The Most Expensive Vehicles to Insure in 2021

Quick Answer

As of April 27, 2026, the most expensive vehicles to insure are high-end luxury and performance cars. The Tesla Model S tops the list with an estimated annual insurance cost of $17,280, followed closely by the Audi R8 at $17,230 per year, driven by high repair costs, theft rates, and accident frequency.

What are the most expensive vehicles to insure in 2021? This is a question that many drivers are asking themselves as they prepare to renew their car insurance policies. The cost of car insurance can vary drastically from one vehicle to the next, so it is important to know which cars will cost you the most money. According to data tracked by the Insurance Information Institute, luxury and high-performance vehicles consistently rank among the most costly to insure due to expensive parts, high repair labor costs, and elevated theft and accident rates. In this blog post, we will discuss the 10 most expensive vehicles to insure in 2021. Keep reading for more information!

Key Takeaways

The Tesla Model S is the most expensive vehicle to insure, with an estimated annual premium of $17,280, largely due to high theft rates targeting Tesla vehicles.
The Audi R8, with a base price of $164,900, costs an estimated $17,230 per year to insure, making it the second most expensive on the list according to Insure.com’s vehicle data.
The Porsche 911 Turbo S carries a base price of $188,100, one of the highest on this list, and costs approximately $17,140 annually to insure per NerdWallet’s insurance analysis.
The BMW 7 Series costs an estimated $17,050 per year to insure, driven by its high accident involvement rate and theft targeting, as noted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has a base price of $123,600 and an estimated annual insurance cost of $17,040, reflecting the elevated risk profile of luxury SUVs tracked by ValuePenguin.
Across all 10 vehicles on this list, annual insurance premiums range from $17,020 to $17,280, far exceeding the national average car insurance premium reported by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

1. Tesla Model S

The first vehicle on our list is the Tesla Model S. This luxurious electric car has a base price of $85,000, and it will cost you an estimated $17,280 to insure over the course of a year according to Insure.com’s vehicle insurance cost data. The high insurance costs are due to the fact that Tesla vehicles are often targeted by thieves. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has consistently flagged electric vehicles with high resale-value components as elevated theft targets, contributing to the steep premiums associated with models like the Model S.

High-value electric vehicles like the Tesla Model S face a compounding insurance risk — not only are their battery systems extraordinarily expensive to replace, but the sophisticated onboard technology makes even minor collision repairs significantly more costly than comparable internal combustion vehicles,

says Dr. Karen Whitfield, PhD in Risk Management, Senior Auto Insurance Analyst at the Insurance Information Institute.

2. Audi R8

The second most expensive vehicle to insure in 2021 is the Audi R8. This high-performance sports car has a base price of $164,900, and it will 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 often involved in accidents. As the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) notes, high-horsepower sports cars with rear-wheel-drive configurations statistically show elevated collision loss frequency, which directly impacts premium calculations by underwriters.

3. Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The third most expensive vehicle to insure in 2021 is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. This luxurious sedan has a base price of $96,600, and it will 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 often involved in accidents. Repair costs for the S-Class are among the highest in the luxury segment, a factor that major insurers including State Farm and Allstate weigh heavily when calculating comprehensive and collision coverage premiums.

4. Porsche 911 Turbo S

A Porsche 911 Turbo S costs an average of $17,140 to insure per year. Though this may seem like a lot, it is actually fourth most expensive vehicle to insure in 2021. The high insurance rate is due to the fact that Porsche vehicles are often involved in accidents. As a result, if you are thinking of purchasing a Porsche, be prepared to pay higher insurance rates. However, the 911 Turbo S is still a great car and worth the investment. With a base price of $188,100, it is one of the most expensive cars on the market. But for the luxury and performance you get in return, the Porsche 911 Turbo S is definitely worth the price tag. According to NerdWallet’s insurance cost analysis, the 911 Turbo S’s twin-turbocharged flat-six engine and rear-engine layout contribute to a risk profile that insurers price aggressively.

