Check Insurance Rates on an Automobile Before You Buy
Because some cars are more expensive to replace or repair, insurance companies assign code numbers (1-21) to each model. The higher the code number the more your car costs new and the more expensive your collision and comprehensive premiums will be.
A damageability rating is assigned to each model of car based on the sticker price and how easily that model is damaged in a collision and how much it costs to repair. Damageability ratings can significantly raise or lower your comprehensive and collision premiums, so check the insurance rates before you buy.
For example, if a model is initially rated a 7, its sticker price is between $6,501 and $8,000 (see the Automobile Insurance Sticker-Price Code Numbers that follow).
The rating is then upgraded by + 1or more if the car is more expensive to repair than other cars costing the same amount, or lowered by —1 or more if the car is less expensive to repair. This means that while the car’s sticker price could be between $6,501 and $8,000, its damageability factor may make its cost of repair like that of a car that initially costs $8,001—$10,000, and your premiums will be as much as 20% higher.
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE STICKER-PRICE CODE NUMBERS
These code numbers categorize your car by sticker price. The higher the code number the more expensive your comprehensive and collision premiums.
Code Number - $ Sticker Price
1 0— 1,600
2 1,601— 2,100
3 2,101— 2,750
4 2,751— 3,700
5 3,701— 5,000
6 5,001— 6,500
7 6,501— 8,000
8 8,001-10,000
10 10,001-12,500
11 12,501-15,000
12 15,001-17,000
13 17,001-20,000
14 20,001-24,000
15 24,001-28,000
16 28,001-33,000
17 33,001-39,000
18 39,001-46,000
19 46,001-55,000
20 55,001-65,000
21 Above 65,000
Note: There is no code 9 in the rating system.
