Insurance companies consider several factors when setting a premium and vehicle type is one of those. In the world of two-door vs. four-door insurance, a coupe (two-door) is often more expensive to insure than a sedan (four-door) because although not all coupes are sports cars, many sports cars are coupes.
Sports cars are always more expensive to insure than sedans. Insurers not only ding sports cars due to their large engines and the fact that they are designed for speed, but also for those who tend to own them.
Sedans, commonly targeted to families, are involved in fewer accidents (parents with kids in the car tend to drive more carefully), while a sports car that is popular with fast-driving costs more to insure due to accidents and the cost to repair or replace a pricey vehicle.
Read on to find out more about insuring a two-door vs. four-door car.
- On average, you’ll pay $3,218 a year or $232 per month to insure a two-door coupe.
- The car insurance rate for a four-door sedan is $2,784 annually—$479 more than the national average of $2,305.
- The four-door Maserati Quattroporte is the most expensive sedan to insure, with an average cost of $6,166 —$3,861 more than the national average.
Two-door vs. four-door: Are coupes more expensive than sedans?
Yes, coupes are more expensive to insure than sedans; the difference is usually at least a few hundred dollars. However, the difference can quickly skyrocket if you want to insure a high-end sport or luxury vehicle.
There are several reasons that two-door car insurance is more expensive than insuring a sedan. We mentioned that most sports cars are coupes. Everything from the engine size, price tag and target audience will impact the insurance cost and coupes tend to fall into the risky category more often than sedans.
Let’s look at the numbers and see how much more you will pay to insure your coupe than a sedan.
How much is car insurance for a four-door car?
When we ran the numbers, we found that insuring a four-door sedan is, on average, cheaper than insuring a two-door coupe. The average premium for a four-door sedan is $2,784 or $434 less expensive than two-door coupe insurance. However, not every sedan comes with a low insurance bill.
Plenty of luxury sedans out there cost a small fortune to insure. The Maserati Quattroporte is a prime example. Its average premium is $6,166, a whopping $3,861 more than the national average and $4,292 more than the Subaru Impreza, the cheapest sedan to insure with an annual premium of $1,874.
This reinforces what we just discussed – luxury or sports cars are always more expensive to insure than a more basic car.
How much more is insurance for two-door cars?
According to our data, the average premium for a two-door coupe is $3,218, which is $434 or 16% more expensive than a sedan. The most expensive coupe to insure is the Audi R8 Performance, with an average insurance cost of $5,981 a year.
However, the cheapest coupe to insure, the Chevrolet Camaro, comes in a mere $346 more than the most affordable sedan (Subaru Impreza). That drives home the point that your insurance bill revolves around various vehicle factors, not just the number of doors on your car.
Car insurance rates for two-door and four-door cars by insurer
Car insurance rates for two-door and four-door cars can vary depending on the insurer. Typically, two-door cars, being sportier and often faster, tend to have higher premiums due to their higher risk of accidents.
On the other hand, four-door cars, which are generally viewed as safer and more family-friendly, might attract lower rates. However, the exact cost can also depend on the car’s make, model, age and the driver’s DMV record.
Benefits of insuring two-door vs. four-door car: Coupe vs. sedan
Choosing between a two-door coupe and a four-door sedan isn’t just about style it also affects your car insurance rates. Understanding the benefits of insuring each type can help you make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Benefits of insuring a two-door car
A two-door coupe typically offers a sportier feel than a sedan. Recently, many coupes have been designed with more space in the backseat, making them appealing to a broader audience.
Additionally, driving a coupe doesn’t always mean you’ll face higher insurance costs—opting for an older model may lead to more affordable premiums.
Benefits of insuring a four-door car
Four-door sedans are known for their comfort, making them home to some of the most luxurious vehicles on the market. With their extended wheelbase, sedans offer ample space for both front and rear passengers, typically accommodating up to five people. They also provide more trunk space than coupes, especially in models featuring a hatchback-style trunk.
Many modern sedans are equipped with features such as anti-lock brakes, airbags, stability control and advanced driver-assistance systems. These features enhance safety and can lead to discounts on insurance premiums.
Sedans are known for their reliability which means fewer unexpected breakdowns and repairs. It can contribute to lower insurance claims and, subsequently, lower premiums.
Should I buy a two-door coupe or a four-door sedan?
There is no definitive answer to this question; it comes down to your personal taste, budget and which car you decide is right for you. However, we can discuss a few differences between a coupe and a sedan to help you decide.
Coupes
A coupe is a good choice for aesthetics and speed. They tend to have a sleeker, clean design that screams sporty. Removing the second row of doors allows for a more sloping roofline. But sports cars are always more expensive to insure.
Coupes are usually easier to get in and out of (at least for the front-seat passengers) because they have large front-row doors. Also, there is usually much more front-row space in a coupe because the vehicle design is focused on the front-row occupants, with less attention given to the second row.
