smarter strategy is to get insurance quotes before signing the purchase contract.
You may discover that two vehicles with similar purchase prices have dramatically different insurance costs.
Before buying:
- Compare quotes from multiple insurers
- Check full-coverage estimates
- Review theft statistics
- Research repair costs
- Ask about model-specific discounts
- Consider increasing deductibles if appropriate
Experts consistently recommend comparing multiple insurance providers before purchasing high-performance or luxury vehicles.
The Bottom Line
The most expensive cars to insure in America today are typically luxury performance vehicles, exotic sports cars, and premium electric vehicles.
Models like the BMW M5, Audi S8, Audi RS7, BMW M8 Gran Coupe, Porsche 911 Turbo, and Mercedes-AMG G63 can cost several thousand dollars more per year to insure than mainstream vehicles.
Before purchasing your dream car, take a few minutes to get insurance quotes.
That simple step could save you thousands of dollars over the life of the vehicle—and prevent a costly surprise after you’ve already driven it home.