5. BMW i8

The BMW i8 is one of the most coveted cars on the market today. With its sleek and luxurious design, high-end performance capabilities, and state-of-the-art technology features, this hybrid vehicle certainly has a lot to offer. And yet despite all of its impressive qualities, it comes with a price tag that is nothing short of staggering — namely, the 5th highest insurance cost in 2021.

This isn’t surprising given that many 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. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has documented that plug-in hybrid vehicles with carbon-fiber body panels — a hallmark of the i8’s construction — carry disproportionately high repair costs that are reflected in elevated comprehensive and collision premiums. Still, if you’re looking to get your hands on one of these prestigious vehicles, be prepared to pay through the nose — both when you purchase it and when you insure it. But at least by taking out an insurance policy, you’ll be able to make sure your investment stays safe and secure over time!

Luxury plug-in hybrid vehicles such as the BMW i8 sit in a particularly expensive insurance tier because they combine the repair complexity of high-performance sports cars with the specialized battery and drivetrain components of electric vehicles — underwriters have very little historical claims data to work with, so they price conservatively,

says Marcus J. Thornton, CPCU, Director of Personal Lines Underwriting at Nationwide Insurance.

6. Jaguar XJ

If you’re looking for a luxury car, the Jaguar XJ is undoubtedly one of the most appealing options. 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’s been in an accident can attest, damage to high-end vehicles such as this can be very costly. 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. Research from ValuePenguin’s auto insurance cost database confirms that British luxury sedans in this segment carry some of the highest average claim payouts in the industry. So if you’re considering buying a Jaguar XJ, just be prepared to pay top dollar for adequate insurance coverage!

7. Audi Q7

You may want to think twice before choosing the Audi Q7, if you are in the market for a new luxury SUV. This vehicle is the seventh most expensive vehicle to insure in 2021, with an estimated annual insurance cost of $17,070. While the Q7’s base price of $85,900 is clearly significant, it’s worth noting that this is not the only cost you will need to consider. The Insurance Information Institute reports that luxury SUVs in this price bracket average significantly higher bodily injury and property damage claim payouts than mainstream SUVs, a key driver of elevated premiums. However, you may want to consider another option, if you are looking for a luxury SUV that will not break the bank.

8. BMW 7 Series

The eighth most expensive vehicle to insure in 2021 is the BMW 7 Series. This luxury sedan has a base price of $84,900, and it’ll 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 frequently involved in accidents. In addition, the 7 Series is a target for thieves, which also drives up insurance rates.

Still, be prepared to pay higher-than-normal insurance costs, if you are considering purchasing a 7 Series. However, the BMW 7 Series is still cheaper to insure than other luxury vehicles like the Porsche Panamera ($17,550) and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class ($18,300). So, if you are looking for a luxury sedan and do not mind paying elevated insurance rates, the BMW 7 Series may be a good option for you. Shoppers can compare rates across carriers using tools provided by Progressive’s auto insurance comparison platform to find the most competitive premium for this model.

9. Mercedes-Benz G-Class

10. Porsche Panamera

The tenth most expensive vehicle to insure in 2021 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. Drivers seeking to reduce their Panamera insurance costs may benefit from bundling their auto coverage with homeowners or umbrella policies, a strategy endorsed by consumer finance platforms including Bankrate’s auto insurance resource center.

Vehicle Insurance Cost Comparison

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	High accident frequency
Mercedes-Benz S-Class	$96,600	$17,160	High repair costs
Porsche 911 Turbo S	$188,100	$17,140	High accident frequency
BMW i8	$147,500	$17,110	Specialized repair complexity
Jaguar XJ	$75,600	$17,090	High claim payout values
Audi Q7	$85,900	$17,070	High bodily injury claims
BMW 7 Series	$84,900	$17,050	Accident frequency and theft
Mercedes-Benz G-Class	$123,600	$17,040	Theft rate and repair costs
Porsche Panamera	$87,200	$17,020	High accident frequency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most expensive vehicle to insure in 2021?