Finally, coupes are often the pricier choice, but they hold their value better than a sedan. In addition, you now know that the answer to the question, “Do coupes cost more to insure?” is a big yes, so you will need to factor that into your decision-making process.
A coupe is probably better suited to someone who doesn’t need to access the backseat often, enjoys driving and doesn’t require a lot of cargo space in their vehicle.
Sedans
The significant advantage of sedans is the ability to carry cargo and passengers. A sedan is the way to go if you need frequent (and easy) access to the backseat area. The cramped backseat of a coupe can make installing a child seat difficult and challenging to get a child in and out of the car. A sedan’s larger backseat combined with the extra door makes it much easier to access the back row.
Sedans have a longer wheelbase that offers more trunk space and their larger size often makes them safer. In a crash, the person in the bigger vehicle often emerges from the accident in better shape. Family sedans are often loaded with safety features as well.
The final reason to consider a sedan may be that in the battle of two-door car insurance vs. four-door, the sedan is almost always the cheaper choice.
Explore the most affordable sedans to insure
What factors affect car insurance rates for two-door vs. four-door cars?
Car insurance for a coupe is usually more expensive than for a sedan because insurers often view coupes as higher-risk cars. But this isn’t always the case. There are many factors that affect how much you’ll pay for car insurance.
- Target audience: Vehicles such as sedans, minivans and other vehicles targeted toward families are always less expensive to insure than high-performance and luxury vehicles targeted toward risk-takers. Statistics show that sports cars are involved in more accidents at higher speeds, leading to higher premiums.
- Repair costs: Sport and luxury vehicles are often loaded with technology and luxury materials. It is always cheaper to repair a plastic dash than one made of teak wood. High-end technology also pushes up the cost of repairs and that cost is considered when setting a premium.
- Sticker price: If the car is destroyed, your insurer will have to pay for a new one, so the vehicle’s sticker price is always a factor. Sports and luxury vehicles (think coupes) cost more than a family sedan.
- Claim rates: Insurance companies consider claim data when determining premiums and unfortunately, statistics show that car thieves are more interested in sports and luxury cars than family sedans. Even if you have never experienced a car theft, if car thieves like your vehicle model, you will pay more for car insurance.
These are just a few factors that insurers consider when looking at sedan vs. coupe insurance rates.
How to choose the right insurance for your vehicle
Choosing the right vehicle insurance is important to ensure you’re covered and paying a fair price.
- Consider your car’s age and condition: Comprehensive and collision coverage may be worth it to protect your investment in new or expensive vehicles. However, purchasing comprehensive/collision coverage for older cars might not make sense because the car’s value may not justify the insurance cost.
- Set a budget: Decide how much you can afford to pay for your monthly insurance. Higher deductibles can lower your premiums, but you’ll pay more if you need to make a claim. Get quotes from different insurance companies to find the best deal.
- Look for discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for safe driving, bundling policies (like home and auto) or installing safety features in your car (like anti-theft devices). Make sure to ask about any discounts when you’re comparing quotes.
- Understand your policy: Read the fine print. Know what’s covered and what isn’t. Ensure you understand how to file a claim and what’s excluded from coverage.
- Consider the claims process: Find out how easy it is to file a claim with the insurer. Look for a company that handles claims quickly and fairly.
How can you save on your car insurance premiums?
You can save money on car insurance by comparing quotes from different companies and taking advantage of discounts. Shopping around helps you find the best rates for the coverage you need.
Many insurers offer discounts for good driving, having a clean driving record and completing a defensive driving course. Staying accident-free and keeping your vehicle in good shape can also help lower your premiums.
Another way to reduce your premium is by adjusting your coverage. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your monthly payment, though you’ll pay more out-of-pocket if you file a claim. You can also save by bundling your car insurance with other policies, such as home or renters insurance.
Some insurers offer discounts for low-mileage drivers or if you pay your premium annually instead of monthly. These steps can help you save while still having the coverage you need.
The verdict on two-door vs. four-door insurance
According to CarInsurance.com’s data study, you will pay 16% more to insure a coupe than a sedan. However, that price difference is not always a budget buster.
Ultimately, it comes down to your preference and lifestyle factors when deciding between a coupe and a sedan. If your ideal vehicle is sleek, fast and has limited back seat and trunk space while being more expensive to insure, a coupe is your best bet.
A sedan might be great if you value extra backseat and cargo space, safety features and affordable car insurance.
Resources & Methodology
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get car insurance rates for two-door and four-door cars. The averages are based on full coverage for a single 40-year-old male with a clean record and good credit score who commutes 12 miles to work each day, with policy limits of 100/300/50 ($100,000 for injury liability for one person, $300,000 for all injuries and $50,000 for property damage in an accident) and a $500 deductible on collision and comprehensive coverage.
To evaluate premiums, we compared 28,561,720 insurance quotes from 58 national and regional insurance companies across 510 ZIP codes.