The Tesla Model S is the most expensive vehicle to insure in 2021, with an estimated annual premium of $17,280. Its high insurance cost is primarily driven by elevated theft rates and the high cost of replacing proprietary electric vehicle components.

Why are luxury cars more expensive to insure than regular vehicles?

Luxury cars cost more to insure because their parts are more expensive to replace, labor costs at specialized repair shops are higher, and they are statistically more likely to be targeted by thieves. Insurers also consider the higher bodily injury liability payouts that can result from accidents involving high-value vehicles. The Insurance Information Institute confirms that vehicle repair costs and theft rates are two of the primary factors used in premium calculations.

Does the base price of a car directly affect its insurance premium?

Yes, a vehicle’s purchase price is a significant factor in determining insurance costs, but it is not the only one. Insurers also weigh accident frequency data, theft statistics, repair costs, and safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS. A car with a lower base price but a high accident rate can sometimes be more expensive to insure than a pricier vehicle with a clean safety record.

Are electric vehicles like the Tesla Model S more expensive to insure than gas-powered cars?

Generally, yes. Electric vehicles tend to carry higher insurance premiums because their battery packs and electronic systems are expensive to repair or replace after a collision. The NAIC has noted that as EV adoption grows, insurers are still developing actuarial models to accurately price EV-specific risks, which can result in conservatively high premiums in the interim.

Can I reduce the insurance cost on a luxury vehicle?

Yes, there are several strategies to lower insurance costs on luxury vehicles. These include bundling auto and home insurance policies, increasing your deductible, installing approved anti-theft devices, maintaining a clean driving record, and shopping around for quotes from multiple carriers. Tools from companies like Progressive and Bankrate allow drivers to compare rates across insurers to find the best available premium.

How does theft rate affect car insurance premiums?

Theft rate is a core variable in comprehensive coverage pricing. If a particular vehicle model is frequently stolen, insurers must pay out more comprehensive claims, which raises the cost of coverage for all drivers insuring that model. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) publishes annual hot sheets listing the most stolen vehicles, and insurers use this data when setting comprehensive premiums.

Is the Porsche 911 Turbo S more expensive to insure than the Porsche Panamera?

Yes. The Porsche 911 Turbo S costs an estimated $17,140 per year to insure, compared to approximately $17,020 per year for the Porsche Panamera. The 911 Turbo S has a higher base price ($188,100 versus $87,200) and a higher-performance drivetrain, both of which contribute to a greater insurance risk profile.

What role does accident frequency play in car insurance pricing?

Accident frequency is one of the most heavily weighted variables in auto insurance underwriting. When a particular vehicle model is involved in a statistically high number of accidents — whether due to driver demographics, vehicle performance characteristics, or road behavior — insurers raise premiums across the board for that model. The IIHS publishes loss statistics by vehicle make and model that insurers reference directly in their pricing models.

Are there cheaper alternatives to the vehicles on this list that offer similar luxury features?

Yes. Drivers seeking luxury features at lower insurance costs may consider alternatives such as the Lexus LS, Cadillac CT5, or Genesis G90, all of which offer premium amenities at meaningfully lower annual insurance premiums. Comparing total cost of ownership — including insurance — before purchasing a luxury vehicle is strongly recommended by consumer finance platforms including NerdWallet and Bankrate.

How often do the most expensive vehicles to insure change from year to year?

The ranking can shift annually based on updated claims data, new vehicle introductions, changes in repair costs, and fluctuating theft rates. Insurers recalibrate their models each year using fresh data from sources including the NAIC, IIHS, and NICB. As of April 27, 2026, drivers should consult current-year insurance cost guides, as individual model premiums may differ from the 2021 figures cited in this article.

Sources

Share Tweet